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Music AGES 6 TO 8 AGES 9 AND UP All About Bullies . . . Big and Small Make Believers – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo A timely collection of terrific songs and short spoken-word pieces dealing with bullying, as well as topics like acceptance of difference, individuality and friendship. This important album teaches valuable lessons without sounding like a lecture. Cool Beans Music/East Coast Recording, 2011; CD, $15; www.coolbeansmusic.com. Ages 6 and up. Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie – Randy Kaplan Kaplan cleverly brings the blues to school kids on this disc. He reinvents old acoustic blues tunes with lyrics relevant to children, like converting the Muddy Waters song "Sugar Sweet" to a piece about a pet dog. MyKaZoo Music/Universal, 2012; CD, $12.98; www.randykaplan.com. Ages 6 to 8. Ozomatli Presents OzoKidz The multicultural Los Angeles band makes a triumphant transition into family music on this disc, which is filled with rhythmically rich songs that inventively mix together a variety of musical styles. Hornblow Recordings, 2012; CD, $15; www.ozomatli.com. Ages 4 to 10. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has fashioned an album that is rare in a number of positive ways. His clever raps about growing up address issues for the often-overlooked preteen crowd. Underground Playground, 2012; CD, $15; www.secretagent23skidoo.com. Ages 9 to 12. FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Anna and the Cupcakes – Bari Koral Family Rock Band The New York-based Koral serves up a real treat of kindie rock delights on this disc. Her music is energetic and engaging whether she's singing about dragons or butterflies, shoes or rocket ships. Magenta Records, 2012; CD, $11.98; www.barikoral.com. For the whole family or ages 3 to 5. French Learning Songs (Chansons pour enfants) – Cha, Cha, Cha Picasso, That's Who! (And So Can You!) – Hope Harris On this colorful album, Harris unveils a collection of songs that artfully spotlight 10 different artists, like "A-C-T-I-O-N" about Jackson Pollock and "Swinging Little Duck" about Alexander Calder. Her creative, informative tunes leave a great impression on listeners. Holcomb Rock Road, 2012; CD, $15; www.hopeharris.com. Ages 6 to 8. The Colored Pencil Factory – Astrograss If you like music with a little twang, then Astrograss is the kids' band for you. Fiddle and banjo drive spiritedly-played tunes that may have a square dance sound, but are far from square. Smoggy Borough Records, 2012; $15; www.astrograssmusic.com. Ages 4 to 9. 31 Magazine | Month 2012 26 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • December 2012 In the past, the Cha, Cha, Cha group has concentrated on Spanish language instruction, but they smoothly move on to French lessons with this entertaining, educational set of "chansons" that may inspire listeners to learn French. Whistlefritz, 2011; CD, $14.99; www.whistlefritz.com. For the whole family or ages 4 to 8. High Dive and Other Things That Could Have Happened – Bill Harley The award-winning Harley has a true gift for telling comical, compelling musical tales about the ups and downs of childhood. This wonderful recording will appeal to both kids and their parents. Round River Productions, 2012; CD, $15; www.billharley.com. For the whole family or ages 6 to 10.