ALSC's 2006 Notable Videos/DVDs, Recordings, Software, and Subscription Services for Children
By Staff -- School Library Journal, 4/1/2006
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Also in this article: VIDEO/DVD  RECORDINGS SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Andrew Carnegie Medal |
ALSC’s 2006 Notable Videos/DVDs, Recordings, Software, and Subscription Services
The Notable children’s videos, recordings, software, and subscription services lists are compiled annually by committees of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). These lists were released in January 2006 during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Antonio, TX. The items on these lists, intended for children 14 years of age and younger, were selected by committees of librarians and educators from across the country on the basis of their originality, creativity, and suitability for young children.
Boxes for Katje. video. 18:40 min. Spoken Arts. 2005. ISBN 0-8045-9703-0. $49.95. K-Gr 3.
In post-World War II Europe, a young Dutch girl receives care packages from an American child and an international friendship ensues. This limited animation film, based on the book by Candace Fleming with pictures by Stacey Dressen-McQueen, features an introduction by the author and narration by Frances Sternhagen.
Ella the Elegant Elephant. video.10:22 min. Spoken Arts. 2005.ISBN 0-8045-9707-3, $49.95. PreS-Gr 2.
Shy Ella finds herself the target of the classroom bully on her first day in a new school. But with courage, perseverance, and the help of her Grandma’s fabulous red hat, Ella creates a unique place for herself in this gentle, iconographic tale written and illustrated by Carmela and Steven D’Amico.
Ellington Was Not a Street. video or DVD. 8 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. 2005. video, ISBN 0-439-77569-8: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-77573-6: $59.95. Gr 1-7.
A young girl remembers the many famous African-American icons who visited her family home in Harlem, New York. Beautifully narrated by Phylicia Rashad and accompanied by Duke Ellington’s memorable compositions, this is an iconographic adaptation of the book written by Ntozake Shange and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.
Ish. video or DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2005. video, ISBN 0-439-80432-9: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-80427-2: $59.95. PreS-Gr 4.
Discouraged by his brother’s laughter, Ramon no longer wants to draw. When his younger sister shows him another way of seeing his art, Ramon is inspired to create new and wonderful drawings. This animated adaptation of Peter H. Reynolds’ book is narrated by Chester Gregory with an original jazz score by Joel Goodman.
Journey of Oliver K. Woodman. video or DVD. 11 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2005. ISBN 0-9747118-9-6. $49.95. K-Gr 3.
When an uncle is unable to visit his niece, he sends a life-size wooden hitchhiker in his place. The cross-country journey is chronicled through postcards and notes from the people encountered along the way. A charming iconographic video which brings to life the book written by Darcy Pattison with illustrations by Joe Cepeda.
Kidnapped. video or DVD. approx. 2:50 hrs. WGBH Boston Video. 2005. video: ISBN 1-59375-308-X, DVD: ISBN 1-59375-309-8. $19.95. Gr 5 Up.
Eighteenth-century Scotland is the setting for this well-acted, action-packed retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure about young Davie Balfour and his quest for justice.
Kids Talkin’ About Death. video. 19:51 min. National Film Board of Canada. 2005. $89. Gr 4-7.
A variety of children from different backgrounds react to an interviewer’s questions about death, expressing their views and opinions based on their own experiences and observations. The frank, spontaneous, and sometimes emotionally-charged responses make this open-ended documentary a good starting point for discussion.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. video or DVD. 10 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. video, ISBN 0-439-76699-0: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-76717-2: $59.95. Gr 1-6.
In this animated version of Mordicai Gerstein’s book, Jake Gyllenhaal narrates the inspiring story of Philippe Petit’s daring high wire walk between the World Trade Center Towers in 1974.
Peep and His Pals. DVD. 3 hrs. WGBH Boston Video. 2005. ISBN 1-593754-89-2. $29.95. PreS-Gr 1.
Joan Cusack narrates the animated adventures of Peep, a newly hatched chick, and his friends Quack and Chirp, exploring the world of science. Young children do their own simple science experiments in brief segments following each of Peep’s stories. The combination of the two makes science accessible and fun.
Portion Distortion: Seeing the Healthy Way to Eat. video or DVD. 18:17 min. with tchr’s. guide, student handouts. Human Relations Media. 2005. ISBN 1-55548-115-9. $139.95. Gr 3-6.
Real kids convincingly provide viewers with solid strategies to make wise food choices. Live action mixes well with animation to dish up a healthy serving of entertaining information.
Rainbows in the Sea. video or DVD. 35 min. Earthwise Videos. 2004. $22.50. Gr 5 Up.
Spectacular underwater photography along with clear narration take young people on a journey through the Earth’s coral reefs and stress the importance of conservation. Teachers’ guides and additional information on coral reef animals and the Coral Reef Alliance are included.
Roberto the Insect Architect. video or DVD. 11 min. Weston Woods. 2005. video, ISBN 0-439-80457-4: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-80454-X: $59.95. K-Gr 4.
What’s a bug to do? The big city calls to the budding architect, Roberto the termite. His blueprint for success—friendship, hard work, and imagination. Nina Laden’s picture book gets a quirky animated adaptation.
Stars! Stars! Stars! video or DVD. 10 min. Weston Woods. 2005. video, ISBN 0-439-80474-4: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-80460-4: $59.95. K-Gr 4.
The poetic tale of a young boy’s journey through space also includes factual information about the planets and solar system. This animated version is based on the book written and illustrated in brilliant colored paper collage by Bob Barner.
Wild About Books. video or DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2005. video, ISBN 0-439-80487-6: $60; DVD, ISBN 0-439-80483-3: $59.95. PreS-Gr 3.
Wild about books (or zoo animals)? Then you’ll also be wild about this animated adaptation of Judy Sierra’s and Marc Brown’s ode to bibliophiles everywhere, narrated by Catherine O’Hara.
ALSC 2006 Notable Children's Video Committee: Lucinda Whitehurst (Chair), St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA; Pabby Arnold, East Baton Rouge (LA) Parish Library; Corinne Camarata, Port Washington (NY) Public Library; Molly Collins, Seymour Library, Brockport, NY; Helen Foster James, San Diego (CA) County Office of Education; Jennifer Knoerzer, Suffern (NY) Free Library; Cindy Lombardo, Tuscarawas County (OH) Public Library; Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie (IL) Public Library, Danielle Shapiro, Brooklyn (NY) Public Library; Lisa Marie Smith, Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, IL; Susan Wray, Joplin (MO) Public Library.
A Bear Called Paddington. By Michael Bond, read by Stephen Fry. 1 CD. Harper Children’s Audio. 2005. ISBN 0-060-7607-10. $17.95. K-Gr 3.
Stephen Fry endearingly narrates Paddington's story, providing the hero and each supporting character with a unique and charming voice, in this delightful presentation of Michael Bond's classic.
Blues Journey. By Walter Dean Myers, read by Richard Allen. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 31:03 min. with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2005. cassette. ISBN 1-59519-429-0: $25.95; CD, ISBN 1-59519-433-9: $29.95. Gr 2-6.
Backed by evocative harmonica and guitar riffs, the sinuous voice of acclaimed musician Richard Allen sings, speaks, and truly brings alive Walter Dean Myers's original blues poems.
Buck Howdy–Giddyup! 1 CD. BuckHowdy.com. $13.99. K-Gr 4.
Gather your little buckaroos for a rousing sing-along CD featuring Western swing and bluegrass melodies that will have the whole family a-grinnin’ and a-groovin’.
The Cay. 2 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN 1-4000-9907-2: $23; CD, ISBN 1-4000-9908-0: $30. Gr 5-8.
Michael Boatman’s narration of this classic survival story will captivate listeners, while the afterword by author Theodore Taylor enhances the listener's understanding of the historical setting and writing process.
The Gatekeepers, Book 1: Raven’s Gate. 5 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2005. cassette, ISBN 1-4193-5049-8: $49.75; CD, ISBN 1-4193-5553-8: $69.75. Gr 7-10
Simon Prebble uses his voice to create a truly frightening atmosphere as Anthony Horowitz's tale of supernatural suspense unfolds with the forces of good and evil battling for control of an ancient gate that may unleash harm to future generations.
Goose Girl. By Shannon Hale, read by Cynthia Bishop and full cast. 10 CDs. 10 hrs. Full Cast Audio. ISBN 1-932076-72-7. $45. Gr 6-9.
Fantasy, romance, and intrigue take wing in Shannon Hale’s stunning retelling of Grimm’s fairy tale presented by a marvelous full cast and Cynthia Bishop’s outstanding lyrical narration.
Gregor the Overlander. By Suzanne Collins, read by Paul Boehmer. 4 cassettes. 6:34 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. ISBN 0-307-20730-7. $35.Gr 4-8.
Gregor and his sister Boots fall into the underland, where they have fantastical adventures while seeking their imprisoned father in Suzanne Collins's story inspired by Alice in Wonderland, masterfully narrated by Paul Boehmer.
Ish. By Peter Reynolds, read by Chester Gregory. 1 cassette or 1 CD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2005. casssette, ISBN 0-439-80430-1: $8.95; CD, ISBN 0-439-80426-4: $12.95. PreS-Gr 4
Ramon discovers art doesn't always have to be completely “right,” in Peter Reynold’s fable of the creative power of “ish,” expertly narrated by Chester Gregory with music by Joel Goodman.
Judy Moody Declares Independence.By Megan McDonald, read by Kate Forbes. 2 cassettes. 1:45 hrs. Recorded Books. 2005. ISBN 1-4193-7197-5. $19.75. Gr 2-4.
Narrator Kate Forbes conveys the spunky voice of Judy Moody who, after returning from a trip on the Boston Freedom Trail, decides to blaze her own trail of independence in this work by Megan McDonald.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. By Mordicai Gerstein, read by the author. 1 cassette or 1 CD. Live Oak Media. 2005. cassette with hardcover book: $25.95; CD with hardcover book: $28.95. Gr 1-6.
Author Mordicai Gerstein delivers a spellbinding narration of his Caldecott-medal chronicle of Phillippe Petit’s memorable aerial feat against the background of a delicately evocative soundscape.
The Minister’s Daughter. By Julie Hearn, read by Heather O’Neill. 5 cassettes or 7 CDs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN 0-307-24599-3: $40; CD, ISBN 0-307-24625-6: $55. Gr 7 Up.
Heather O'Neill’s singular narrative style transports listeners to 17th century England where young Nell is learning her grandmother’s healing lore while Grace, the minister’s daughter, tries to hide her pregnancy.
The Old Country. By Mordicai Gerstein, read by Tovah Felshuh. 2 cassettes or 3 CDs. 3:10 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN 0-307-24543-8: $23; CD, ISBN 0-307-24544-6: $30. Gr 3-6.
Tovah Felshuh gives a spellbinding, word-perfect performance, drawing out every ounce of the humor, drama, and wisdom in Mordicai Gerstein’s fable-like novella set in an unnamed, war-ravaged “Old Country.”
The Opal Deception (Artemis Fowl, Vol. 4). By Eoin Colfer, read by Nathaniel Parker. 5 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:29 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN 0-307-24331-1: $40; CD, ISBN 0-307-24333-8: $50. Gr 5-7.
Nathaniel Parker’s myriad voices and tones combine to create bumbling henchmen, an evil genius, and a teenage mastermind in this thrilling addition to the Artemis Fowl saga by Eoin Colfer.
A Pack of Lies. By Geraldine McCaughrean, read by Andrew Sachs. 6 cassettes. 5:34 hrs. Prod. by Chivers Children’s Audio Books. Dist. by BBC Audiobooks America. 2005. ISBN 1-4056-5066-4. $49.95. Gr 7 Up.
As the mysterious storyteller MCC Berkshire, Andrew Sachs vividly creates voices for such diverse characters as a crusty Chinese potter and a vain teenage girl in Geraldine McCaughrean’s cryptic story, winner of England’s 1988 Carnegie Medal.
Private Peaceful. By Michael Morpurgo, read by Jeff Woodman. 4 cassettes. 5:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2005. ISBN 1-4193-2977-4. $39.75. Gr 7 Up.
Jeff Woodman’s voicing of the youthful protagonist of Michael Morpurgo’s moving and suspenseful tale of a family embroiled in the horrors of World War I couples with his mastery of a range of British accents to bring depth and nuance to a notable historical novel.
Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex. By Nathaniel Philbrick, read by Taylor Mali. 4 cassettes or 5 CDs. 5:30 hrs. Audio Bookshelf. 2004, 2005 release. cassette, ISBN 0-9741711-9-0: $34.95; CD, ISBN 0-9761932-0-5: $44.95. Gr 6-10.
This shocking survival story which chronicles the adventures, thrills, and gruesome actions of the crew of the Whaleship Essex is so powerfully recreated by Taylor Mali that the listener will have goosebumps and be engrossed in every word.
Revenge of the Witch (The Last Apprentice, Book 1). By Joseph Delaney, read by Christopher Evan Welch. 1 CD. Harper Children’s Audio. 2005. ISBN 0-060-8240-26. $25.95. Gr 5-8.
Christopher Evan Welch narrates with controlled, chilling menace Joseph Delaney’s eerie, accessible fantasy, the first book in the Last Apprentice series, in which young Thomas Ward, newly apprenticed to the Spook, must face a terrifying witch.
Scat Like That! A Musical Word Odyssey. Performed by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. 1 CD. 42 min. Rounder Records. 2005. ISBN 1-57940-128-7. $14.98. PreS-Gr 3.
Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer blend musical styles, catchy sing-along lyrics, and unobtrusive education in a CD that will bring smiles each time it is played.
Some Assembly Required. Performed by Tom Chapin. 1 CD. 48:15 min. Razor & Tie. 2005. $13.98. K-Gr 4.
Tom Chapin has assembled a team of quality musicians for this family-friendly collection of humorous and uplifting songs that speak to the emotions of all ages.
Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers. 1 CD. 47:03 min. Memory Lane Syndication. 2005. ISBN 1-932806-43-1. $17.98. PreS-Gr 1.
Preschoolers, grandparents, and Generation X parents alike will find songs that touch the heart in this tribute, featuring musical gems composed by Fred Rogers and sung by a collection of musical celebrities including Jon Secada, Amy Grant, Ricky Skaggs, and Roberta Flack.
Star of Kazan. By Eva Ibbotson, read by Patricia Connolly. 7 cassettes. 10:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2005. ISBN 1-4193-2001-7. $61.75. Gr 5-8.
With quiet verve, her fluting voice perfect for both young heroine Annika and the elderly Rondine, Patricia Connolly reads this old-fashioned, satisfying novel set in turn-of-the-century Vienna and featuring abandoned infants, missing treasure, nefarious aristocrats, and true friends.
Tiger, Tiger. By Lynn Reid Banks, read by Jan Francis. 4 cassettes or 5 CDs. 4:49 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN0-307-24546-2: $35; CD, ISBN 0-307-24628-0: $39. Gr 5-7.
In a highly skilled performance of Lynn Reid Banks’s novel, Jan Francis demonstrates perfect pitch and flawless timing in an understated interpretation that serves to enhance the suspenseful drama of a captivating tale set in Caesar’s ancient Rome.
Urchin of the Riding Stars (The Mistmantle Chronicles, Book 1). By M.I. McAllister, read by Andrew Sachs. 4 cassettes or 6 CDs. 7:07 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2005. cassette, ISBN 1-4000-9897-1: $35; CD, ISBN 0-307-20677-7: $50. Gr 5-7
Andrew Sachs’s verbal virtuosity provides an enthralling listening experience in author M.I. McAllister’s fable of treachery and intrigue set in a medieval animal kingdom.
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? By Jan Fritz, read by Jeff Brooks. 1 cassette or 1 CD. Weston Woods. cassette with hardcover book, ISBN 1-56008-217-8: $24.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-439-76750-4: $29.95. Gr 1-5.
The voice of narrator Jeff Brooks echoes author Jean Fritz’s light touch and gentle humor in this fine biography highlighting the great John Hancock’s human foibles and many accomplishments.
Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1). 1 CD. 6:30 min. Harper Children’s Audio. 2005. ISBN 0-060-8389-49. $18.95.
Ian McKellen’s polished narration draws the listener into the mystical ancient world of a hero, his animal ally, and their battle for survival in the first in a six-volume series by author Michelle Paver.
ALSC 2006 Notable Children’s Recordings Committee: Mary Burkey (Chair) , Olentangy Local Schools, Columbus, OH; Tess Beck , Stratford Library Association, CT; Carrie Harding , Heart of Texas Literature Center, Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX; Martha V. Parravano , The Horn Book Magazine, Boston, MA; Mary Puleo , Everett Libraries, MA; Louise L. Sherman , Leonia, NJ; Elisabeth Simmons , Kirkwood Highway Library, Wilmington, DE; Glenna Sloan , Queens College, CUNY, Flushing, NY; Ellen Spring , Rockland District Middle School, ME.
Alphabet Track/Eye Track/Phoneme Track. 3 CD-ROMs. Systems: Win/Mac. SEMERC. 2005. price unavail. K Up.
These three programs are part of a series designed for use in the inclusive classroom, home schooling, and for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other visual or learning challenges. Created in England, users can choose a British or American accent for the narrator who guides them along. Fun graphics and increasingly difficult activities make these sure winners with kids. Excellent booklets aid users in their endeavors. Eye Track invites children to help apprehend the villain Ronnie Retina through various visual puzzles requiring matching, identifying, and exploring to improve visual perception.
The charmingly odd “potatoes in a bucket” egg children on to learn their phonemes in Phoneme Track by building words, manipulating sounds and replacing phonemes to make other words thereby increasing the users’ abilities to read and write. (This is best with headphones if being used in classroom or other active room.) Alphabet Track encourages children to practice their letters by matching upper and lower case letters and by spelling words. The program reinforces alphabet awareness and visual and auditory sequencing.
Charles W. Morgan: Voyages of the Past, Present and Future. CD-ROM. Systems: Win/Mac. Mystic Seaport Museum. $19.95. Gr 3 Up.
The Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, a national historic landmark, comes to life in this vivid interactive CD-ROM. Built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA, the Morgan has become a prime destination for school visits. The Morgan now sails into computers (at home, at school, or at sea) with great grace and ease. This excellent CD-ROM loads easily and includes virtual 3-D tours, detailed blueprints of the whole ship, knot-making lessons, games, music, historic video clips, and recommended resources and websites.
Essay Express: Strategies for Successful Essay Writing. CD-ROM. Systems: Win/Mac. FableVision. 2005. $89.95. Gr 4 Up.
Join the Rotten Green Peppers band on their tour of expository writing highlighting the importance of brainstorming, organizing information, and using supporting details in order to write short essays. With humor, music and engaging graphics, these strategy based exercises present a manageable process to build students’ abilities and increase confidence in essay writing. Features printable worksheets.
Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica. Contact publisher for price. Gr all levels.
The Ultimate Reference Suite DVD is comprehensive, interactive, up-to-date. Contains three reference libraries for elementary students, secondary students, and adults. Each level includes an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, timelines, a research organizer, audio clips, videos, and web links. The elementary level also features games and activities that support the content found elsewhere in this resource. Always reliable, this updated edition of Britannica does not disappoint.
Grolier Online. Grolier. Pricing available on request.
This $2 million upgrade features age-appropriate home pages, enhanced graphics, and updated and expanded content. Includes perennial favorites Lands and Peoples, New Book of Popular Science, Nueva encyclopedia Cumbre, America the Beautiful, along with the three standard encyclopedias from Grolier. Provides two interfaces for the encyclopedia–Kids (grades 3-5) and Passport (grades 6 and up). Each offers a number of resources such as online links, fact boxes, homework help desk, photos, videos, maps, and timelines. Activities include science projects, puzzles and games, quizzes, and recipes. Spanish language features are for native speakers and for intermediate or advanced Spanish-language students.
ALSC 2006 Notable Computer Software for Children Committee: Kirsten Cutler (Chair), Sonoma County Library, Rohnert Park, CA; Diana Berry, Oak View Elementary School, Decatur, GA; Becki Bishop, Bassett, VA; Ann Crewdson, Bellevue, WA; Nancy Johnson, Western Washington University, Bellingham; Don Latham, Florida State University, School of Information Studies, Tallahassee; Bina Williams, Bridgeport (CT) Public Library.
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| Distributors | ||
| Audio Bookshelf audiobookshelf.com |
BBC Audiobooks America bbcaudiobooksamerica.com |
Buck Howdy BuckHowdy.com |
| Earthwise Videos earthwisevideos.com |
Encyclopedia Britannica britannica.com |
FableVision fablevision.com/essayexpress |
| Full Cast Audio fullcastaudio.com |
Grolier go.grolier.com |
Harper Children's Audio harperaudio.com |
| Human Relations Media hrmvideo.com |
Listening Library library.booksontape.com |
Live Oak Media liveoakmedia.com |
| Memory Lane Syndication songsfromtheneighborhood.com |
Mystic Seaport Museum mysticseaport.org |
National Film Board of Canada nfb.ca |
| Nutmeg Media nutmegmedia.com |
Razor & Tie razorandtie.com |
Recorded Books recordedbooks.com |
| Rounder Records rounder.com |
Semerc semerc.com |
Spoken Arts spokenartsmedia.com |
| Weston Woods scholastic.com/westonwoods |
WGBH Boston Video shop.wgbh.org |
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