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Drum roll, please! As 2007 comes to a quick close and 2008 rushes in, we invite you to take a sneak peek at the top Christian children's musical offerings of the past year. Our fourth annual edition of the round-up again focuses on entries that are geared for kids ranging from the tiniest tots through the early elementary years, though there are also a couple choices good for those terrific 'tweens (the 8-12 set) and up. All were chosen for their sing-along-ability (is that a word?) and family fun factor.

If this year's list looks familiar, it's because those who do children's music best have repeated the formula—with continues success each year. And while most of the selections focus strictly on music, there are a few videos and games involved too. Because, hey, bonus features are always a plus when it comes to kids' entertainment, right?

These titles are available at your favorite Christian store, not to mention Christianbook.com, and in some instances, directly downloadable from the Internet. So without further ado (another drum roll, please), we offer up to you the best in children's tunes for 2007:

Integrity Kids
Integrity Music

Kids' Praise! Company
Maranatha! Music

A tie between two mega-sized children's albums packed with classic favorites and modern worship music. Produced by the worship leader Don Moen, 51 Must-Have Kids Worship Songs offers a jazzy version of "Deep and Wide," the pretty piano-backed ballad "I Exalt Thee," and the Sunday school favorite "I've Got the Joy," as well as worship standards like "Let Everything That Has Breath" and "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord." The collection has some more traditional accompaniments that can sound a bit dated, but at less than $15 for 51 songs, it's a bargain for hours of fun. The Top 25 Kids Praise & Worship Songs 2008 CD is a "best of" collection that also compiles worship classics ranging from "He Has Made Me Glad" and "Seek Ye First" to "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" and "How Great Is Our God." The double-disc collection offers arrangements that sound more like the familiar radio versions of the popular hits, and is performed by both adult and children's voices.

VeggieTales
Big Idea

Movie soundtracks are sometimes difficult to sing along with, but not so when it comes to VeggieTales. Their latest film, The Pirates Who Don't So Anything, contains something for everyone, from the operatic opener "Spanish Gold" to the Veggies' version of the B-52's "Rock Lobster" called "Rock Monster." RelientK is back with their version of the title song, and the CD also includes "Yo Ho Hero" by newsboys, "What We Gonna Do?" by tobyMac, and "The Right Thing" by American Idol finalist Mandisa. It also includes a bonus video of silly songs such as "Do the Moo Shoo," a Pirates poster, and stickers, giving plenty of extra bang for the buck.

Various Artists
Digital Praise, Inc

Various Artists
Cloud 9 Games

Dance Praise, the best-selling interactive dance game with Christian music, makes an appearance on our chart for the third year in a row. Digital Praise has cranked it up a notch with the Remix version, allowing players to connect up to four pads, with each player dancing at their own skill level—plus, there's a new interactive game. Music includes popular songs from Superchic[k], Pillar, Building 429, Third Day, Casting Crowns, tobyMac, and Jeremy Camp, to name a few. The similar Heavenly Harmony Karaoke offers a twist on the traditional musical fare, with a microphone and karaoke software that offer hours of American Idol-style fun through a personal computer. With songs drawn from Christian hits and classic hymns, players can accessorize their character, sing in eight different "venues," and play games. It even offers pitch recognition technology that displays pitch accuracy in real-time, helping singers stay on key and in rhythm. Both games aren't focuses exclusively on kids' tunes, but they offer great entertainment value and pure fun for the whole family.

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