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[Association for Library Service to Children]

American Library Association -- School Library Journal, 04/01/1999

VIDEOS

ALSC Notable Children's Videos Committe: Marilyn Phillips (chair), Angelina Benedetti, Dr. Patricia Cianciolo, Jane Claes, Maria McLane, Elizabeth Miller, Susan Moore, Eleonor Putnam, Flo Starkey, Irene Symons.

Chrysanthemum. 15 min. VHS. Weston Woods. 1998. ISBN 0-78820-726-1. $60.
Chrysanthemum thinks her name is perfect, until she is teased at school. Meryl Streep narrates this animated version of Kevin Henkes' award winning picture book. Ages 3-10.

Dance Lexie, Dance. 15 min. VHS. Prod. by Tim Loane. Dist. by Cinema Guild. 1998. $59.95.
Twelve-year-old Laura, an Irish Protestant girl. yearns to be a Riverdancer. Her newly widowed father rethinks his parental role to help his daughter and comes to terms with the loss of his wife. Live-action. Ages 8-12.

Elmopalooza! 30 min. VHS . Prod. by Children's Television Workshop. Dist. by Sony Wonder. 1998. ISBN 1-57330-574-X. $12.98.
The Sesame Street Muppets and their musical guests join in a cross-cultural original musical extravaganza. Live-action. All ages.

The First Christmas. 21 min. VHS. Billy Budd Films. 1998. ISBN 1-56364-307-3. $24.95 (+ $5 s/h).
The nativity story using clay animation characters is narrated by Christopher Plummer. Christmas carols, including "Silent Night"and "O Little Town of Bethlehem,"enhance the story. Ages 5 and up.

Good Night, Gorilla. 8 min. VHS. Weston Woods. 1998. ISBN 0-78820-734-2. $60.
A precocious gorilla tiptoes behind a sleepy, unobservant zookeeper unlocking each animal's cage. The parade of animals follows the zookeeper home for a good night's sleep. Brahms' Lullaby accompanies this delightful animated video based on the 1994 Peggy Rathman book. Ages 4-8.

Kristen's Fairy House. 39 min. VHS Great White Dog Picture Co. 1997. $19.95.
During a vacation on a wooded island, a young girl and her aunt blend the wonders of the real world with the imaginative and creative. The fairy house built by the girl becomes inhabited by woodland creatures. The woman is motivated to create an illustrated book on the basis of the girl's journey into the land of fairies. Live-action. Ages 7-11.

Land Snails and Their Life Cycle. 12 min. VHS. Klaudiusz Jankowski Prod. 1998. $80.
This lyrically beautiful live-action video is a comprehensive study of the life cycle of land snails. Utilizes spectacular photography. Ages 9 and up.

Oceans in Motion. 24 min. VHS. National Geographic. 1998. $99.
Catch a wave and learn all about the ocean with tour guide/ professional surfer, "Wingnut"Weaver. Dazzling photography and creative animation illustrate the phenomena of currents, seismic activity, tides and waves. Live-action. Ages 7 and up.

Sheep Crossing. 27 min. VHS. Great White Dog Picture Co. 1997. $14.95.
This live-action video explores the world of sheep and wool while following children as they prepare their sheep for fair competition. Meet a newborn lamb and working border collies. The background music has an upbeat tempo. Beautiful New England scenery adds to the viewer's sensual experience. All ages.

Smoking: Truth or Dare. 52 min. VHS. Prod. by Arnold Shapiro. Dist. by Aims. 1998. ISBN 0-8068-9297-8. $99.95.
This live-action informational video graphically illustrates the consequences of smoking and chewing tobacco for today's young people. Ages 10 and up.

RECORDINGS

ALSC Notable Children's Recordings Committee: Connie Rockman (chair), Carolyn Schemick Bailey, Ione S. Cowen, Mary Ann Gilpatrick, Patricia Jefferson, Vivian Landfair, Elizabeth A. Long, Marjorie Stern, Kay Weisman.

Autumnsongs. Performed by John McCutcheon. 44 min. cassette (#CS-8037): $9.98, CD (#CD 8037): $14.98. Rounder Records.
This third volume in John McCutcheon's Four Seasons series captures the sights and sounds of Autumn from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. Featuring a diverse selection of songs and musical styles, this recording makes enjoyable listening for the entire family.

Back on Broadway. Performed by the Broadway Kids. 42 min. cassette (#54268-4): $9.98, CD (#54268-2): $15.98. Lightyear Entertainment.
Lively renditions of show tunes from West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Cats, Follies, Rent, and many more are sung by 20 young veterans of Broadway who range in age from 11-17.

Ben's Trumpet. Performed by Charles Turner and jazz musicians. 6:30 min. book and cassette. ISBN 0-87499-433-0. $15.95. Live Oak Media.
Rachel Isadora's innovative picture book is brought to life by the narrator's velvet soft voice and the lively jazz improvisations that accompany each turn of the page.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Performed by C.J. Critt. 2 hrs. 2 cassettes. #95264. $18. Recorded Books.
Critt's droll narration enhances Barbara Robinson's timeless story in which the worst kids in the neighborhood take over the church nativity play with surprising and delightful results.

Chrysanthemum. Performed by Meryl Streep. 14 min. book and cassette. #KPRA369. $12.95. Weston Woods.
Streep's interpretation perfectly captures the spirit of all the mouse characters in Kevin Henkes' popular picture book about names, peers, school, and favorite teachers.

The Door in the Wall. Performed by Roger Rees. 3 hrs. 2 cassettes. ISBN 0-553-52522-0. $16.99. Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio.
This reading by British actor Roger Rees evokes the medieval atmosphere of Marguerite De Angeli's Newbery award-winning tale about a boy proving his courage.

Eleanor Roosevelt. Performed by Barbara Caruso. 3:45 hrs. 2 cassettes. #95284. $26. Recorded Books.
This spirited narration of Russell Freedman's Newbery Honor book will inspire listeners to learn of the obstacles and disappointments Eleanor overcame in becoming "First Lady of the World."

Elmopalooza! Performed by Sesame Street characters and various artists. 40 min. cassette (#LT 63432): $9.98, CD (#LK 63432): $13.98. Sony Wonder.
Join Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the Sesame Street cast for an all-star rock-n-roll extravaganza which is sure to be a favorite of both children and adults.

40 Winks. Performed by Jessica Harper. 38 min. cassette (#ALA2008): $9.98, CD (#ALA2008): $11.98. Alacazam!; dist. by NewSound.
"I dreamed my children went to bed and slept all through the night -- "and this lovely recording of original lullabies will help them do just that.

Freak the Mighty. Performed by Elden Henson. 3:16 hrs. 2 cassettes. #YA-959CX. $16.98. Listening Library.
Two outcasts, Max and Kevin, team up to become "Freak the Mighty." Henson's honest narration of Rodman Philbrick's novel makes this a powerful, chilling, and totally riveting story.

The Gardener. Performed by Bonnie Kelly-Young. 11 min. book and cassette. ISBN 0-87499-430-6. $22.95. Live Oak Media.
Music and sound effects enhance the narration of Sarah Stewart's story of a young girl whose green thumb brings beauty into the lives of those around her. The recording frees listeners to savor David Small's Caldecott Honor illustrations.

The Great Fire. Performed by John McDonough. 3 hrs. 3 cassettes #95430. $26. Recorded Books.
Listeners almost feel the heat from the Great Chicago Fire in this riveting narration of Jim Murphy's award-winning book.

if fish could sing... Performed by Teresa Doyle. 38 min. cassette (#TDCA006): $9.98, CD (#TDCD-006): $13.98. Bedlam Records; dist. by Rounder Kids.
Teresa Doyle's performance is artfully accompanied by children's voices in these lilting, rhythmic renditions of traditional Celtic songs.

In My Hometown. Performed by Tom Chapin. 40 min. cassette (#LT 63418): $9.98, CD (#LK 63418): $13.98. Sony Wonder.
Tom Chapin explores a variety of musical styles in these amusing and nostalgic selections that are ideal for family listening.

Jacob Have I Loved. Performed by Christina Moore. 5:45 hrs. 4 cassettes #95433. $34. Recorded Books.
Moore's expressive voice explores the nuances of characters living on a small fishing island in the Chesapeake Bay and highlights Katherine Paterson's Newbery award-winning novel.

Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz. Performed by Hayes Greenfield and others. 47 min. cassette (#3010-4): $10.98, CD (#3010-2): $15.98. Baby Music Boom.
In this introduction to the world of jazz, each cut is a fresh interpretation of a traditional children's song or lullaby that the whole family will enjoy.

John Henry. Performed by Samuel L. Jackson. 18 min. book and cassette. #KPRA377. $12.95. Weston Woods.
Superb narration and accompanying sound effects give a new dimension to Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney's Caldecott Honor tale of this African American folk hero.

Joyful Noise. Performed by B. Caruso, J. McDonough, C. Moore, and J. Woodman. 20 min. cassette. #95282. $10. Recorded Books.
Grasshoppers, honeybees and fireflies come to life in this spirited choral reading of Paul Fleischman's marvelously original poems for two voices.

Leon's Story. Performed by Graham Brown. 1:15 hrs. cassette. #95281. $10. Recorded Books.
Read with dignity and honor, this powerful firsthand account describes Leon Tillage's life as an African American growing up in rural North Carolina in the 1940's through the Civil Rights movement in the 1960's.

Moorchild. Performed by Virginia Leishman. 6 hrs. 5 cassettes. #95341. $42. Recorded Books.
Leishman's richly nuanced reading draws listeners completely into the human and elfin worlds of Eloise McGraw's Newbery Honor book and brings each fascinating character to life.

Norwegian Tales of Enchantment. Performed by Judith Simundson. 63 min. CD. #JSCD198. $15.95. Makoche Recording Co.; dist. by Penfield Press
Using an authentic accent and accompanied by Norwegian folk harp and Hardanger fiddle, this storyteller of Norwegian ancestry tells tales filled with laughter and suspense. The informative liner notes list sources for the stories.

Rascal. Performed by Jim Weiss. 4:41 hrs. 3 cassettes. #YA946CX. $23.98. Listening Library.
Consummate storyteller Weiss imbues Sterling North's Newbery Honor story of a boy and his raccoon with warmth and compassion.

Rudy and the Roller Skate. Performed by Dan Keding. 1 hr. cassette. #TC-1009. $10. Turtle Creek Recordings.
Told in his rich baritone voice, Keding's personable renditions of both traditional and folksy original stories and songs will delight all ages.

Running Out of Time. Performed by Kimberly Schraf. 5:23 hrs. 4 cassettes. #YA972CX. $29.98. Listening Library.
Jessie thinks she lives in an 1840 pioneer village until she learns it is really a 1990's tourist attraction. Intrigue, history, and psychological suspense in Margaret Peterson Haddix's novel come to life in this masterful performance.

Sarny: A Life Remembered. Performed by Lynne Thigpen. 4:15 hrs. 3 cassettes. #95435. $26. Recorded Books.
Thigpen's exceptional reading of Gary Paulsen's novel lends authenticity to this story of an African American woman from the Civil War through the early 1930's.

The Silver Chair. BBC Radio Dramatization. 3 hrs. 2 cassettes ISBN 0-553-52570-0. $16.99. Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio.
This BBC radio performance recreates the world of Narnia where Eustace, Jill, and Puddleglum embark on a quest to rescue an enchanted prince. Talented actors and authentic sound effects enhance the drama and excitement of this fantasy adventure.

Swingin' in the Rain. Performed by Maria Muldaur. 41 min. cassette (#75311): $9.98, CD (#75311D): $15.98. Music for Little People.
Today's kids will enjoy favorite songs from the swing era, including "Jeepers Creepers,""A-You're Adorable,"and "Aba Daba Honeymoon"in Muldaur's smooth and lively renditions.

Under the Green Corn Moon: Native American Lullabies. Performed by various Native American artists. 50 min. cassette (#SC916): $9.98, CD (#SD916): $15.98. Silver Wave Records.
This appealing collection of chant lullabies breaks new ground in children's recordings. Detailed liner notes and photographs introduce the performer and tribe for each of the selections.

Under the Mango Tree: Stories from Spanish Speaking Countries. Performed by Elida Guardia Bonet. 72 min. cassette. ISBN 0-9663662-0-4. $12. Zarati Press.
Six entertaining stories seamlessly combine the English and Spanish languages into timeless tales for all ages.

World Tales, Live at Bennington College. Performed by Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder. 1 hr. cassette (#ECP120CA): $10, CD (#ECP120): $15. Eastern Coyote.
Music sets the mood as the intertwining voices of Jennings and Ponder weave traditional tales in tandem for older listeners.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

ALSC Notable Computer Software Committee: Pat Scales (chair) Pamela Barron, K. Elizabeth Beazizo, Walter Minkel, Michael Perry.

Carmen Sandiego Math Detective. CD-ROM. Win 95/Power Macintosh. 1998. $34.95. Broderbund; dist. by Learning Co.
This new Carmen Sandiego adventure is packed with over 400 word problems, three levels of difficulty, and an illustrated glossary of terms. With an innovative and easy to use interface, this software enables users to play the role of double agent as they explore the worlds of geometry, linear math, and other number concepts. Ages 9 and up.

Dr. Seuss Kindergarten. CD-ROM. Win 95/98. 1998. $19.95. Broderbund; dist. by Learning Co.
Follow Gerald McGrew as he collects different animals for his zoo through 250 activities that teach phonics, measurement, and other math and language related skills. Children can listen to over 50 Dr. Seuss characters such as Sneeches and Barbaloots who talk to them in rhyme as the activities are introduced. Graphically interesting games make for an enjoyable and educational experience for children. Ages 4-6.

Dr. Seuss Preschool. CD-ROM. Win 95/98. 1998. $19.95. Broderbund; dist. by Learning Co.
Horton, Yertle, and other Dr. Seuss characters lead children through interactive games that teach letter recognition, counting, and other essential prereading skills. Smooth integration of animation and sound makes for a seamless presentation that only enhances the concepts presented. This engaging software will delight and educate children. Ages 4-6.

Encarta 99. 2 CD-ROMs and installation CD-ROM. Win95/98 (Mac version available by Web download). 1993-98. $69.95. Microsoft.
This redesigned interface enables users to move between 40,000 encyclopedia articles and other original source documents with links to over 15,000 hand selected web sites. There is full text indexing, and authority is given for both text and pictorial entries. Extensive cross-referencing allows users to explore related photos, illustrations, videos, animations, and audioclips. Updates are available online.

WEB SITES

ALSC Notable Web Sites Committee: Roxanne Burg, Roxanne Hsu Feldman, Leslie L. Jacobs, Walter Minkel (chair), Mary Peverada, Mary Voors.

At the Tomb of Tutankhamen
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ egypt/index.html
The National Geographic's Web site is one of the best educational resources we know. Here is a "you-are-there"look at the unearthing of the boy pharaoh's tomb, done in the style of the original National Geographic article.

Audrey Wood's Web Site
http://www.audreywood.com
Author/illustrator Audrey Wood and her husband Don have created an interactive look into the many books they've created. A great site for the Woods' many fans.

Bill Nye the Science Guy's Nye Labs Online
http://www.nyelabs.com/flash_go.html
Science fans and those who might not be will get a jolt out of Bill Nye and his whimsical science lessons.

FunBrain.com
http://www.funbrain.com/
Great fun! These learning games are divided into age categories and are the Internet's more advanced cousin to the old-fashioned flash cards.

Kids' Castle
http://www.kidscastle.si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution's site for kids is full of interactive looks at many of the museum's treasures and educational program. But it's bright, colorful, and lots of fun as well.

Kinetic City Cyber Club
http://www.kineticcity.com
Join the Cyber Club Members from their radio show as they travel the world in a tireless quest for truth, justice, and the perfect deep-dish pizza (and tell us a little about physics, energy, and similar topics along the way).

The Moonlit Road
http://www.themoonlitroad.com/welcome001.html
If you like storytelling, especially ghost stories, check out this site. Creepy stories of the South can be heard with Shockwave or Real Audio capabilities. Attached info about Southern culture is also great fun to read.

VIDEOS

YALSA Selected Videos for Young Adults Committee: Ranai Pierce (chair), Sheila Anderson, Diane Baasch, Leigh Barnett, Margaret Butzler, Maria Gentle, Susan Hill, Robyn Lupa, Tom Reynolds, E.M. roublow, Alil Turner, Rose Ward, Mary Flournoy (admin. asst.).

American Civil Liberties Union: A History. 57 min. VHS. 1997. $129. Films for the Humanities & Sciences.
A history of the ACLU which for 80 years has supported the constitutional rights of the individual against those of the majority, enraging liberals and conservatives alike. This colorful mix of video documentary follows the ACLU from its creation by its colorful founder, Roger Baldwin, in 1920 to its defenses of Vietnam war protesters in the 1960's and of the rights of Nazis to march in Skokie, IL in the 1980's.

The Band. 52 min. VHS. 1998. $195. University of California Extension Center for Media & Independent Learning.
From band camp to the prom, a filmmaker chronicles a year in the life of his 16-year-old son, a member of the high school band, and of his relationships with his other classmates. The result is a candid, humorous, and realistic film which deals with young love, divorce, anorexia, and dealing with the death of a son and sibling.

Cancelled Lives: Letters from the Inside -- Substance Abuse. 17 min. VHS. 1997. $79.95. (Other titles in the series are Doing Time and Violence/Gangs; $199 for series). Bureau for At-Risk Youth.
Authentic, personal letters written by incarcerated juveniles and adults to family and friends tell how they deal with the painful feelings of loneliness and regret. Well-known actors read the letters which convey the shattering consequences of committing crimes, abusing drugs, and participating in gang activities. Leader's guide included.

Creatures Fantastic: Creatures of the Night. 30 min. VHS. 1998. $12.95. DK Pub.
Vampires, monsters, ghosts. What's behind the allure and the fear of things that go bump in the night? This video offers a rich visual panorama through the dramatic re-creation of tales ranging from ancient myth to modern urban legend. It also offers a fascinating examination of the surprising origins found in nature and culture of the beasts and shadows that have gripped our hearts for centuries.

In the Mix: Live by the Gun, Die by the Gun. 29 min. VHS. Closed captioned. 1998. $59.95. In the Mix/ Castle Works.
Through interviews with victims, former gang members, and professionals, this episode of the national PBS series for teens explores the consequences of carrying guns as well as giving alternative ways of handling anger and explosive situations. Teens are encouraged to apologize, turn the other cheek, and to speak out against guns.

Internet Searching Skills. 23 min. VHS. Closed captioned. 1998. $29.95 Library Video Co.
A comprehensive video guide for students on searching the World Wide Web. Includes step-by step strategies explaining how to access, research, and evaluate the vast resources of the Internet. An excellent teacher's guide includes vocabulary, URLs, and a chart listing search engine strategies. One of the teen previewers said she has used the Net for two years but still learned something from the video.

Magnificent Fish: Forgotten Giants. 15 min. VHS. 1997. $49.95. The Video Project.
Sharks, tunas, swordfish and other billfish are some of the most fascinating fish in the sea -- sometimes swimming from the U.S. to the coast of Africa. Yet they are in danger of becoming extinct due to overfishing and overpopulation. Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, is the host.

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Lives of Adolescent Girls. 35 min. VHS. 1998. $125 classroom version. (43 min. home-use version geared to parents: $49.95). Media Education Foundation.
An interview with Mary Pipher, the author of the best-selling book of the same title, discusses the challenges facing today's teens, especially girls. Clips from Clueless, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and magazine and TV ads show the role of media and popular culture in shaping their image of their bodies and self-worth. Ends with statements by teenage girls.

Rights from the Heart, Part 3. 49 min. VHS. 1998. $99. National Film Board of Canada.
A collection of seven animated shorts from around the world covering various aspects of human rights, including child labor abuse and loss of innocence. "Deep, different, and fun,"enthused one teen. All the teens liked it, and were interested in looking at the study guide.

Veronica's Story. 6 min. VHS. $100. University of California Extension Center for Media & Independent Learning.
In this visually stunning and powerful short film, Veronica writes poignantly of trying to reach out to her uncaring mother and of being attacked by her mother's boyfriend.

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