Journey of a violin in words and music

Peggy’s Violin: A Butterfly in Time

Children’s Group

CD: $13.98; ages 4 and up www.amazon.com

String instruments are celebrated in a magical mix of storytelling and classical music. A small Giovanni Grancino “butterfly” violin belonging to real-life violinist Peggy (McGuire) Hills tells its own story in words and music as it travels through time, from its creation in 1702 Italy to present-day Canada. Written by Barbara York in consultation with Hills, this “Concert Theatre for Kids” release is gracefully narrated by actor Angela Fusco and woven throughout with excerpts from works by Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Bach and many others.

Little Mo’ McCoury

McCoury Music

CD: $13.50; ages 2 and up

www.mccourymusic.com.

Ronnie McCoury and the Grammy Award-winning Del McCoury Band serve up an easy-breezy bluegrass album for children -- and appreciative parents -- with expert instrumentals (banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar) and zesty vocals in contemporary songs such as Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story,” classic bluegrass (Earl Scruggs’ “Mama’s Blues”) and traditional childhood singalongs: “The Big Rock Candy Mountain” and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” Even the good old stuff sounds daisy-fresh with this much bounce and sparkle.

Billy Brown and the Frog Tunnel

Giddio

CD: $10.99; ages 3 to 7

www.giddio.com

Billy Brown, the “talking, strong, helpful” bear, and pal Emma learn about social activism when new road construction jeopardizes a town’s frog habitat. Peaceful demonstrations don’t work. Maybe there’s a practical solution, says Billy. Expect a frankly pedantic civics lesson with an emphasis on problem-solving and cooperation, wrapped up in an age-appropriate audio theater production with an appealing voice cast. The moral: “A little inspiration and a lot of dedication can go a long way.”

-- Lynne Heffley