CHILDREN : Our Map for Finding Recorded Treasures

You can find a treasure-trove of out standing children’s recordings out there--if you know where to look. Major record retailers carry a limited selection; other sources are specialty stores and catalogues, toy stores and museum shops. Here’s a sampling of recent top-notch recordings worth seeking out:

“Lullaby, a Collection” (Music for Little People/Warner Bros. Records) is a gentle, quiet musical caress. From Susan Robbins’ hauntingly beautiful “Swedish Lullaby” and Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “Be Still My Child” to Bobby McFerrin’s serene, soaring “Common Thread,” these songs from different cultures speak to the heart.

“Lullaby Land” (A&M; Records) from mellow-voiced veteran Linda Arnold is another keeper. This tender release brings fresh life to traditional favorites and makes original works such as John Denver’s “For Baby” and Arnold’s own fanciful “Teddy Bear King’s Waltz” and the from-the-heart title track seem like old friends.

Among the abundance of quality spoken-word audiotapes available for children, look for Jerry and Nancy Bell’s “Celtic Tales for Bedtime Kids” (Celtic Celebration). Adults and children can relish these captivatingly performed folk tales, interspersed with traditional songs, about mischievous elves, a princess, a piper and a miserly landlord.

Also deserving a place of honor on the shelf is master storyteller Jim Weiss’ “Fairy Tale Favorites in Story and Song” (Greathall Productions). Weiss has never been better or funnier as he puts his enjoyable spin on such tales as “Stone Soup,” a jazzy “Puss in Boots,” “TheShoemaker and the Elves” and “Rapunzel.”

Among the umpteen versions of Tchaikovsky’s “Peter and the Wolf,” don’t overlook one from Sony Classical, featuring Nickelodeon’s delightful “Clarissa Explains It All” kid Melissa Joan Hart, with conductor Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Need a pick-me-up? Buckwheat Zydeco’s first children’s recording, “Choo Choo Boogaloo” (Music for Little People), is just the ticket. This collection of traditional and original songs from the acclaimed zydeco band, headed by Stanley (Buckwheat) Dural Jr., with narration by Winston Williams, is an exuberant, toe-tapping, musical train trip through Louisiana Creole culture.

Professional storyteller-singer Marcia Lane’s “River of Stars” (A Gentle Wind), is a find, as memorable for its eclectic, global contents--from the Congo tall tale “Why the Frog Has Long Legs” to the evocative Chinese fantasy “River of Stars”--as it is for Lane’s clear-voiced, stylish simplicity.

“Bananaphone” (MCA Records), Raffi’s first studio children’s recording in seven years, finds the kids’ superstar in a relaxed, playful mood. Comic wordplay and great instrumentals predominate; the only sour note: a lugubrious “Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore.” Did he have to do every verse?

Babies, toddlers and parents can share play and snuggle time with one of Tickle Tune Typhoon’s best instrumental and vocal offerings to date: “Patty Cakes & Peek-a-Boos” (Music for Little People). Upbeat songs inspire hand-clapping, finger-counting and other activities, while lullabies such as “Little Owlet” from Germany, “Oh Baby of Mine” and “Baby Bye Oh” are perfect for nap time.

Johnny the K’s “Party in the Park” (Hats Off Records) is a rib-tickling collection of mostly silly songs written by top children’s songwriters, delivered with pizazz by Johnny Kelleher, plus super musicians and adult and child choruses.*