Children's music has never sounded better, and I've compiled a list of 12 albums you can't live without—and another dozen that are too good to keep to myself. To hear some of my favorite tunes, visit SLJ's Web site and click on "Podcasts." "Caithamer's rockabilly songs are covered with blue suede and pompadour gel, but they're not gimmicky twang. His band rocks sincerely and with gusto, churning out a performance that would have made Sun Records' founder Sam Phillips proud. The fact that this northern Kentucky children's librarian works with kids is definitely a plus—and you can hear it in these tyke-appealing tunes about the not-so-bad Big Bad Wolf, Evel Knievel, the Dewey decimal system, and Lemony Snicket's Count Olaf. This album is an example of a grown-up making rockin' music for children without dumbing it down or compromising his approach. Just check out the raging harmonica solo that kicks off "Bobby's Been Bad but Wanda's Been Worse," the rock 'n' roll beat of "Daredevil of Butte," and the "Taxman"-like "Pancakes All Around." Great stuff from a very busy librarian."

A rollicking, stray-cat-struttin' collection of greasy kid's stuff that could pass as a legit vintage Rock & Roll/Rockabilly album if it weren't for the child-friendly storytelling. If Sun Records had become known for pumping out children's music instead of Rock & Roll, this could have been its flagship release and Caithamer would be its Elvis.

The lyrics are quite funny -- entertaining! The music itself good for the ears! They're songs the kids (young and older) and parents can both enjoy listening too. Every morning I'm asked to play one of the CDs during breakfast.

Kentucky children's librarian Caithamer jams out in rockabilly style with his guitar and deep, friendly singing voice on this collection of 10 original songs. Strong musicianship throughout (harmonica, drums) adds color and depth here.