Here are some noteworthy recent releases 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)

Oh, yes. 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)

Frances 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 fund-raiser, 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.

Ralph's World

"Rhyming Circus"

(Disney Sound; CD: $14.98; www.waterdogmusic.com/store/)

A welcome new album from Ralph's World, a k a indie rocker Ralph Covert, a bona fide children's music star for his high-energy, funny and smart songs. Here, with his top-flight band and expert rock and jazz vibes, Covert re-imagines the world as a musical playground.

Everything's grist for his quirky mill: a delicious phonics lesson ("Abby's Alphabet Soup"), the dreams of pig and pachyderm ("Rodeo Peg" and "Edward the Tap-Dancing Elephant"), and swinging insects ("Bad Bug Ball").

Part of the fun for adults is to identify the Ralph's World band's signature tributes to musical icons. Look for bits of Prince and Thin Lizzy, the Beatles and the Beach Boys, Ziggy Stardust and a whole lot of Johnny Cash ("Folsom Daycare Blues").

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 "Beautiful Dream" is just one of the tasty highlights for ears of all ages.