In Style

Children's music continues to span a range of styles, making the options for crafting a satisfying minivan (or family-room) mix practically endless.

For listeners who love to jam, swing and riff comes Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake. The legendary Ella Fitzgerald has fun with high-energy renditions of "Old McDonald" and "The Muffin Man," while Louis Prima relishes leading a version of "Yes! We Have No Bananas." Other highlights include "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens" by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five. Culled from classic jazz recordings, this family friendly anthology feels both timeless and contemporary—great for repeated plays. (Verve Music Group [www.vervemusicgroup.com],CD $11.98, all ages, Nov. 2004)

The Sugar Beats kids (along with several talented adults) remake 18 popular dance tracks sure to have the whole family cutting a rug, busting a move or whatever it might be called this month on Greatest Dance Hits. Among the catchy grooves are "Jump (for My Love)," "Shake Your Booty," "Cool Jerk" and "Mony Mony." (Sugar Beats [Turn Up the Music, 800-607-1901], CD $10.98, Nov. 2004)