Let's face it, most kids' music seems designed to make parents' lives harder. Another Baby Shark, anyone?
RNZ Concert's Nick Tipping feels your pain, and has compiled some of the best pieces of classical music written with children in mind - for those times when you just can't 'Let it Go'.
1. Peter and the Wolf
Let's start off with the big one, Sergei Prokofiev's classic will entertain kids of all ages and teach them about some of the instruments of the orchestra. And conductor/narrator Bramwell Tovey's compelling storytelling style is like having your favourite uncle come round for a visit.
2. Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saens took things a step further when he created a virtual zoo, with everything from roaring lions to spooky fossils. This version also features a zoo's worth of narrators, from Betty White to William Shatner.
3. Tubby the Tuba
Although it dates back to 1947, everyone over the age of about 30 seems to have grown up with Danny Kaye's heartwarming story of a tuba who holds his own against the rest of the orchestra.
4. The Nutcracker
Geoffrey Rush's narration brings this Christmas ballet to life. Hits include 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' and 'Waltz of the Flowers'. Who says Christmas comes but once a year?
5. The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
Benjamin Britten's classic is a little bit more of a teaching tool than the other pieces here. There's no storyline, but the narrator Jenny Agutter introduces each instrument of the orchestra. Test your knowledge and pick your favourites!
6. Tane and the Kiwi
Thomas Goss and Jennifer Moss wrote this version of Hop Owen's classic Kiwi tale, and it's become an instant hit with orchestras and kids around the country. Go here to check it out!
Thomas GOSS: Tāne and the Kiwi
A children's tale that's sure to become a Kiwi classic. Audio
7. Babar the Elephant
Another pan-generational classic, Babar is one of those stories everyone seemed to hear growing up. This tale of a little elephant who leaves the forest and goes to live in the city is narrated by Aussie legend Barry Humphries.
