Raffi's Box of Sunshine (by Raffi, Children's Music)

This three-disc set is simply three top-drawer Raffi recordings (Rise and Shine; One Light, One Sun; Everything Grows) in a single box. Each disc stands admirably on its own, but taken together they seem even better.

Raffi's valuable messages of multiculturalism and environmentalism blend together into a wonderful, family-friendly world vision. In addition to smart, often silly, sometimes poignant lyrics, the songs on all three albums boast super musical accompaniment.

Everything Grows offers the most musical variety. Traditional dance tunes from Japan, France, the United States, and Latin America feature everything from accordions to autoharps. And Raffi's singing is typically inviting throughout. It's a tough call, but the spirited "This Little Light of Mine" (from Rise and Shine) is probably the set's vocal highpoint.