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Our top twelve picks in Christian kids' audio products makes for an eclectic dozen, with some discs containing songs only, some with stories and songs, and some that might hold a few surprises.

We concentrated on releases that focus mainly on the pre-'tween set, with a couple of notable exceptions that are designed for kids but can be lots of fun for the whole family. We scanned store shelves to determine what released in 2006 that kept kids (and moms) happy and singing together at the top of their lungs, especially in the car.

Many children's album stick to the tried-and-true formula of getting kids to sing their own versions of the most popular contemporary Christian songs and modern worship songs. However, some branched beyond the norm and came up with their own catchy tunes we love! Here is our Top Twelve list for 2006:

Kids Praise! Company
Maranatha Music

It's always fun to bring back the songs you listened to when you were a kid, and Sunday School Songs 2 serves up a heaping helping. Old favorites include "His Banner Over Me Is Love," "Zaccheus Was a Wee Little Man," "Give Me Oil in My Lamp," "The Wise Man Built His House," and the classic "Jesus Loves Me." The 15-song collection goes a step further and introduces children to some of the best-loved hymns, too, with "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "Blessed Assurance," and "This Is My Father's World." Adults and children can enjoy this one together, and the old songs will hopefully inspire parents to share stories with their kids of their own spiritual heritage.

Cedarmont Kids
Cedarmont Kids

Cedarmont, the original name in Christian kids' music, continues to deliver with Cedarmont Worship for Kids V3, a collection of modern worship songs performed by kids and set to upbeat tracks. The projects are always recorded in split-track for use by choirs or karaoke fun, and V3 contains songs that are familiar but not overdone like "Rise Up and Praise Him," "Holy Is The Lord," "Friend of God," and "Indescribable." Cedarmont offerings are always reliable for their familiar songs and upbeat but not over-the-top musical arrangements, and you've gotta love the $7.99 retail price.

Various Artists
Tyscot

Christian music has become super diverse, with every musical genre represented. It's only fair that kids' offerings should do the same. Favorite Gospel Songs for Kids gives urban kids (and anyone else) great gospel-flavored versions of favorite church and modern worship songs. The eclectic song mix includes old kid favorites like "This Little Light of Mine," classic hymns such as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and gospel church music like "Shake the Devil Off" and "Near the Cross." The disc is recorded in split track, so choirs can use it to sing with, and the price tag is just $5.98. Good stuff!

Baby Einstein
Buena Vista Records

Baby Einstein combines classical music and biblical themes for mental and spiritual growth for tiny tots on Baby Noah, which takes infants on a "musical voyage around the globe" (according to the record label) with arrangements inspired by animals from around the world. Musical offerings include pieces from Beethoven, Bizet, and Mozart, like "The Elephant, the Giraffe, and the Butterfly" (Beethoven's Piano Sonata 15, Op. 28, 4th Movement). The orchestrations are designed just for babies, and the music is beautiful.

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