Association for Library Service To Children Notable Recordings 1998
Staff -- School Library Journal, 4/1/1998
| ALSC Recordings Evaluation Committee:Diana Freeman (chair), Carolyn Schemick Bailey, Ione Cowen, Roxanne Feldman, Mary Ann Gilpatrick, Kelly Jennings, Lucinda Fran Ware, Kay Weisman. |
| The Notable Children's Films and Videos, Recordings, Computer Software, and Children's Websites are compiled annually by four committees of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The lists were released during the January 1998 ALA Midwinter Conference in New Orleans. The items on these lists were selected by children's librarians across the country on the basis of their originality, creativity, and suitability for young children. The members of the committees selected materials that respect both children's intelligence and imagination, exhibit venturesome creativity, and encourage the interests of viewers/listeners. Notable Recordings were all released in 1997. |
Performed by John Denver. 40 min. ISBN 1-57330-802-1. cassette: $9.98, CD: $13.98. Sony Wonder.
John Denver rides the rails in this collection of train songs which covers a range of musical styles. the artist takes listeners back to the days when the echo of a train whistle evoked a sense of adventure and westward expansion.
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Performed by Laura Hamilton. 3:09 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7868-8. $16.98. Listening Library.
In this modern classic, Judy Blume portrays the physical, spiritual, and emotional concerns common to all girls on the threshold of adolescence. Laura Hamilton's youthful, animated narration brings Margaret's coming-of-age story to life.
Ballad of Lucy Whipple.
Performed by Christina Moore. approx. 4 hrs. 4 cassettes. ISBN 0-7887-0892-9. $34. Recorded Books.
Karen Cushman's novel of life in the gold fields of California in 1840 is brought vividly to life by Christina Moore's narration. From 12-year-old Lucy to the crusty miners and other inhabitants of the town of Lucky Diggins, Moore's characterizations are delightful and authentic.
Battle for the Castle.
Performed by Words Take Wings Repertory Company. 4:33 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7793-2. $23.98. Listening Library.
The Words Take Wings Repertory Company takes readers back once again to the castle from Elizabeth Winthrop's Castle in the Attic. the two young men who performed the main character in the original work return, complementing the coming-of-age story line perfectly.
Boggart and the Monster.
Performed by David Rintoul. 4:43 min. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7820-3. $23.98. Listening Library.
In this second fantastic adventure of the Boggart, the mischievous house spirit returns to help his cousin Nessie regain hi shape-shifting ability. Susan Cooper's humorous, exciting, and surprisingly tender tale is masterfully presented by David Rintoul.
By the Light of the Moon -- Campfire Songs and Cowboy Tunes.
Performed by Charlie Daniels Band. 40 min. ISBN 1-57330-810-2. cassette: $9.98, CD: $13.98. Sony Wonder.
Step back in time with the Charlie Daniels band as they fiddle up your favorite songs of the Old West. Sing and stomp along to "Git Along Little Dogies," "I'm an Old Cowhand," "Sixteen Tons" and seven other lively tunes.
Chuck and Danielle.
Performed by Andrew Sachs. 1:56 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7834-3. $16.98. Listening Library.
Andrew Sachs' impeccable reading brings to life the high-strung dogginess of Chuck the whippet and her mistress, Danielle. Dry British humor abounds.
Coconut Moon.
Performed by the Green Chili Jam Band. 44 min. ISBN 0-9656391-1-2. cassette. $14.98. Squeaky Wheel Prods.
High energy and fine musicality are evident in this delightful recording from the lilting title song to the wryly humorous "Lard (a tragedy" to the choral synchronizing of "Tic Toc." Coconut Moon will charm children of all ages.
Crash.
Performed by Jeff Woodman. 4 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-7887-0717-5. $26. Recorded Books.
School football star and accomplished bully Crash Coogan meets an unlikely match in his pacifist classmate, Penn Webb. Jeff Woodman's superb narration captures life from a bully's point of view.
Giving Thanks.
7 min. 1 cassette with book. ISBN 0-78820-725-3. $24.95. Weston Woods.
Chief Swamp authentically delivers this message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth based on the Iroquois Thanksgiving Address read in both English and the Mohawk language.
The Great Gilly Hopkins.
Performed by Alyssa Bresnahan. 4:45 min. 4 cassettes. ISBN 0-7887-0740-X. $34. Recorded Books.
Gilly Hopkins is perfecting the art of driving people crazy until she arrives at the foster home of Mime Trotter where she meets her match. Katherine Paterson's Newbery Honor Book is given a spirited and heartfelt reading by Bresnahan, whose characterization of each voice is right on target.
Harlem.
Performed by Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. 8 min. 1 cassette with book. ISBN 0-8045-6852-9. $27.90. Spoken Arts.
Told with love and affection, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis capture the excitement and energy of life in Harlem. Jazz music provides the backdrop for this special kit which includes a copy of the 1998 Caldecott Honor Book written by Walter D. Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers.
Harriet and the Promised Land.
Performed by Ruby Dee. 7 min. 1 cassette with book. ISBN 0-8045-6848-0. $16.95. Spoken Arts.
Ruby Dee's rich, textured voice brings the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman alive. The kit includes the book illustrated in the rich primitive art of Jacob Lawrence.
Lily's Crossing.
Performed by Christina Moore. 4:25 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-7887-1106-7. $26. Recorded Books.
Lily's plans for a happy summer at the beach are shattered when her father is sent overseas just after D-Day 1944. Christina Moore sensitively portrays the conflicting emotions of both Lilly and her friend Albert in this 1998 Newbery Honor Book by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Mick Harte Was Here.
Performed by Dana Lubotsky. 1:42 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7796-7. $16.98. Listening Library.
Dana Lubotsky convincingly portrays 13-year-old Phoebe as she remembers good times and bad in this poignant and sometimes irreverent memoir of her younger brother, Mick. Book by Barbara Park.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: Lullabies for All Ages.
Performed by Kevin Roth. 42 min. cassette: $11.98, CD: $15.98. Star Gazer Productions.
Kevin Roth skillfully blends traditional bedtime material with original words and music on this soothing lullaby recording. A reworking of the traditional prayer "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep," familiar favorites "Little Fishies" and "Hush Little Baby," and original like the reassuring "I'll Be There" comfort and relax listeners of all ages.
Officer Buckle and Gloria.
Performed by John Lithgow. 11 min. cassette with book. ISBN 0-78820-724-5. $24.95. Weston Woods.
Peggy Rathmann's Caldecott Award winning book about a safety officer and his canine companion comes to life courtesy of John Lithgow's droll presentation.
Rainbow Tales, Too.
Various performers. 74 min. #8033. cassette: $9.98, CD: $14.98. Rounder Records.
Fourteen distinctively flavored tales served on a bed of delightful music, spiced up with energetic performances from premier storytellers makes this recording an irresistible feast for the ear and the heart.
Redwall.
Performed by Brian Jacques and full BBC cast. 10 hrs. 8 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7878-5. $64.98. Listening Library.
Author Brian Jacques and company enliven this tale of adventure featuring danger, laughter, hair breadth escapes, tragedy, mystery, a touch of wonder, a truly despicable villain, and a hero we can take to heart. This recording will have listeners cheering Matthias in his quest to save Redwall Abbey.
Shadow of a Bull.
Performed by Francisco Rivela. 3:34 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7850-5. $16.98. Listening Library.
Eleven-year-old Manolo Olivar fears that he cannot live up to the legend of his deceased father, the greatest bullfighter in Spain in this Newbery Award winning book by Maia Wojciechowska. Francisco Rivela, a native of Spain, gives a richly nuanced reading to this powerful story of courage and honor.
Shakin' a Tailfeather.
Performed by Taj Mahal, Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir, and Eric Bibb. 42:36 min. cassette (#R472940): $9.98, CD (#R272949): $15.98. Music for Little People.
This masterful recycling of old pop tunes and traditional material, from "Little Sally Walker" to "Shortnin' Bread," will get all ages shakin' their tailfeathers.
Skull of Truth.Performed by Bruce Coville and the Words Take Wings Repertory Company. 3:50 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7828-9. $23.98. Listening Library.
The skull of truth compels its owners to speak the absolute truth in every situation. When Charlie Eaggleston, a chronic liar, takes possession of the skull, his life changes dramatically. This playful fantasy is narrated by author Bruce Coville and dramatized by the multi-voiced Words Take Wings Repertory Company.
The Sun Upon the Lake Is Low.
Performed by Mae Robertson and Don Jackson. 58 min. cassette (ISBN 0-9649164-2-8): $10, CD (ISBN 0-9649164-3-6): $15. Lyric Partners.
This collection of traditional and contemporary folk songs expresses the love and hope of childhood and will appeal to and enchant the entire family.
This Land Is Your Land.
Performed by Woody Guthrie and Arlo Guthrie. 37:41 min. cassette (#CS8050): $9.98, CD (#CD8050): $14.98. Rounder Records.
These tune tumbled from Woody Guthrie's head around 1950 as he sang for his young daughter. Today's children will enjoy these rollicking classics created by digitizing tapes of Woody's vocals with those of his son, Arlo, and other musicians.
The View from Saturday.
Performed by various actors. 4:47 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-8072-7890-4. $23.98. Listening Library.
Each narrator's voice complements and expands his Newbery Award winning story by E.L. Konigsburg about the triumph of kindness and cooperation over competition.
We Can Do.
Performed by Jim Newton and Noel Paul Stookey. 42 min. cassette: $10, CD: $14. Celebration Shop.
These songs for singing, sharing, and feeling good remind us that together there's no telling what we can do.
Winnie-the-Pooh.
Performed by Charles Kuralt. 3 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-14-086682-5. $16.95. Penguin Audiobooks.
The House at Pooh Corner.
Performed by Charles Kuralt. 3 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-14-086678-7. $16.95. Penguin Audiobooks.
The veteran CBS commentator breathes new life into the classic stories of Pooh Bear and all his friends. Kuralt's straightforward narration and rich voice bring out every nuance of humor and humanity in the well-loved books by A.A. Milne.
Zeely.
Performed by Lynne Thigpen. 3 hrs. 3 cassettes. ISBN 0-7887-1284-5. $26. Recorded Books.
Lynne Thigpen's warm, resonant voice brings out the subtle nuances in Virginia Hamilton's reflective coming-of-age story.
