Amy Friedman’s wonderful multicultural Tell Me a Story compilation was easily one of our favorite CDs of 2006. So of course we’re thrilled that she’s at last released a follow-up with Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic.

This is the kind of children’s storytelling you won’t mind – no annoying farm animal sound effects, no painfully performed sketches. Instead, this amazingly produced album features 6 original kids stories from around the world, all brought to life with composer Laura Hall’s rich, culturally appropriate music, evocative narration from pros like Len Cariou, and a lovely children’s chorus. The 4-8 set in particular will be enraptured, but their 30-something parents won’t be racing to turn it off either.

Buy yours at CD Baby or Amazon, stat. And hope that it arrives well in advance of your next extended family car trip. –Liz