Kids' music has come a long way. Here are some of the newest and most playful, thoughtful, lush CDs to have come my way in a while. This is part one of two columns full of happily pleasing family music.

"Simpatico" from Renee & Friends; One Melody Records; $11.19 CD, $8.99 digital

"Simpatico" reeks of coolness, from its zippy opening "Gather Round" with Lisa Loeb, to the Maya Rudolph-assisted "Starfish and Coffee," and Colin Hay's poetic, Irish-tinged reading of "Are We There Yet?" Contributors on this well-rounded CD include actress Molly Shannon and other revered children's artists such as Jeremy Toback and, of course, the titular Renee Stahl. All the songs are happy and poppy (with titles like "You Were Meant to Be" and the strong "I Am Not Afraid"), perfectly matched to a birthday or tea party.

"All Kinds of You and Me" by Alastair Moock & Friends; Mookmusic.com; $15 CD, $12 digital.

With a slightly raspy, New Orleans bluesy voice, Grammy nominated Alastair Moock has been called a musical descendant of Woody Guthrie who plays acoustic folk with lots of humor. Inspired in part by Marlo Thomas' 1972 "Free to Be... You and Me," Moock aims to build on her themes of individuality, tolerance and culturally changing roles for gender. On his poem/song "You and Me," he introduces the justice work of Dr. King, Harvey Milk, Gloria Steinem and others, and ends the album with a rousing "This Land Is Your Land" as a tribute to Guthrie.

But this CD is more than a call to social action; it's also a hoot with real music that's a joy to sing along with. Referred to by The New York Times as "a Tom Waits for your kids," Moock and his latest is relief to the ears of kids and parents alike.

"Up to Something Good" from Sunshine Collective; Mystefire Records; $14.95 CD.

With all the emphasis on retro clothing, mid-century house design and vintage tunes lately, it's no wonder this "sunshine pop" music collaboration between LA singer Stephanie Richards and her husband, producer Brian Arbuckle, makes so much sense. Billed as retro '60s and '70s, this surf-, sand- and sun-filled CD reminds me of the Partridge Family and Monkees tunes of my childhood but with some jazz and Beach Boys thrown in. Thoroughly upbeat and fresh, Richards' happy voice, somewhat akin to Sara Bareilles, lilts perfectly to original tunes like "Take Me Away" and "Waiting to Say Hello Again."

Entire families will enjoy Sunshine Collective's sonic complexity and thematic sophistication, but most of all they will enjoy the happy, carefree sound.

"Smiles Ahead: Cool Music for Cool Families" from Mighty Mo Productions; $9.99 CD, $8.99 digital.

Kindie (kids' indie rock) music is where it's at. This groovy CD compiles cool tunes from revered kindie greats such as Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and the Okee Dokee Brothers. The songs are varied and rockin', from The Verve Pipe's "Get Happy!" to Johnny Bregar's "Dragonfly," to "Gratitude" by Mista Cookie Jar and the Chocolate Chips! A great gift for a child's first kindie CD, Mighty Mo Productions' latest fits with the company's motto — to look for genuine, passionate, independent artists who create quality music for families to enjoy together.

"Home" by Tim Kubart; Magenta Label Group; $10.

This fantabulous CD honestly doesn't sound like a children's CD. It's full, lush modern pop music for all ages that's as entertaining as it gets. I was incredibly impressed after the first two tracks, "Last Turn Home" and "Breakfast Club," which featured some fun rap from Carly Ciarrocchi. And it stays joyful and gorgeous throughout. Listeners will think they're hearing the Lumineers or Taylor Swift or even Michael Jackson depending on which tune they turn on. Search "The Breakfast Club, Tim Kubart" on YouTube to see what I mean.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.