Blue Clouds

Not to be confused with the TV actress, the musician and songwriter Elizabeth Mitchell has found a niche as a family entertainer. She and husband Daniel Littleton also record as Ida, a soothing and harmonious slow-cooking indie folk-rock group, and now with their daughter, Storey, they also play a kid-friendly style of acoustic folk. Whether it's "Froggie Went-a-Courtin'" or David Bowie's "Kooks," the result is music that's light and easy and accessible to children and adults alike. Bill Withers' "I Wish You Well" shades toward the adult side with a warm, '70s-influenced groove, but the cheerful sing-along of "Summer Is Icumen In," led by flute and harmonium, is clearly geared toward the wonder of early childhood. Other inspired covers include acoustic guitar–based takes on Van Morrison's "Everyone" and Jimi Hendrix's "May This Be Love," which are transformed into songs The Carpenters might have recorded. Mitchell has crafted an album truly intended for all members of a growing family.