Steeped in History

Kids who were energized by the recent election may want to learn more about one of our country's most analyzed presidents on Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America. Storyteller Jim Weiss serves up a succinct, kid-friendly biography tracing Lincoln's life from boyhood through his presidency, the Civil War and his assassination in the engaging and easy-to-follow style that has earned him devoted audiences and critical accolades. Weiss imagines some dialogue, which brings a human element to the proceedings, though a few historical quotes and a full text reading of the Gettysburg Address are included. (Greathall Productions, 800-477-6234, one CD, $14.95, ISBN 1-882513-84-3, ages 7-up, Nov.)

Listeners can find historic detail from America's early days in By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman, a novel set during the California Gold Rush of 1849. A full cast relays the exploits of 12-year-old orphan Jack Flagg and his butler, Praiseworthy, as they leave Boston (stowaways on a San Francisco-bound ship) and seek their fortunes in the wild and dangerous territory of the West. In addition to the fine narrator and leads, colorful schemers and villains abound on this high-octane recording. (Full Cast Audio, unabridged, five CDs, 4.5 hrs, $34, ISBN 1-932076-71-9, ages 9-up, Sept.)

Space-y SongsBudding astronauts can check out tunes about some of their favorite topics on two music recordings. Blast Off! by Ben Rudnick and Friends has a feel-good vibe led by Rudnick's enthusiastic, friendly sounding vocals and guitar work as well as by a solid band (replete with merry foot stompers and hand clappers). "I Got a New Friend" and "Rocket Ship Man" carry out the space theme, while other original tunes focus on universal childhood observations. (Ben Rudnick and Friends, 781-0643-5137, CD $14.99, all ages, Aug.)

Singer-songwriter Joel Caithamer demonstrates his own rousing guitar playing and country-folk singing style on What's Happening, Spaceman? Though the title track is the only one truly focusing on outer space, kids will find much to groove with on this collection of fun, original musical musings on the everyday adventure of growing up. "Popcorn" and "Fly Swatter" are among the sillier selections. (www.joelsings.com, CD $15, ages 4-8, Sept.)