What is a storybook record?

A storybook record pairs a disc with an illustrated booklet: the child listens to a narrated story while following the pictures, sometimes cued by a chime to turn the page. The format was hugely popular with families, including the Le Petit Ménestrel series in the French-speaking world.

How do I check a used children's record?

Look at the playing surface first, since deep scratches and wear are common on records handled by kids. Then check the sleeve and, for a storybook record, whether the full booklet is included. A real photo of the record is better than a stock catalog image.

What is "Peter and the Wolf"?

It is a musical tale composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 to introduce children to the orchestra, with each character represented by an instrument. A narrator tells the story between the musical passages. It has been recorded many times, with different narrators depending on the version.

Is vinyl a good choice for young children?

Yes, with a little supervision: an adult places the stylus, while the child picks the record and follows the story. Choose a recent reissue over a rare copy, and store records upright in their sleeves after listening. Little ones often love the turntable ritual itself.

Kids' Compilations

Kids compilations feature songs and melodies suitable for the youngest, perfect for accompanying their playtime, learning, or relaxation moments. These vinyls bring together joyful, educational, and fun tracks.

On Vinyles.com, find full access to Kids compilations marketed for families and educators.

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Children's Vinyl Compilations: Sing-Alongs, Storybook Records and Tales

What a children's compilation on vinyl contains

A children's vinyl compilation gathers songs, nursery rhymes or stories made for young listeners on a single record. Some bring several performers together around a theme, while others pair an actor's voice with music to tell a tale. Most records in this collection come from the French-speaking world, with names such as actress Anny Duperey, actor Jean-Pierre Darras, children's author Susie Morgenstern and pianist Shani Diluka. Each product page lets you compare offers from several partner stores, whether for a gift or your own shelf.

The main types of children's records

Children's records cover very different objects, and knowing which one you want makes the search easier. A storybook record is not used the same way as a nursery rhyme collection, and a classical musical tale does not target the same age as a compilation of TV theme songs. Check the suggested age and running time too.

Nursery rhymes and songs to sing together
Storybook record: a narrated tale with an illustrated booklet
Musical tale: a story told over an orchestral work
TV and cartoon theme songs
Soundtracks from family films

Landmarks in children's song and story records

Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," a musical tale written to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra, has been recorded countless times with different narrators. French children grew up with the storybook records of the Le Petit Ménestrel series, where actors narrated tales and cartoon adaptations while kids followed along in a booklet.

On the song side, French artists such as Anne Sylvestre, with her "Fabulettes," Henri Dès and Chantal Goya became household names for several generations of French families. Their songs often turn up on themed compilations, a handy way to discover several voices on one record before choosing a full album.

Buying children's records: what to check

Children's records often saw heavy use, so on used copies check both sides for scratches and look at the sleeve. For a storybook record, make sure the booklet is included, since it is half the experience. If the record is meant for a child, a recent reissue or compilation saves you from risking a rare copy. Finally, compare prices from the different offers on the product page.