Posted on Sat, Jul. 05, 2008

Here are some noteworthy recent releases of entertainment products aimed at children and families.

AUDIO BOOKS

Michael Reisman

Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper

(6 CDs; 7 hours, 22 minutes; $34; www.listeninglibrary.com)

First-time author Reisman spins a wildly imaginative yarn about a sixth-grader who learns how to control the laws of the universe when he discovers the Teacher's Edition of Physics.

Reisman does this so adroitly that real information about gravity, electricity, friction and such seems as magical as the adventure that catapults Simon Bloom and his two friends into a struggle for domination of the universe. Theater veteran Nicholas Hormann is a wry delight as the ''narrator'' who finds that he is part of the story too.

Philip Caveney

Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools

(7 CDs; 8 hours, 25 minutes; $37; www.listeninglibrary.com)

In Caveney's juicy first book for young adults, a half-elf, half-human young man tries to follow in his jester father's mirth-giving footsteps. He ends up fighting brigands, falling for a princess and uncovering her evil uncle's plot to seize her throne. Sebastian's stalwart allies: a small but fierce warrior named Cornelius and a wisecracking ``buffalope.''

Caveney dishes out an enthralling mix of comedy, romance and derring-do, complemented in full measure by stage and screen actor Maxwell Caulfield's tour-de-force performance.

MUSIC

Barenaked Ladies

Snack Time

(Desperation Records; CD: $10.98; book and CD: $15.98; www.bnlmusic.com)

The influx of adult-market indie rockers into family music happily continues with these inventive original songs in a smooth and sunny groove from Canada's eclectic, witty rockers, Barenaked Ladies.

Popcorn, vegetables, raisins and allergies are some of the subjects delightfully covered in 24 tracks. Salmon and ''spinny rides'' make an I Don't Like list. The Crazy ABCs go far beyond ''A Is for Apple'' -- try, ''M Is for Mnemonic'' and ''Q Is for Qat.'' It's unlikely that any other kids' song defines a ''frenulum'' (look it up), and never has the lowly eraser been serenaded with such sincerity and panache.

Accompanying lyrics are a bonus, decorated with quirky illustrations by band member Kevin Hearn, as is the group's separate storybook of the same name. Barenaked Ladies aren't making the crossover permanent, but here's hoping for another visit.

Frances England

Family Tree

(Paper Bird Records; CD: $14; www.francesengland.com)

England proves that her lovely debut album, last year's Fascinating Creatures, was no fluke. The San Francisco-based mom's first CD was intended only as a preschool fundraiser, but word of mouth brought it to a wider audience and critical accolades.

England is, quite simply, an original, treating young listeners with the caress of soft, folk-rock authenticity in her expressive voice.

Hot Peas 'N Butter

Vol. 4: The Pod Squad

(CD: $14.95; www.hotpeasnbutter.com)

Created by Danny Lapidus and Francisco Cotto with other solid jazz, Latin and pop pros, Hot Peas `N Butter, featured on Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, serves up a satisfying mix of good-for-you messages, layered arrangements of traditional songs, infectious tunes and a hot -- and mellow -- multicultural groove.

The soulful BeautifulDream is just one of the tasty highlights for ears of all ages.