Video/DVD

PreS–Very young children are introduced to the benefits of such activities as walking, running, and playing, and are encouraged to be physically active in this new title in the series. The DVD begins by displaying warnings/instructions on the screen, but they are difficult to read without pausing the screen. The program features live-action footage of multiethnic babies and toddlers and some computer animation, accompanied by the lively music of Eddie Coker. There is some brief narration between segments. Each section begins with a word on the screen, such as “play,” accompanied by some narration and footage of children performing the activity in a variety of settings. Other segments include “walk,” “friends,” “animals,” “run,” and “relax.” The walk segment features painted feet walking on white paper and jazzy music. Some of the sections are too long to hold a young child's attention. This title is similar in content to The BabyPro series. Caregivers will appreciate a program that encourages children to become more active. An additional purchase, especially for public libraries that already own the previously released titles in the series.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-K–This unassuming little DVD is sure to lull many preschoolers to sleep, and that's a good thing. Featuring beautiful live-action underwater scenes, this high-concept, low-tech program takes the calming effects of watching an aquarium to the next level. Soothing shots of tigerfish, clownfish, sea horses, and other underwater wildlife in their natural habitat are accompanied by classical lullabies, and a bonus feature for parents includes expert interviews about children and sleep. The perfect low-key viewing experiences for quiet times.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS-Gr 6–Designed to teach children how to cope with stress, this four-part animated program demonstrates techniques for handling stressful situations. It begins with children bullying Stressball Sally who then blows up like a ball, which leads to more insulting comments. Fortunately, Sally has the courage to go to her school counselor, Mrs. D'Frazzle, who is teaching a stress management group about the physical symptoms of stress as well as stress-reduction techniques. Part two is a lively song that reinforces stress-reduction techniques. The third segment is a dream sequence in which Sally is bullied by a flower and defeats the bully by growing more flowers. In the final segment, designed for parents, two school counselors explain stress and bullying, including stress warning signs, management techniques, and assertiveness and social skills. The animation is colorful and the music is lively. The parts for children are focused and clear with modeling and practice emphasized. Counselors will find the program most useful for stress-management training.–Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 8 Up–Until 1974, the commercial shipping industry was almost completely closed to women. That year, the maritime educational academies began accepting female students, and this film tells the stories of some of the growing number of women who are finding fulfilling and lucrative careers in the merchant marines and commercial shipping industry. The film takes viewers from coastal Alaska to New York, and most of the story is told through the words of the women, who are successful in maritime jobs such as tugboat captains in coastal waters or engineers, mates, able-bodied seamen, stewards, and cooks on oceangoing vessels. The women discuss their pride in their work in a male-dominated industry and their struggles with discrimination, outsider status, and lengthy absences from marriages and families. There is also some limited historic information about seafaring women, including women who disguised themselves as men, female pirates, wives of ship captains, and the popular 1930s fictional character “Tugboat Annie.” General narration is done by a woman, supplemented by comments and analysis from authors and historians. Visuals include shots of the women at work and discussing their lives. This is an interesting film that shows women in a very nontraditional setting, but it offers only limited historical background, and it is more suited to a television than educational audience. While it could be used in women's history or career classes, it should be considered as a supplemental purchase for most school collections.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

K-Gr 6–Children are introduced to a number of different workouts through short 5 to 10 minute segments featuring different fitness routines. Roberta Bergman, a fitness instructor, leads varying groups of between 8 and 30 children, ages 5 to 12, and is joined by other fitness and martial arts instructors. The segments cover aerobics, Tae Kwon Do, stretching, strength training with weights and with tubing, a medicine ball workout, and kick boxing. There's little instruction provided with each work out, as the audience is expected to learn by following along. Youngsters may have trouble performing the exercises where equipment is used at home. There are also short segments on nutrition, body image, and the importance of good fitness and nutrition habits. While this is a nice introduction to some routines children will enjoy, it attempts to accomplish too much and expects viewers to learn the routines by example rather than providing instructions. –Cynthia Grabke, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA

Gr 7 Up–Serious consequences result from sleep depravation, and most teens need more sleep than they get. Shifts in their circadian rhythm make them best suited to staying up late and sleeping later than adults, but this conflicts with the reality of getting up early for school. Scenes at a sleep lab indicate the kind of research being done in this area. The lab's director describes sleep patterns and explains that during sleep the brain consolidates and enhances recent learning, as well as restoring energy. Narrators provide additional information and teens talk about their sleep patterns and reactions to insufficient sleep. An often deadly consequence of fatigue occurs when an exhausted teen drives, exhibiting behavior similar to that of a drunk driver. Rusty, a paraplegic, describes his accident when he fell asleep at the wheel. There are tips on what to do when a driver becomes sleepy. The arguments for getting sufficient sleep, and ways to catch up on sleep, are clearly and convincingly, but not pedantically, presented in this program which will be especially useful in health classes.–Anitra Gordon, formerly Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI

Gr 4-8–Teen narrators introduce and discuss the new food pyramid, introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2005, stressing that diet and exercise are the keys to looking and feeling good and developing self-esteem. They explain the significance of the shape of the pyramid and the stairway to the left of the pyramid. The youngsters also offer examples of each of the six categories in the pyramid and show what a serving size of that food looks like and its measurement (e.g., a serving of spaghetti is 1 cup). This is one of the most helpful parts of the production. Case studies of an athlete who has the wrong idea about carbs and sports drinks and a girl who loves junk food offer very helpful advice about what to eat and how to add exercise to your daily routine. Additional suggestions are given about how to change unhealthy lifestyles. Easy-to-understand graphics and dramatized vignettes help explain the concept behind the new food pyramid. A must see for health, physical education, and life-science classes.–Margaret B. Miller, University of South Dakota, Vermillion

.Gr 7 Up–The focus of this program is overweight teens and changes in our society in recent years that encourage everyone to overeat and to eat unhealthy foods. The answer to the harsh question posed in the subtitle is that portion sizes are getting larger, fast-food advertising makes unhealthy food appealing, and young people are not exercising enough. There is good information on the revised food pyramid, with animated sequences that break out the food groups and explain what's different and important in the new guidelines. A slim and perky female narrator, often seen on camera, addresses the issues and keeps viewers focused on the information presented. In many segments, overweight teens talk about how they feel about being overweight, their daily lives, and their hope to lose weight to avoid health problems and fit in with their peers. Obesity related illnesses such as diabetes and asthma as well as physical problems are covered. A nutritionist and a psychologist regularly interject comments and talk about healthy lifestyle changes and avoiding fad diets. Members of a family (3 of the 4 are normal weight) explain that they snack on fruits and vegetables, exercise together regularly, and limit their intake of foods high in fat and sugar. There is also an interesting segment on how a weight loss camp operates. Viewers are offered a four-point plan for getting started on a weight loss program. Although some of the same material is explained in multiple segments in the program for no obvious reason, such as the food pyramid, health classes will still find the production useful.–Joan Karasick, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 4 Up–This touching film by Canadian Billie Mintz is the third installment in his thesis, and has been screened at a number of film festivals. He uses the film to explore the meaning of humor and relationships with only a minimal amount of dialogue. Danny Aiello narrates the film and is the voice for the ventriloquist's dummy. Cliff Saunders stars as Anda the Clown, a sad sack clown, in the tradition of Emmett Kelly. Anda has been the invisible friend of a little boy (Connor Price, Cinderella Man) who no longer believes in him. One day, a ventriloquist's dummy advises Anda to leave the boy and find another child who will believe in him. For many years, Anda walks the streets of Toronto, trying to connect with the ever-aging Billy, but fails. When the clown finally begins to believe in himself, he meets another little boy who can see him. The acting, cinematography, music, and sound quality are all very good. Two additional short films by Billie Mintz are also included: The Shadow & the Clown (in which a clown's shadow does not mimic the clown's movements) and Invisibility Complex (in which a crazy man on a crowded bus acts as if he is going to set fire to everyone). This film can be enjoyed on many levels and should be a hit with clown fans.–Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 3-5–From his home and studio in Kingston, NY, illustrator Simms Taback talks about his career. Taback first worked as a commercial illustrator until he finally broke into the children's book market. He explains that although he had already illustrated 35 children's books, it was not until his “breakthrough” title, There Was an Old Lady (Viking, 1997), that he felt truly successful. He describes the process of creating the book, from thumbnail sketches and creating a miniature “dummy” to the final product. He marvels at the “eureka” moment when the idea of incorporating die-cut holes first came to him. Not only did he use this concept, but he also added collage and extended the original rhyme by adding some of his own. The great success of this effort resulted in his revisiting a small novelty book he'd created for Random House in the 1970s–Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (Viking, 1999). His trademark cut-outs and collage revitalized the forgotten book, and earned him a Caldecott Medal. In a rare treat, he sings the original Yiddish song that inspired the book. Taback tells viewers that he is always mindful of the adults who read his books to children, adding jokes and clever asides for their benefit, while the job of the pictures is to lure youngsters into the world of reading. English language learners will be interested to know that the illustrator grew up in a Yiddish-speaking household and didn't learn English until he'd started school. This film is an excellent choice for students involved in bookmaking projects, an author study, or for those who have enjoyed Taback's print books and/or their animated versions.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 3-8–Tim Podell visits Santa Monica, CA, to talk with Newbery Award-winning author Sid Fleischman in this casual, but well-organized production. It's not flashy, just a one-on-one conversation with the author as they visit his home and the city. Podell asks the questions that most viewers would ask if they had the chance, and the answers are fascinating. Viewers learn about Fleischman's childhood, and see him perform a magic trick. Information about how he felt on winning the Newbery Award is included. There's a chance to visit his workspace, and talk about his family, including his equally famous son, Paul. The author reads from The Whipping Boy, his Newbery book, and discusses what motivated him to write the novel. The majority of the program focuses on Fleischman's advice to young writers. He talks about where he gets ideas, how he creates a story, the editing process. Fleischman encourages young writers to practice their craft and be persistent. Video and sound quality are both excellent. A good introduction to an exceptional author.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 3–This fresh, animated version of James Marshall's picture book (Dial, 1990) will capture children's imaginations while the humorous cartoon illustrations render the Grimm tale less frightening. The woodcutter's wife is a corpulent redhead with ruby lips and heavily rouged cheeks. The selfish woman is always eating–even in bed–despite the fact that a famine threatens to starve everyone around her. The poor, henpecked father–stomach grumbling–succumbs to the callous woman's badgering and leads the youngsters deep into the forest. Luckily, clever Hansel gathers white pebbles the night before to mark the way home. When he and his sister finally arrive, their stepmother feigns relief, but soon enough another famine finds them lost in the woods. This time the boy must use breadcrumbs to mark the way as the wily woman bolts the door preventing him from gathering more stones. A snow white bird leads the stranded siblings to the seductive gingerbread house where they greedily gobble “roof cake” and “window sugar.” “Nibble, nibble, little mousie/who's that nibbling/on my housie?” questions the green-haired witch, whose largesse and garish makeup hearkens back to another witch in their lives. While Hansel is fooled by her kindness, Gretel has her well-founded doubts. Thanks to the children's cunning, “the horrid witch roasted to a regular crisp.” They return to their sorrowful father bearing riches from their captor's house, only to learn that his wife is dead. “Whether Hansel and Gretel were sorry is difficult to say/But with their father they lived happily ever after.” Flute and strings provide music to set the mood and complement Kathy Bates's clear and cunning narration. A bewitching treat.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 1-4–It is the last day of the harvest, and young Sasha and her mother hurry through the fields of their Russian village to bring papa his lunch. Mama fries pierogi for her family and for the festival, which will take place later that day at church. Upon delivering the basket of food, the restless child wanders off while her mother helps with the work. Sasha grows tired and decides to take a nap in the field. Meanwhile the harvest festivities have begun. Time passes, and she awakens, lost and frightened. In her frantic search for her mother, she happens upon the Mushroom people hunting for food and some families headed to the celebration. When asked for her mother's name, the disoriented girl can only respond that “she is the most beautiful woman in the world.” They convince her to accompany them to the church to look for her, but when they arrive, her mother is not there. As the villagers argue about who should take Sasha home that night, her parents arrive for a joyous reunion. Viewers finally get a look at Mama, who is quite overweight and poorly dressed. Nevertheless, her daughter maintains that she is beautiful, to which her mother replies, “Most people only see with their eyes. Better still, you see with your heart.” While the message is admirable, this live-action retelling of a Russian folktale is both slow-moving and amateurish, with poorly cropped frames and uneven sound. Tedious, self-conscious close-ups of characters and inanimate objects only compound the video's painfully slow pace. Also, it is difficult to believe that the inhabitants of such a small community would not recognize one of their own.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

K-Gr 4–In this Caribbean version of Hansel and Gretel, based on the book written by Lynette Comissiong and illustrated by Marie LaFrance (Annick Press, 1997), Tina and Dalby go to the market to sell eggs. On their way home, disobeying their mother, they cross a bridge and end up at the home of a cocoya–an evil witch who eats young boys. Her downfall is Tina, for cocoyas cannot refuse little girls. She delays the witch with her requests until the sunlight can destroy her. The story is nicely animated and uses understandable dialect, with original music that has a Caribbean beat. The animation is crisp, colorful, and kid-friendly. Audio quality is excellent. Much of the book's more blood-thirsty references have been deleted from the video, including any mention of a machete. Even sanitized, some children might find this a little scary. Still, it's a nice cautionary tale and would provide teachers with interesting compare and contrast possibilities.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 3–Roberto is not like other termites. Even though he “melted over maple, and pined for pine,” he'd rather play with his food than eat it. Roberto wants to build, to be an architect. Not finding support at home, he goes off to the big city to “build his dreams.” After unsuccessfully trying to find work with Hank Floyd Mite and Fleas van der Rohe, Roberto meets a homeless house-fly and decides to build his own Street of Dreams. After anonymously giving the houses to deserving bugs, Roberto is finally discovered and becomes the famous architect he has dreamed of being. Based on Nina Laden's book (Chronicle Books, 2000), the film expertly animates the mixed-media collage bits, bringing the cut papers, wood veneers, magazine images, and blueprints to life. Where the book's illustrations are occasionally busy, the film is clean and easy to follow. The soundtrack script follows the book exactly, and Sean Hayes' clear narration complements the story as do the background sounds and soft-jazz music. Filled with puns and wordplay, as well as intriguing and detailed images, older students will truly enjoy the humor and cleverness that abounds. A hit for art classes, budding builders, and teachers who wants to promote creativity in children.–Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Nova Scotia, Canada

PreS-Gr 3–In 19th-century China it was not the custom to educate daughters. Girls were taught to run a household and do womanly tasks. Only boys received a formal education. Ruby's grandfather returned from the “Gold Mountain” (California) a wealthy man and, as was the custom of the day, married many wives who gave him many sons who all reared their families in the large family home. Thus, Ruby was raised in a house surrounded by extended family. Perhaps her grandfather brought back more than money from California, for he provided an education in the home for any of the children who wished to receive it. Ruby, with her love of the color red, drank in learning like a flower soaks up sunshine. Still, she knew it would be her lot to marry, while her boy cousins could continue their education. Her grandfather, however, knowing the wish of her heart, made it possible for her to be one of the first girls to obtain a university education in China. Based on the true story of author Shirin Yim Bridges's grandmother (and ending with a smiling photograph of the woman next to the author's illustration of her as a girl), this award-winning story (Chronicle Books, 2002) is a gentle, heart-felt tale that explores issues of equality and stereotyping. Sophie Blackall's gouache illustrations reflect Asian art forms and show a spunky girl to whom children will relate. The author narrates the tale with gentle expression and true feeling. Original background music has an oriental flavor. This beautifully crafted labor of love is a celebration of the value of education and the joy of following your dreams.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 6 –Intended to help motivate children to become story readers, writers, and tellers, this uneven offering attempts to inspire youngsters to use their imaginations. Puppets introduce live-action segments in which award-winning storytellers (Barbara Schutzgruber, Kevin Cordi, etc.) weave their tales encircled by a young audience. The stories include “When Did Polar Bears Learn to Dance?,” “Penny's Paper Pocket,” “The Fox and the Crane,” “Cinderella Revisited,” “Mysterious Visitor,” “Peanut Butter,” and “Wide Mouth Frog.” There is a good mix of ethnic groups, both in puppets and the live audience. DVD special features include “Meet the Storytellers,” a sing-along music video, and more. While this may be useful as a model for storytelling, the overall feel is disjointed, abruptly shifting between poorly filmed puppet segments and live-action clips. Although some of the storytellers are entertaining, even the children in the audience are not consistently engaged in the presentations.–Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

PreS-Gr 3–Beloved author Tomie dePaola introduces this production based on his book (Putnam, 2003). Viewers first met the Barker twins, based on dePaola's dogs, Morgan and Moffat, in Meet the Barkers (Aug. 2005, p. 59). The author explains that sometimes there are problems at school, offering several examples. As this story begins, Ms. Shepherd announces that a new girl will be joining the class, and the children happily anticipate her arrival. When the sour-faced newcomer appears, she rebukes all of their welcoming overtures. At first, her confused classmates wonder if she is simply shy or scared, but when she pushes in line, throws Morgie's welcome card on the floor, and scribbles on his dinosaur drawing, they agree to ignore her. When their teacher notices, the youngsters reiterate Carole Anne's antisocial behavior. The new girl denies the accusations and refuses to discuss the problem. Over the weekend, Morgie discovers Carole Anne lost and crying near his house. He invites her to hunt for rocks and helps her home. In the process, he learns that she has moved twice this year, and begins to understand her behavior. In school, the class is amazed when the new friends present hand-painted “dinosaur eggs” for everyone. Carole Anne makes a public apology, explains her regrettable behavior, and all is forgiven. The muted acrylic illustrations are as warm and reassuring as the story itself. The iconographic film is enhanced with occasional movement such as Carole Anne's tongue darting nastily from her mouth. The narrator assumes the voices of the different characters, and original music for strings and woodwind provides a lively background in this entertaining, mildly didactic offering. Children can share their own school troubles in a pre- or post-viewing discussion.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 5 Up–Modern day Hannibal, MO, is presented in relationship to one of its most famous writers. Richard Garey portrays Mark Twain (aka Samuel L. Clemens), who has returned to Hannibal to reminisce about his growing up on “the most beautiful (waterfront) on the Mississippi.” Steamboat dockings from the 1800's are described in detail with the Mississippi River and a steamboat in the background. During a carriage ride through town, several locations important to Twain's writings are pointed out and their history is recounted. Some of the incidents in Twain's boyhood are told along the way, and Garey shares Twain's unique humor through his words. Along with Hannibal's current historic attractions, B&Bs, restaurants, and art galleries are mentioned. Banjo music is featured throughout the production. Twain's southern accent might be difficult to understand in a few instances. A good choice to show classes after reading either The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, especially since the last scene in the film is from the former novel.–Anita Lawson, Otsego High School, MI

K-Gr 4–It was only a matter of time before the Kidz Bop preteens would be belting out their Top 40 Hit remakes in a music-video format. Nine songs were selected from five Kidz Bop recordings; each is given its own spin, with different background stories from the adult versions as seen on MTV or VH-1. Live action, puppets, and animation are utilized in these productions. The video covers two Kelly Clarkson songs--”Since U Been Gone” and “Breakaway. “All Star” by SmashMouth tells the story of younger boys winning a game of pick-up basketball over several older bullies. Avril Lavigne's “Sk8er Boi” features preteens recording the song in a skateboard park. A bedroom dream sequence with a caveman setting is the theme behind Ashlee Simpson's “Pieces of Me.” Gavin DeGraw's “I Don't Want to Be” features people dressed in dog costumes in the park, meeting dogs who have completed dog obedience school. Pink's “Get the Party Started” is performed by Muppet-type puppets with party decorations on the stage, and Bowling for Soup's “1985” is an animated cartoon of teens at a club concert. The cleverest video is based on Jesse McCartney's “Beautiful Soul” in which a high-top sneaker is thrown into the trash and, after an adventure, returns home to find his “sole-mate.” Extras are limited to a featurette of the making of “Sk8er Boi,” “Breakaway,” and “All Star.” A fun way for youngsters to move beyond Sesame Street music videos.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2–She's ba-ack! Just when you thought she was gone, Roseanne Barr returns as the lead singer and on-camera talent for these 12 music videos. Her harsh, thin voice works either for or against her in the songs, depending on the selection and the message being pitched. Many videos are over-produced, both visually and musically. Music styles range from boogie-woogie to rock 'n roll to country western to Caribbean/reggae. Most songs are original compositions by either John Argent or Mike Himmelstein. Videos use live action, animation, puppets, or a mix of the three to carry the song's message. Each may be viewed with or without lyrics and a bouncing ball. “No Monsters Allowed,” an upbeat rock tune complete with background singers and organ, empowers the child who is afraid of the monsters in the dark. “I'm Gonna Tell on You” is a throwback to 1950's piano rock 'n' roll with sock puppet siblings bickering. The Lennon Sisters are channeled in “Let the Kids Boogie,” a 1950's boogie featuring kids “playing” in the band. “Calling All Kids” uses a campaign-stump concept to encourage everyone to make the world a better place. “I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart” uses every stereotype possible in this tribute to cowboys. Kennedy's classic “Teddy Bear's Picnic” features Barr as a park ranger looking for the picnic featuring the elusive teddy bears. Barr is the geeky kid who is obnoxious in the reggae tune “Going to the Doctor.” Fans of Barr may want to share this with their children or grandchildren, otherwise you can skip this one.–Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 9 Up–Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, was born in 1910 in Skopje, Serbia. Fascinated by mission work in India, and even though she had never seen a nun, she joined the Sisters of Loreto. She first went to Ireland, then to India where she taught school. Hearing “the call within a call” in 1946, she went amongst the poorest of the poor to serve them. Pope Pius XII allowed her to leave her order and, in 1950, she received permission to establish the Missionaries of Charity whose objective was to “serve the poor not just help.” Her work among the forgotten and abandoned became legendary as she expanded her mission worldwide. The film is part of the Great Souls series based on the book by David Aikman. Anecdotes from Sam Brownback, Ken Woodward, Dan Rather, and George Weigel, as well as some of Mother Teresa's religious contemporaries illuminate the life of this courageous woman. Location filming in Macedonia, France, and England enhances the film's visual appeal. The production concludes with “Compassion: A Symphonic Tribute to Mother Teresa” performed by the Virginia Beach Symphony. This film shows how the will of one determined woman helped to improve the lives of many people. Although religion is a key component, the film will be an inspiration for all viewers. Appropriate for school and public libraries.–Mike Brown, Bowie High School, MD

K-Gr 6–Meredith Gold, a nationally recognized developer of self-defense programs for children (and an abduction survivor herself), teaches lessons of empowerment and self-defense for kids. She instructs them to have RAW (Ready, Aware, Willing) power, real world self-defense and empowerment training, and to use their body and voice to stop attackers. The introductory discussion portion of the DVD will be more appreciated by adults, but the demonstrations by a group of young people are clear without being scary. Kids are taught to be aware of their surroundings; if they are feeling threatened, they need to set verbal boundaries, keep a safe distance, and be ready to fight for their lives. Simple and effective methods for breaking an attacker's grip are demonstrated by the children. A bonus segment features a 50-minute section, “ABC's of Bully Defense,” which defines bullies and discusses how kids can avoid, repel, and fight them off. The demonstrations and discussions describe realistic situations that children may encounter, and the lesson to “Avoid, Bargain, and Control” will empower kids to stand up to bullies and keep them from harassing others. Although the discussion may be long for kindergarteners, the techniques taught are simple enough for them to learn, and even teens could benefit from the lessons. While the DVD reinforces the fact that the world can be a dangerous place, it also emphasizes that learning to stay safe isn't scary. This powerful self-defense plan for kids, parents, and teachers can be a strong weapon against predators.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 6–Surrounded by fossil models, dinosaur expert and lecturer George Blasing presents straightforward information about current dinosaur research, infused with humor and showmanship. He clearly defines the current scientific definition of “dinosaur” and uses this opportunity to explode some persistent dinosaur myths. The show is fast-paced and fascinating. Dinosaur George uses correct scientific terminology and never talks down to his audience, but he puts everything on a level that children will understand. Only adults will catch some of the humor. He is particularly good at creating mental images that allow children to visualize and personalize the information. This is a very kid-centered presentation with lots of audience participation and hands-on examples. Dinosaur George introduces both large and small dinosaurs, and offers information about mammoths and saber-tooth cats. Young audiences will hang on his every word and will want to pay an immediate visit to their local libraries for more information (only to discover that much of it is probably not as current as this program). The DVD includes chapter access. This fascinating presentation will enthrall both children and adults.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 7 Up–So, why is there still a big fuss being made over Charles Darwin's 19th-century theory? Other than the perennial religious argument, what impact does that have on contemporary issues? This wonderfully effective program addresses just those topics in a clear and concise manner. Viewers learn how evolution affects research in areas such as medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture's pursuit of better pesticides and increasing product yields and disease resistance, conservation efforts intended to assist endangered plant and animal species, and more. Although the narration and commentary by significant biologists and other scientists is rather prosaic, their messages are not. One commentator pretty much sums up the importance of Origin of Species by saying that with evolution, biology simply “makes sense.” With this program, evolution itself “makes sense.” Sure to become a favorite of classroom teachers as well as a valuable addition to media collections.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up–This is one title in a three-part series centered on environmental issues impacting developing nations as well as the involvement of local communities to incite change from within. A female narrator serves as the guide to three different communities in urban and rural Mexico. Students receive a brief introduction to three varied landscapes, each facing unique threats to their residents' livelihoods and ecosystems. A group of young punk musicians express their frustrations with the problems that plague their overpopulated city by writing music that aims to raise community awareness. Volunteer action transforms the decaying streets of Mexico City bit by bit as the youths are shown working to turn their polluted neighborhoods into self-sustaining ecovillages. In rural Michoaca, dwindling communities try to stem the flow of residents who emigrate to urban areas by instilling a love for their land and exploring ways to develop self-sustaining agriculture. On the Baja peninsula, sea turtle populations have been decimated in recent years. The program follows one man who has taken on the task of educating school children about the peril facing these creatures. It also chronicles his efforts to tag and learn more about the sea turtles. This film not only highlights how communities can be involved in offering positive solutions to the difficult challenges they face, it also provides a jumping off point for discussion. One such example lies in the educator's recognition of the conflict between his teachings to protect the sea turtles' lives and his people's tradition of eating the creatures. This film will be a useful tool for middle and high school classes exploring environmental and sociological concerns.–Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 4-6–This collection of 18 two- to three-minute segments is designed to introduce science concepts related to the physics of force and motion. Among the topics covered are force, motion, friction, machines, pressure, and slopes. A glossary features “tough” vocabulary words with a link to the appropriate section. Segments use the format of news broadcasts, musical presentations, motion pictures, and classroom responses. Narration is done by animated characters, and there are many diagrams, models, formulas, and labels. The math formulas and explanations may need additional reinforcement by the instructor. Although the sections can be viewed individually, they are arranged in a sequential order that follows the relationship of the science principles. Teachers may choose to show one segment or more during a class period. The video and sound quality is fair. The animated characters may appeal to the intended age group, especially those children who relate well to graphic presentations. Teacher guidance is necessary. The brevity of the sections makes this title useful as an introduction to these topics or as a way to offer reinforcement for concepts already presented in class.–Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 4-6–This fast-paced program covers 10 concepts on the subject of matter, ranging from the physical properties of matter to the fundamental forces of nature. Each one- to two-minute snippet is narrated by an animated cast of culturally diverse characters, accompanied by crisp still and video photography, and a variety of musical styles and songs. From the main directory, students may choose to meet the characters, play a specific section, access a glossary, or play the entire program from start to finish. For example, in “Properties of Matter,” the female narrator describes the difference between physical and chemical properties. In “Down to the Atom,” the animated audience at the Ignite Theater gets a lesson in the makeup of an atom, narrated by a cartoon actor on stage. Mr. Bighead, a mad scientist, teaches several lessons, such as the development of “The Periodic Table of Elements.” A DJ, talking neutrons and electrons, and other clever features keep today's young video game players engaged. A good introduction to or review of the topics presented, and an excellent addition to science collections for elementary grades.–Linda Fortino, formerly Charles Quentin Elementary School, Palatine, IL

K-Gr 4–Everything a young child would want to know about stars can be found in the book by Bob Barner (Chronicle Books, 2002). It's filled with bold, colorful collage illustrations and rhyming informational text. This production capitalizes on this simple foundation, adding a child-like voice resonating with youthful wonder at the marvels of space. The bold graphics become animated with stars and planets moving toward viewers and then receding. The silhouette of a boy and his dog in the night sky help move the audience from place to place. Majestic sounds of orchestral music add to the feeling of the vastness of the universe. Color plays a dominant role in instruction--the sun is yellowish-orange, the planet Mars is red, and Earth is the familiar globe of blue water and green land. This quick trip through the night sky of stars, planets, and constellations is followed by two glossary sections which remain integral to the story. The “Meet the Planets” section, identifies each planet by its most defining characteristic. The “Meet the Universe” segment defines unfamiliar words such as constellation, meteor, and galaxy. The narration is well paced and perfectly synced to the animated art. The audio format has the same sound track, with page-turn signals on one side. This offering builds a solid fact-filled high interest foundation for further studies of the stars. A winner.–Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Gr 9 Up–Colonial Williamsburg's “Thomas Jefferson” introduces the Great Awakening, a mid-18th century religious revival, by explaining how it challenged the power of the Anglican Church in Virginia and contributed to the eventual establishment of religious freedom clauses in Virginia and the United States. The Jefferson character, who is portrayed in his post-presidency years, discusses the religious ideas and events of the Great Awakening, providing a general narration that leads to short dramatic scenes. The vignettes depict the sermons of evangelist George Whitfield, the deliberations of Anglican and Virginia officials who resisted the evangelical movement, the impact of the religious upheaval on Sarah and John Henry (parents of Patrick), and the sermons and influence of Presbyterian Samuel Davies, who became Virginia's first licensed dissenting minister and preached a gospel that all, including the colony's slaves, were entitled to God's grace. Visuals include shots of Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg and the reenacted scenes. Although this film does give viewers a glimpse into how the Great Awakening stirred fervor and threatened the government-supported Anglican Church, it ends abruptly, with Davies leaving Virginia for Princeton, and Jefferson explaining that the American Revolution overturned the old order, leading to Virginia's statute of religious freedom in 1786 and the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1791. It does not explain how Davies and the events in Virginia fit into the larger context of the religious revival that affected both England and all of the colonies, or how the Great Awakening specifically led to the eventual adoption of freedom of religion protections. These weaknesses limit the film's educational effectiveness, making it a supplementary purchase for school collections.–Mary Muller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4 Up–This DVD takes viewers on a tour of the impressive model train display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, while at the same incorporating lessons on geography, economics, transportation and, of course, trains. The model train display, which depicts the more than 2,200 mile journey from Chicago to Seattle, features 1,400 feet of track, 500 buildings made to scale, 28 bridges, and 35 trains continually traversing three main lines. The voyage begins in Seattle, where a crane lifts cargo containers from ships onto flatbed rail cars. It then follows the cars to their destinations, offering lessons in how coal is used to make steel and how trees eventually become 2 x 4s. Video images of real locations in Seattle and Chicago are interspersed with the scale buildings that are part of the model train display. The most impressive parts of the display include a 14-foot replica of the Sears Tower, Seattle's Space Needle, and a tunnel through the Rocky Mountains. There's even a view of a subway stop in Chicago, which the narrator notes is a favorite of toddlers, since it's at their eye level. Brief mention is made of how the display was constructed, but for those who want to learn more, the DVD contains a bonus “Layout Construction” video. Train buffs and model train enthusiasts will soak up every second of this DVD, but it may be too much railroad jargon, etc. for students who aren't planning a field trip to the Chicago museum.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 9 Up–With only a few words of dialogue, the participants in this documentary demonstrate the skills necessary to build a home with only primitive tools. Shot in Mongolia, the purpose of the film is “to record how nomads lived off of the land using natural elements.” The modern world could learn a lesson or two about working in teams and using available materials from the Mongolian nomads who build a transportable home in this fascinating film. Mujaan (The Craftsman) reveals ancient skills from measuring and building to culling a sheep from the herd and cooking it. Men and women work together as partners to accomplish a goal. Interspersed between segments are shots of an artist using specific Mongol techniques to paint a record of the events depicted in the film. With excellent editing, the intercutting adds a great deal of interest. It is amazing to watch the transformation of a standing tree into a felt-covered, round house that can be dismantled and stored atop a small cart. Almost all the action takes place with background music but without dialogue. Lesson plans are included, and audio tracks on the DVD prepare teachers to answer students' questions. This film preserves a record of skills and a way of life that is disappearing in the modern world.–Alice O'Grady, Wilson High School, Long Beach, CA

Gr 9 Up–Dr. Rajani Thiranagama's name isn't widely known in our country, but she stands out in the roster of 20th-century human rights martyrs. This tribute to her values, her struggle, and her legacy illustrates the influence one person can have in the effort to transform troubled societies. Utilizing fascinating archival footage, sharp re-creations, as well as contemporary video of the history of Sri Lanka's ongoing bitter ethnic civil war, the program carefully and movingly documents Dr. Thiranagama's metamorphosis from a privileged childhood to physician to activist to casualty. Her sister serves as the narrator while her parents, husband, children, and colleagues provide additional insight into one of the world's foremost humanitarians. In addition, we witness, from Thiranagama's perspective, the larger struggle which took place in the developing society of a former British Commonwealth country. Sadly, similar situations still occur in other nations, often with analogous pain, death, and turmoil. If this is the message that the producers intended to portray, they've certainly succeeded. The program transitions smoothly from introduction to tragic conclusion, but with that same sense of hope and progress so evident in Dr. Thiranagama's sacrifice. A valuable addition to both political science and women's studies areas of media collections.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up–As educators, one of our responsibilities is to help children try to understand the world in which we live. Many events, however, defy explanation and truly test our consciences and our personal as well as national strengths. In this award-winning documentary, a young filmmaker devotes five years of his life to traveling the world in search of an explanation for a number of horrific incidents of human cruelty and aggression. His quest focuses on the manner in which the survivors of cataclysmic events are able to recover and recapture their life's spirit. He visits a number of sites whose names recall some of our history's darkest moments: the lethal wasteland of Bhopal, India; the killing fields of Cambodia; Sarajevo's bullet-marked buildings; the anniversary of Hiroshima's atomic destruction; our own World Trade Center site; Afghanistan's still-suffering population; as well as both Palestinian and Israeli families who have lost children in that long-suffering region. Velcrow Ripper, our pilgrim, serves as narrator, director, writer, cinematographer, and editor as we meet ordinary people dealing with extraordinary crises. Subtitles are frequently utilized during the interviews, while both black-and-white and stunning full-color visuals during the world-wide voyage enhance the documentary. The presentation is void of ferociousness or revenge in either its conversations or imagery; instead we witness remarkable instances of resilient individuals attempting to build something positive from these tragedies. This moving and ultimately uplifting film deserves consideration for inclusion in most media collections.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up–The unique culture of Japan has been one of mystery and fascination for Westerners for centuries. One colorful and significant element of that society is explored in this captivating program which details the creation, development, historical significance, and ongoing role of the Samurai. Against a subdued background of traditional Japanese music, a variety of both Western and Japanese sociologists accompany viewers through the thousand years of Samurai history, illustrated with traditional Japanese woodblock prints in stunning color and with the addition of 3D animation. A clever feature is the inclusion of Japanese characters when English language terminology is introduced on the screen. Significant events in Japan's history are highlighted. As the independent states which would eventually become the country of Japan fought among themselves, their bravest warriors reached the Samurai level and lived by the Bushido (“Way of the Warrior”) code of honor, which is still instrumental in the corporate philosophies of Japan's major companies. Interestingly, the influence of Western culture is depicted through the introduction of the first firearms (by the Jesuits, no less), Admiral Perry's opening of Tokyo in 1854, and the various “interactions” of the United States from the 1900s to the present. As noted in the presentation's conclusion, “the spirit of the Samurai lives on.” This absorbing program will be popular with viewers and will be a valuable instructional tool.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 8 Up–In this episode of the PBS series, host Amy Eldon visits post-apartheid South Africa. During her time in the country, she talks with actors and playwrights in Soweto, walks the now-deserted areas of what was once the multiracial District Six, tours the cells of Robben Island prison with a former political prisoner, looks at apartheid art at the National Gallery, tastes wine at the nation's first black-owned “New Beginnings Winery,” and sees the restored wilderness of a game reserve. Eldon is upbeat about South Africa's prospects and her stories illustrate how it is becoming a place of hope and increasing opportunity. However, in her conclusion, she does mention the AIDS crisis and growing violence that have beset South Africa, and concludes with a quote from Nelson Mandela reminding viewers that there is “no easy walk to freedom.” Eldon narrates, and visuals include many beautiful shots of the country and the people she meets. This interesting production offers a more balanced look at South Africa's transition from apartheid than Cape Town, South Africa: A Tribute (Nov. 2003, p. 69), which fails to even mention some of the nation's persistent difficulties. However, its 2003 copyright date makes it slightly dated and it is more suited to a television audience than a classroom, making it an additional purchase for geography or current history classes.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO