Multimedia Review

Gr 4–8—This upbeat instructional video, made for kids by kids, features a girl and two boys who demonstrate the preparation of a simple Chinese meal without adult supervision. The hosts show and explain common Chinese ingredients and tools and then go to San Francisco's Chinatown to purchase ingredients. The youngsters prepare egg flower soup, stir-fried chicken, and almond cookies. Lastly, they show how the food would be served at a typical Chinese family's table. Special features include a glossary of Chinese words and phrases and instructions on how to use chopsticks. Recipes are given within the program or can be downloaded from the Web site (EarlyStartMandarin.com). With information about Chinese culture and exposure to Mandarin Chinese words and phrases, children will enjoy this cooking lesson.—Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

PreS—Intended for infants and toddlers, this fast-paced production covers a range of material including writing, reading, verbs, numbers 1 to 20, categorization, and more. It begins without an introduction and is hosted by 12 stars, each a different color. The female narrator is shown in a picture-in-a-picture type box throughout the video. At times, her narration is stilted. In one of the beginning sequences, "A Day of Verbs," live-action video is shown of children accompanied by the narrator making statements such as "eat, lunch, food." The footage, a combination of computer animation and live-action video, is accompanied by original music and lyrics. Many of the activities, such as early reading and simple equations, are not developmentally appropriate for most children ages one to four, the target audience. An additional purchase for public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

K-Gr 3—Hosted by several members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, this live-action production introduces the different types of fire engines, equipment, and various jobs done by firefighters and paramedics. Divided into six sections, each narrated by a professional firefighter, viewers get a tour of fire engines, hook and ladder trucks, a fire boat, a paramedic's rescue ambulance, and a rescue helicopter. Children will enjoy seeing each apparatus in action, including a demonstration of the hoses, ladders, and sirens. Some of the terminology is complex but can be understood when coupled with visual demonstrations. Special features include a ride on a fire engine and a fire boat, where viewers see what it's like to race to a real fire. For public library collections.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 1—This live-action production features the Bedbugs, siblings Gooby, Joofy, and their sister Woozy. These humans dressed as adorable bedbugs have large, friendly light blue, green, or yellow heads and wear brightly colored pajamas. Throughout the three episodes—"The Lost Sock Adventure," "Pirates of the Bugabean," and "Rainy Day"—the Bedbugs are joined by their puppet friends Windy the window, Fluffy the fish, Snoozy the pillow, and J. Edgar the vacuum cleaner. In each energy-filled segment, the Bedbugs sing, dance, and learn valuable lessons. In "The Lost Sock Adventure," the Bedbugs learn the importance of keeping their bedroom clean by putting their dirty clothes and toys in the right places. In "Pirates of the Bugabean," they use their imaginations to go on a pirate adventure and a treasure hunt in their room where the boys learn that girls like adventures as much as they do and that teamwork is important. In "Rainy Day," the Bedbugs learn that you can have just as much fun playing inside as you do outside. Graphics and animation are seamlessly woven into the live action. The DVD also includes three sing-along songs and a clip from one of the Bedbugs live performances. Librarians will want to have this quality production on their shelves.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 2–6—Skye feels left out around her friend Jack, so she jumps at the chance to join cool Brittany's group by throwing a party for her. Soon Skye looks and acts like the other girls in Brittany's exclusive clique. She doesn't like being mean to kids, especially Jack, but she wants to be popular. Jack compares what has happened to Skye to being brainwashed by aliens and he succeeds in convincing her to be herself again. Even Brittany and her friends get the message, and in the end Brittany sings a song about being yourself with Jack and Skye's band. The animator, Trevor Romain, appears as himself in live-action footage, but the rest of the film is animated with a cast of diverse characters. Romain occasionally brings Skye and Jack out of the animated story and into his studio to give them advice. Students will enjoy the catchy background music and songs as well as the stylized animation. The story and characters are somewhat exaggerated and the message that liking yourself is the real secret to being popular is very obvious. Bonus features on the DVD include an interview with Romain, music videos, Spanish subtitles, and more. A fine vehicle to promote in-class student discussions about cliques and the nature of true friendship.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 9 Up—-This segment from ABC's 20-20 takes a very brief look at risk-taking behavior in teens. Psychologist Dr. Frank Farley calls these teens "Type T" personalities, or thrill-seekers. They engage in car-surfing and other dangerous but exhilarating activities. He points out that young adults who are addicted to risk-taking exhibit these tendencies as early as age two. Most, but not all, are boys. Farley states that there's no way to stop the risk-taking, and the parents' best bet is to channel that behavior into "organized, helmet-wearing extreme sports." For example, Olympic snowboader Shaun White's parents recognized his high-risk personality early and got him started snowboarding. The program offers some interesting facts and is professionally produced, but could have offered more than a cursory look at risk addition. This title will be of more interest to parents and teachers than students.—Sarah Flowers, Santa Clara County Library, CA

Gr 5–12—Teens are challenged to make thoughtful life choices in this well-crafted character education-based series that uses extreme sports activities to teach teamwork, trust, conflict resolution, and more. Both series begin with the same Lake Tahoe set of DVDs. Of the six introductory episodes, Cliff Jumping and Flying Trapeze are particularly compelling for relevancy and dramatic style. All episodes use a similar formula, featuring an abundance of camera fade-outs, live action, and candid interviews. The diverse teens are shown riding to their destination and interacting playfully as a group. As they prepare for each sport, viewers hear the young men and women discuss their feelings about the activity and how they plan to handle the fear factor. While some undertaking appear quite treacherous, such as the high cliff jumping and skydiving, experienced adults are nearby and there is never a feeling that safety is compromised. After each competition, a male and a female facilitator initiate a group discussion about how the activity relates to a specific life skill. Both series successfully present the extreme sports activities as a metaphor for the myriad issues teens face—peer pressure, relationships, drug and alcohol use, media messages, self-esteem, and more. The energetic pace and liberal dose of rock music in these easily digestible episodes will mainatain teen interest. The Florida DVDs in the first series feature older high-school students, and upper-elementary grade children will feel comfortable with the on-camera group. The featured participants in the Carolina DVDs in the second series are college-aged students, making these appropriate for older middle- and high-school viewers. Well-organized facilitators' guides offer generous resource lists for character education. These superior programs will be ideal catalysts for discussion.—Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA

Gr 11 Up—This interactive DVD is divided into four segments: "Preparation," "The Day Of," "Illegal Questions," and "Mr. Aitchar." The first three sections present an overview of the interview process from preparation to follow-up. A multiethnic cast of young adults role play a variety of scenarios job seekers might encounter in the course of an interview. The program offers solid advice and tips on a variety of key components that go a long way towards making a positive first impression, including posture, verbal articulation, and how to handle uncomfortable or illegal questions. The final section allows viewers to synthesize what they've learned by simulating an actual interview. They must choose among multiple possible responses to interview questions, which are general enough to apply to many kinds of jobs. The simulation offers succinct explanations as to why certain responses are better than others. Different questions are explored and responses recorded until the interviewee is hired, has the resume put on file, or has the resume torn up on the spot. The only occasional detractions in this useful program are the busy, computer-animated backgrounds and loud colors. A concise introduction to the interviewing process.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 7 Up—Twenty-five women business owners are featured in this brief overview. Comprised of a succession of still images, a voice-over narration by each of the career women, and electronic background music, the program highlights the pros and cons of owning one's own business. Prevailing themes include the fun of being the boss, the necessity of hard work and a 24/7 commitment, and the great sense of satisfaction achieved. Among the careers presented are dry cleaner, florist, grocery store owner, restauranteur, bicycle courier, and more. Most of the women are Caucasian and mature, and teens may not easily identify with them. A great deal of business wisdom is embedded in the narration, but more information about balancing work and personal time, financing, handling bills, money management, and definitions of business terms would have made this DVD more useful. Visuals appear stiff with the repetitive sequence of each entrepreneur's face, a desk or work space, tools and working environment. The resource guide, an important supplement to the film, includes the script, discussion questions, and detailed biographies of each entrepreneur. While this is useful as an introduction to entrepreneurial careers for women, there is not much in-depth advice offered.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 9 Up—Narrated by Jamie-Lynn Sigler of The Sopranos (a survivor of anorexia), this program defines eating disorders, explains how to recognize those suffering from them, and explains how to get help. The filmmakers talk with several young women and one young man who have battled various eating disorders. The troubled teens discuss why they became bulimic and/or anorexic, offering reasons that range from depression to the need to assert control over their lives to sexual abuse. In one striking segment, the young women discuss the many disturbing effects that eating disorders have had on their bodies, including hair loss and tooth decay. One teen's video diary graphically depicts the reality of living with an eating disorder, and in an interview with two teens, one explains how she intervened in order to save her friend's life. The production's strength is the powerful personal testimonials.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 9 Up—Filmed at a high school that has implemented a healthy food vending program, this live-action production explains why "junk food" is fittingly named and shows viewers how to balance their diets with nutritious snacks. Two registered dieticians respond to questions posed by teens about snacks and nutrition, and the narrator expands on the subject. Among the topics discussed are obesity, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Viewers also learn about trans fats, bad cholesterol, healthy nutrition, how to read food labels, and more. Short on-screen quizzes keep the experience interactive. The information presented is recapped by the narrator at the end of the film. A good choice for a health or science curriculum.—Danna Kubacak, Clear Creek High School, League City, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Eighteen episodes of the smoothly animated PBS cartoon series that blends learning, entertainment, and moral lessons are included in this hefty collection featuring Marc Brown's beloved aardvark. After each adventure, there is either a brief live-action segment featuring elementary school students or the author sharing insight into his writing. For example, after the episode "Ants in Arthur's Pants" (about science projects gone wrong), there's a brief segment starring youngsters in their classroom observing, recording, and discussing what they see in nature. Among the other episodes are "Cast Away," "Buster's Amish Mismatch," and "April 9^th." The DVDs include downloadable teaching materials in pdf format. Fans of Arthur and his pals will be delighted by this compilation of the award-winning TV series.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Banch, Burnsville, MN

PreS-Gr 4—Baxter, an adorable cockapoo, and his canine friends love spending time at the local dog park. When they learn that the park is going to be closed and replaced by a parking garage, they come up with plans to stop the development including a petition and an attempt to steal the plans from the woman in charge of the project. Told from Baxter's point of view, this iconographic tale is well narrated by Shelly Frasier. Each dog has a unique personality right down to food allergies and occupations such as a therapy dog, and Frasier gives each pooch a distinctive voice. The illustrations of the dogs are realistic, but the humans are done from a slightly skewed perspective. While the story line is entertaining, there are some didactic elements, such as when an older, wiser dog explains what a petition is and how it tells elected officials what community members want. In addition, the death of one of the dogs from old age is jarring. An additional purchase best suited to one-on-one viewing.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 4—Bonnie loves to sing, especially with her father playing the fiddle and her mother harmonizing. However, at school her shyness keeps her from sharing her voice. When her family feels the effects of the Great Depression, it seems there is little left to sing about. Bonnie's mother takes in laundry, and her father eventually abandons the family, embarrassed by his inability to find work. The void he leaves in her life is a constant sorrow, and Bonnie sets out to find her dad and bring him home. There's no place for shyness in her search, and it is music that finally ends her quest. Jo and Josephine Harper's picture book (Turtle Books, 2005) is poignant historical fiction told from a child's point of view, lovingly and warmly illustrated in oil and acrylic by Ron Mazellan. Heart-touching original background music, and a few background sounds, accompany the presentation, which can be viewed in either Spanish or English. The English-language version is sensitively narrated by Jo Harper, while the Spanish-language portion is told in the competent, rich voice of Laz Harris. The illustrations are scanned iconographically. The text is rather long compared to the number of illustrations, resulting in the same pictures being scanned in multiple ways repeated times. These gorgeous illustrations were created to be seen as a whole, from a distance, and their beauty is sometimes diminished by the close scrutiny and loss of context required in this medium. This gentle, thought-provoking taste of a difficult period of American history is beautifully written and illustrated—and this might not be the best format in which to enjoy it.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 1–6—Nancy Wand and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo team up together as Eth-Noh-Tec, the weaving (Tec) of cultures East and West (Eth) to create new possibilities (Noh). This unique duo combine dramatic storytelling, rhythm, and dance to perform six multicultural folktales. The simplicity of the presentation provides an excellent venue to showcase their expressions, body movements, and vocalizations. There are no props or background music, and the performers wear the same colorful clothing in each episode. As the writers, choreographers, and performers, the team excels at bringing to life stories such as "The New Ghost" (China), "The Big Liar" (Vietnam), "The Terrible Leak" (Japan), "Pilandok's Magic" (Philippines), and "Mr. and Mrs. Miser" (India). The final tale, "Seven Silly Fellows" (Philippines), includes an introduction to Filipino culture, an explanation of clothing, and a counting lesson, all incorporating audience participation. Bravo to these talented performers. Viewers will be enchanted with their pure and simple storytelling. Appropriate for language arts and social studies units, fine arts instructors will find this title useful as well.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

Gr 1–5—Viewers will empathize with Mei Mei and her difficulties accepting a new language and culture in this iconographic version of Ellen Levine's book (Scholastic, 1989). "Such a lonely language./Each letter stands alone/and makes its own noise./Not like Chinese," laments the protagonist after her family moves from Hong Kong to New York City. At the Chinatown Learning Center, Mei Mei interacts with other Chinese children after school, but avoids speaking English. During an enjoyable trip to Jones Beach, it becomes clear that she and her friend understand every word a lifeguard utters, but they refuse to acknowledge or respond to him. One kind teacher at the Center is intent on teaching the child to converse, explaining that "…in America almost everything happens in English…Don't you want to ask for pizza…[or]… ice cream?...Don't you want to talk with me? I want to talk with you." At first, Mei Mei is frustrated and afraid of losing her Chinese identity, but when she is finally prompted to share memories of Children's Day celebrations and New Year's dragon dances, her teacher thanks her "for giving me a present of English." The story is narrated by the author with gentle string music in the background. Steve Bjorkman's bright, cartoon-style watercolor illustrations reveal the character's strong emotions. A close-up of a single tear running down Mei Mei's hot red cheeks speaks volumes; each of her bold red Chinese characters looks like an intricate work of art. At the story's conclusion, Levine speaks about how her own experience teaching English to teens at a community center contributed to the book. An inspiring production.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4–7—This series provides students with a solid foundation in math concepts. Each module includes a DVD of lessons, a teacher's guide, blackline masters, and a CD-ROM containing the blackline masters in two formats, one of which can be edited. Each DVD concentrates on an area of math skills, divided into specific lessons and subtopics within the lessons. A short cartoon featuring teen aliens facing a math conundrum, and solving it, begins and ends each lesson. The voices of these characters, as well as their teachers, continue throughout the lesson as graphics illustrate key math concepts, keeping the program interesting. The lessons also include math problems, guided practice, and "Mr. Tu's Challenge Sets," all of which support the concepts presented and offer additional practice. Module 1 deals with number sense, order of operations, divisibility rules, properties of addition and multiplication, inverse operations, and more. Module 2 emphasizes whole number operations and problem-solving strategies. Module 3 teaches about positive and negative numbers and absolute value and explains how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers. Module 4 presents fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and factors, teaching students how to change from one to the other, how to simplify fractions, and more. Each lesson ends with a review segment. This carefully conceived, beautifully organized series teaches important math skills clearly, while allowing users or teachers plenty of flexibility in the learning process. The valuable guide and blackline masters offer extension activities. The DVDs can be watched in order, or users can select specific lessons or subtopics within the lessons. This excellent program can be used to augment classroom math instruction, to teach math in a home-school setting, or for individualized instruction.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 3–5—This is applied problem solving at its finest. Want to know what size graduation cake to order? Divide the size of the cake by the number of guests, and see if the answer is an adequate-sized portion. Having a garage sale and trying to decide how to price the T-shirts you're selling? Turn your question into a math problem. Work the problem several times using a variety of prices and decide which one gives you the profit you want. Each program uses a real-life problem and features diverse live actors, with adults cheering on the kids who are actually using math to help them problem solve. The scenarios feel a bit like sit-coms, since there is a laugh-track and background music in addition to the dialogue. The audience hears the kids working their problem through and then sees their computations in number, graph, and spreadsheet formats. Want to know what size aquarium to buy? How many fish it will hold? Which piece of furniture it will fit on? As the parents repeatedly say to their kids, "Do the math!" Each DVD can be played in its entirety, which is one vignette from beginning to end, or it can be accessed section by section for teaching purposes. Students will see just how relevant math is in their daily life, and teachers will have the perfect answer to the age-old question, "Why do we have to know this?"—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

PreS-Gr 3—A set decorated like a store that sells musical instruments creates the background for Eric Ode's first music video. He engages Scratch (a human-sized orange cat puppet) to help him repair an A-flat schnugelhorn by having him go out to find a needed part—a hula hoop. This story weaves in and out of the rest of the video, which features ten of Ode's songs. Live-action footage in locations such as a library, a zoo, a greenhouse, and an amusement park provide backdrops for some of the mostly rock-style songs. Vocal, instrumental, and children's chorus performances are good. Ode welcomes viewers with "How Are You Doing?," and continues with "Trash Can," during which several people use drumsticks to tap on ladders, steering wheels, trash can lids, and other items. Among the other tunes are "At the Library," "This Song Has No Elephants," "I Love My Shoes," and "Washing the Dog." "Worms" includes a brief animation sequence on earthworms. "How to Cure Hiccups" is a poem, giving silly suggestions, such as painting one's toes red. While this is an entertaining production, it will be an additional purchase for most libraries.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—Born Karol Wojtyla in a small town near Krakow, Poland, Pope John Paul II was to become one of the most popular yet controversial leaders of the 20th century. A sensitive young man and deeply affected by the suffering of the Polish people at the hands of the Nazis, he was drawn to the priesthood in 1942 after the death of his father. The film traces his rise to power in the Catholic Church and his elevation to the papacy in 1978—the first non-Italian pope in nearly 500 years. As Pope, he maintained his conservative views despite pressure for the Church to change with the times. The program is followed by a symphonic tribute to Pope John Paul II performed by the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra. An excellent tool for reinforcing Christian values as well as for educating students about the important role this humble yet powerful man played in the history of the world.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 9 Up—This program chronicles the life of Christian evangelist George Muller who was born in Germany in 1805 and as a young man lived a life of sin and debauchery. Hoping to turn his life around, his father sent him to the university to study divinity. At a prayer meeting, he found fulfillment in God. Muller believed that his mission was to rescue orphans from the streets of Bristol, England, by providing free housing and education. Without pleas for public support and with no government funding, he eventually provided accommodations for thousands of orphaned children. The program alternates between dramatizations and documentary footage with a male narrator visiting various historic sites. The film is a bit disjointed and difficult to follow at times due to shifts between time periods. Of additional concern is a statement that the end of the slave trade meant the loss of one of Bristol's main sources of income, giving the impression that the abolition of the slave trade had a negative impact. However, the film does provide an accurate portrayal of the life of this man of God and impresses upon viewers the power of prayer and the trials and tribulations of a life of faith. An additional purchase for Christian school libraries and public libraries with a need for Christian materials.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 7 Up—Our country's seemingly unquenchable thirst for energy isn't focused solely on oil; the domestic coal industry supplies the fuel which produces half of our electricity. Just as in the search for petroleum, the methods used to obtain coal often damage our environment. This award-winning program examines the expanding practice of replacing underground coal mines with mountaintop removal techniques, scarring the earth's surface and radically altering the environment. America's Appalachian region, particularly West Virginia, has suffered disfigurement which is superbly chronicled in this masterful examination of the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this economic, political, and social crisis. Narrated smoothly by Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls), the program utilizes an effective mix of interviews, vintage film footage, graphics, and subtle yet moving regional music. It succinctly summarizes the history of the coal mining industry up to the tremendous support it has found in the Bush administration and the legal struggle undertaken to preserve the cultural as well as the physical heritage of the region by local citizens and national environmental groups. Images of the formerly pristine wilderness are juxtaposed with the ravaged landscape. The story presented in this compelling film needs to be shared.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

PreS-Gr 3—Chameleons are cool, and so is this version of Martin Jenkins's award-winning book (Candlewick, 1997) in which a young boy explains the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitats of this unique type of lizard. The text is chock full of humor as well as fascinating facts about chameleons. Debra Leigh enthusiastically reads the engaging text. Jenkins explodes myths and offers interesting information that will delight young viewers. Sue Shields's brilliant, eye-catching watercolor-and-ink illustrations merit the close examination they receive here as they are scanned iconographically. The "Did You Know?" section at the end of the program offers more amazing facts about chameleons. This small treasure entertains as it educates.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—This dramatic and thought-provoking program describes the science behind the hypothesis that air pollution has masked the full effects of global climate change by blocking sunlight from reaching the earth. It begins by describing the research behind the discovery of global dimming, the phenomenon by which particles of air pollution initiate the formation of reflective clouds, which in turn reflect sunlight away from the earth. Segments featuring climate scientists provide a terrific demonstration of how they conduct research. For example, one especially interesting study utilized data collected during the grounding of all commercial aircraft following the tragedy of 9/11 to examine the effects of aircraft contrails on temperature patterns in the U.S. Increasing support for the global dimming hypothesis led to the recognition that it could be affecting global climate patterns; this is the topic of the latter part of the program. Scientists made the startling discovery that air pollution may be protecting us from accelerated global warming. Interviews with climate modelers reveal the future implications of this discovery. The videography and narration are excellent, the content is engaging, and the segments featuring scientists are superb. A minor complaint is that dissenting voices are not heard. Most suitable for advanced students who already have an understanding of global warming.—Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 7 Up—In a remote village in Turkey, five siblings walk quadrapedally, using their feet and the palms of their hands. Scientists have different theories about the cause of this condition. Some propose a controversial theory that these individuals' genetic codes have suppressed the gene that allows modern humans to walk upright, resulting in a sort of de-evolution. This supposition results in a confrontation with Turkish military police who threaten to close down the filming, stating that the theory of evolution contradicts the teachings of Islam. Other scientists speculate that the condition is due to a combination of neurological disorders and social factors. Interspersed between interviews with scientists and doctors about the genetics of neurological disorders are scenes of this family's life in Turkey: the father's adherence to his Islamic faith despite his children's outcast status in their village; the village children's harassment of the quadrapedial son, who can only lash out in anger; and the visit of a physical therapist who begins to teach them bipedal mobility using walkers and parallel bars. Viewers learn about the cutting edge science of genetics as well as the society in which these people live. The film's production values are excellent, with smooth and clear female narration. Interviews with experts from Turkey, England, Germany, and America add a diversity of opinions and worldviews. Women are presented in non-traditional roles, from lab technicians in Germany to a doctor/translator in Turkey. The program is sure to spark debate among mature students. Some images of unusual genetic mutations in humans can be disturbing, including half-exposed buttocks to show tail-like appendages and a man with an extra pair of nipples. Educators should be forewarned that "viewer discretion" is advised.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 7 Up—Scientists working independently around the globe have discovered evidence indicating the occurrence of a catastrophic event 75,000 years ago: the explosion of a megavolcano, a thousand times more powerful than any eruption in recorded history. Specialists from diverse fields analyze levels of sulfuric acid in the glacial ice of Greenland, measure a drastic drop in oceanic temperature due to the concentration of oxygen isotopes found in underwater sediment, and match geological fingerprints left by the composition of particles found in volcanic ash samples from around the world. These scientific sleuths track down a crater left by an ancient volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumatra at the site of Lake Toba. Computer animation and archival footage of other volcanoes demonstrate the destructive power of this phenomenon, while additional animation shows how volcanoes are formed and illustrate the distribution of sulfuric clouds following an eruption. Despite the global nature of the program, all featured scientists are from North American institutions. There is a female volcanologist collecting samples and conducting studies in a treacherous, remote part of the world, showing that women have important roles in this field. Group viewing will lead to interesting discussions about climate change and the possibility of another megavolcano eruption in the near future, including one in Yellowstone National Park, which according to some scientists is about 40,000 years overdue.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—This film provides a rare look at the lives of the Amish of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Interviews with farmers, a family of "adopted" converts, and a Mennonite restauranteur shed light on the group's choice to isolate themselves and live mostly without modern conveniences. The presentation is well-balanced, and the advantages and disadvantages of the lifestyle are objectively reported. Modern teens will wonder at the Amish young people's ability to sit through three hour weekly church services, wear uncool clothes, and survive without electronics. A shoeless coed volleyball game is considered scintillatingly modern. The film does leave some unanswered questions. There is no reason given for the Amish preference not to be photographed, yet a number of them agreed to be photographed for this film. Also, viewers learn that the Amish fled Sweden, Alsace, and Germany for religious freedom, but are never told exactly how their beliefs differ from other sects of Protestantism or whether the eschewing of electricity and cars has religious significance. The narration suffers from a monotonous delivery, but the information presented is interesting. The camera's sweep of the rolling hills and impeccable farms of the Amish countryside is like a glimpse back in time.—Constance Dickerson, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood, OH

Gr 9 Up—In an effort meant to help topple the regime of Cuban Premier Fidel Castro, the United States implemented an economic and financial embargo on Cuba in 1962 which continues today. The success of the United States against one of the smallest and least developed countries is limited at best. Members of the humanitarian aid group, Pastors for Peace, are the centerpiece of this one-sided examination of the embargo guidelines and their effectiveness. Members and supporters of the group narrate their findings as they travel through Cuba and talk with a cross-section of residents from the streets of Havana to very rural villages. Comments in Spanish are subtitled in English. Throughout the program, the resolve and national pride of the Cuban people surface even though their standard of living has obviously suffered in the four decades since the U.S. has tried to virtually cut off trade between Cuba and most Western countries. While the collapse of the Soviet Union in the last decade has had a profound effect on the already struggling Cuban economy, the producers note the strides made in areas of health care and the environment. The informality of using handheld video cameras, delightful stills, and a lively background of Cuban music add to the earnestness of the pastors' message—the Cuban culture has survived despite pressures which beg to be reexamined. Although Castro's precarious medical condition may set the stage for changes in the future, this remains a title worthy of consideration for most media collections.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 6—10—Civil War is a collection of four short films that highlight aspects of life during the American Civil War. It opens with a very brief "Time and Place" introduction that places the Civil War geographically and on a timeline. Footage of reenactors in "6th New Hampshire" depict the often dull routine of daily camp life in the regiment, which had many musicians in its ranks and used music to relieve the monotony of the camp. "Atlanta Diary" follows a 14-year-old girl during the 1864 Union attack on the city. She writes in her diary about her alternating boredom and fear, and about how her mother was killed by a Union shell, leaving her an orphan. "Siege at Petersburg" also uses reenactments to highlight the hardships of life for Confederate soldiers under siege during the autumn of 1864. "Underground Railroad" follows an enslaved boy who runs away. During his flight, he hears his mother's voice giving him instructions on how to elude slave catchers and find sanctuary on the Underground Railroad. The four main segments run from five- to eight-minutes each, and lesson plans and classroom instructional materials help students reflect upon and analyze these segments. Although Inecom's Gettysburg and Stories of Valor (Nov. 2004, p. 78) presents life during the Civil War in a more traditional documentary format, these films, which feature young people as the main characters, will appeal to teen viewers, making them a good supplementary choice for libraries that need material about life during the Civil War.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 1–6—Emilio, 9, and his family visit his grandmother in Costa Rica and take viewers along on a video record of their travels. We learn where Costa Rica is located and about the plants, animals, and geography of the country. Emilio also explores the market, walks through the rain forest in Monteverde, learns about ox carts, and visits the volcano and other locations. Some Spanish words are introduced and shown on-screen, but they are not always explained. The program is exactly what it purports to be—a record of a family's vacation, with a few educational elements added. Some segments seem almost like an advertisement for Monteverde and its attractions. Emilio narrates the entire program, with unobtrusive background music and ambient sounds. The narration stumbles now and then, the camera work is sometimes a bit jerky, and the segues lack flow. Still, this program gives young viewers a brief introduction to an interesting country.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 6—The 19th title in the Families of the World Series offers a day-in-the-life glimpse at the lives of two children and their families from different locales in Australia. Eight-year-old Phoebe lives on a farm near Attunga with her parents and older brother. Joshua, 7, lives in Sydney with his parents and younger sister. The segments, narrated by the youngsters, follow them throughout their day, detailing chores, school, sports, after school activities, and mealtime. Within the narration, information about history, climate, droughts, education, farming, and culture of Australia is provided. Since these children are so young, viewers above the third grade may have a problem relating to them. The live-action video is very good, and scenes of vegetation, the landscape, and animals reflect the unique Australian experience. The film gives students the opportunity to compare and contrast life in rural and urban Australia with their own.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 2–5—"My school is made of mud," explains Ramesh in this illuminating series of short documentaries about the myriad ways children attend school in India. The narrators, ranging in age from 9 to 12, tell of schools in the middle of a lake, on a parked bus, in a tribal village, in a mud desert, on a mountain, and in a monastery. Gamlesh spends her days sweeping the courtyard, collecting water, and feeding the goats in her hot, dry village, while the boys go to government school. After sundown, a lantern guides her to her all-girls classroom where she learns to read, count, and think. "It's very hard to know what you think when no one has ever asked you before," she says. Friends push Haider to school in his wheelchair. The children are enthusiastic about education, and many hope to become teachers or move to cities when they are adults. Skarma says, "I will live in a city like Delhi, even though the water is dirty and you can't see the stars." Many students use chalk and slates rather than paper; some write with shells in the sand or count with abacuses made of mud. While they do learn the 3 R's, they also learn to farm, bargain, and barter. Each short features indigenous music, and there is always dancing. The footage reveals breathtaking landscapes and exotic lifestyles, and indicates how important it is to Indian families to have their children receive an education.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 9 Up—Viewers are taken on a leisurely tour of Tunisia that emphasizes its ancient roots and cosmopolitan modern life. The film opens with a review of 3000 years of the country's history. It then visits most of Tunisia's regions and cities, which offer visitors unique and diverse cultural, historical, and artistic experiences. The country's modern medical care and tolerant atmosphere is also discussed. The tone of the film is very positive about the country and its people and institutions. Visuals include often beautiful contemporary footage of the country, including shots of historic ruins and buildings, cityscapes, festivals, markets, museums, theaters, and rural areas. Narration is supplemented by comments from historians and Tunisian officials, with Middle Eastern music in the background. Produced with the cooperation of the Tunisia Tourist Office, the film is more of an advertisement for travel to Tunisia than an educational film for students. It does not have clear educational objectives, and there are no maps to help students locate the country or the places within it that are discussed. The pace is so leisurely that it occasionally drags. These factors will limit its school use, but the paucity of nonprint materials about Tunisia makes it a supplemental choice.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up—Somalia's civil war, which began in 1991 but continues to make headlines today, shattered the lives of countless individuals and families, especially members of the Bantu minority society portrayed in this fascinating study by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Anne Makepeace. She follows two Muslim families, including their teenage children, as they movingly chronicle the atrocities suffered in Somalia as they prepare to leave their refugee camps in Kenya for their new lives in the United States. One family settles in Springfield, MA, while the other moves to Atlanta, GA. The universality of the conflict between dreams and life's reality is compassionately yet faithfully tendered as the families struggle in their new worlds. Strong female figures are the focus of each group as Makepeace's camera seemingly becomes just another family member and captures the range of events from the joyousness of a wedding to the frustration of everyday societal problems, not unlike those faced by all families around the world. English subtitles are extensively utilized, and expressive background music fosters the spirit and liveliness of the Bantu culture and people. Despite the hardships encountered and still being endured by the two families in America, viewers are left with the feeling that their strength will enable them to thrive here and eventually regain stability, if not happiness.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up—How do working women in Saudi Arabia live according to the Koran in the 21st century? The filmmaker, a Western woman, faces many challenges as she examines this question while attempting to navigate the cultural rules of a country that is both modern and traditional. She struggles to understand how these professional women blend the influence of fundamentalist Islam on their everyday lives (they can't drive, vote, etc.) with their career aspirations. Those interviewed speak of widening support for women in the workplace for reasons that are both financial and socially progressive. A doctor's husband speaks proudly of his wife's accomplishments. In an extensive interview, a wealthy Saudi prince talks about his drive to bridge the cultural gap between the East and the West through the cause of women and work. He supports various initiatives towards this goal, and employs a number of women at the palace. The criteria the prince cites in his hiring practices are somewhat unsettling—they must be practicing Muslims, tech-savvy, speak English, and be physically attractive—and point to the fissures in the road to equality for Middle-Eastern women. The documentary's final subject, a photographer who owns her own business, speaks about the importance of each small step in a society that is incredibly slow to embrace change. She also stresses the need for smart, forward-thinking women to stay in Saudi Arabia so that they can foment the changes that will bring them freedom—and not necessarily the Western version of this ideal. The filmmaker tackles a timely and complex topic which will undoubtedly foster rich discussions among students. For libraries where money is no object.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr adults—Parents planning a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii with young children will appreciate finding out about tourist attractions that are kid friendly. A family with two boys, ages three and five, visits a coffee plantation, a ranch, a zoo, a farmer's market, and an interactive dolphin center. They also explore waterfalls and a lava park, and go snorkeling and hiking. The history of the Hawaiian Islands is briefly explained, and the culture is introduced with a visit to museums and a luau with traditional food and dancing. There is also information about the resort, shopping, and dining. Admission prices and Web sites are given for some of the attractions. The short video segments with occasional special features, such as pop-up facts, maps, and overlapping images, show the beauty of Hawaii with an emphasis on traveling with young children. There are two narrators and occasional comments from family members. Instrumental and Hawaiian music in the background supplement the visuals. Bonus segments include recipes, vocabulary, activities, packing tips, and more. The overall presentation and commercial aspects are aimed at parents, making the DVD most suitable for public library collections.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 5 Up—Major figures of the Renaissance are introduced in a narrative by master storyteller Jim Weiss that brings the basics of art, history, and politics of the time to life. Italy in the late 15th century became a center of culture and innovation. The historical background of the Renaissance is briefly explained, but the focus of these 15 tracks is on famous artists and works of art. Felippo Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Lorenzo Ghiberti helped revolutionize art through works such as "Gates of Paradise" in Florence. Leonardo da Vinci's work as a painter, sculptor, inventor, and military engineer is explained in detail, with emphasis on the "Mona Lisa," the "Last Supper," and his clay horse model. Michelangelo's life, his famous paintings in the Sistine Chapel, and his sculptures are explored in historical context. Weiss uses slightly different voices to tell the story in a seamless manner. Some prior knowledge about the history, art, and religion of the Renaissance will help listeners better understand this overview. Teachers should make visuals of these works of art and the artists available to help students make connections while they are listening to these stories.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 4–6—In this novel (Katherine Tegen Books, 2006) by Angie Sage, Araminta "Minty" Spookie lives in an old Victorian House with her cranky Aunt Tabby and her Uncle Drac (who shares a room with a horde of bats and sleeps in a sleeping bag that hangs on the wall). Minty is intent on meeting the ghosts she is certain live in her house, but she hasn't had any luck finding them. Aunt Tabby has decided to move everyone to a nice clean apartment. Minty is determined to scare off any potential buyers for the house, but her plans don't seem to be succeeding. Then, she stumbles across an old key that says it will open the door to the balcony that overlooks the entryway to the house—the perfect place to stage her "awful ambush." In her quest to reach the balcony, she has all kinds of entertaining adventures and even teams up with the ghosts she has been seeking for so long. The quirky characters are fun and the conclusion is zanily satisfying. Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job of bringing the wacky cast to life, giving each character a unique voice.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 2–4—Fifth grader Nolan Byrd, otherwise known as the cyber-superhero Shredderman, is at it again. In Wendelin Van Draanen's sequel (Knopf, 2006) to Secret Identity (Knopf, 2004), someone is spray painting the town with "dumb baby" faces and Nolan is determined to unmask the culprit. Armed with a digital camera, his bike, and his smarts, Shredderman comes up with a plan to end the Tagger's tricks. Eleven-year-old Daniel Young does an excellent job of bringing Nolan and all of his quirks to life, and provides a unique voice for each character. Listeners will be cheering for more truth, justice, and Shredderman!—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 5–8—Madlyn and Rollo are city children sent for the summer to Clawstone Castle, home of their Great-Uncle George and Great-Aunt Emily in this novel by Iva Ibbotson (Dutton, 2006). The titular beasts are the rare white cattle that roam the castle grounds. The youngsters quickly learn that the herd is expensive to keep and funds are insufficient. They set about trying to make money by securing ghosts to haunt the castle and attract sightseers. The ghosts are deliciously ghoulish, from a homicidal bloody bride to a one-eyed skeleton. When the herd is kidnapped, Madlyn and Rollo join the ghosts in solving the mystery. Jenny Sterlin's captivating narration moves the complex story along, conveying excitement, horror, and warmth in alternate measures, and making all the characters spirited and believable. A fun listening experience.—Erin B. Allen, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC

Gr 5–9—Tamora Pierce looks back at the magical world of Tortall in a tale (Random, 2006) set long before the events in Alanna: The First Adventure (Atheneum, 1983). In this new fantasy series, Beka, age 16, is a Puppy (trainee) in the Provost's Guard (police), known commonly as Dogs. Despite a harsh schedule and the scorn of her family, Beka never forgets where she came from or those she is meant to protect. The teen, who has extrasensory powers, is assigned to work in the Lower City, where she was born, and must help stop a crime wave. Actress Susan Denaker does a fine job with the many and varied characters in the novel, written as journal entries, providing distinct accents to help place them more solidly within the story. The heavy dialect makes it easier to listen to the book than to read it. Pierce fans will eagerly await the next installment.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 5–9—Dangers lurk around every corner in Iain Lawrence's adventure novel (Delacorte, 2006), the sequel to The Convicts (Mar. 2006, p. 100). Lawrence continues his tale of 19th-century adventure complete with mysterious castaways, island-dwelling headhunters, murderous monsters, and caves full of bats and skeletons. As he is being transported from London to Australia aboard a prisoner ship, wrongly convicted Tom Tin and his blind friend, Midgely, plan a daring escape in order to return to England and recover the lost jewel that will restore their fortunes. Their plan goes awry when they are stranded on a remote island with several of the other boys from the ship and one eccentric and possibly dangerous castaway. Faced with one harrowing experience after another on a series of islands, the boys realize that they may be lucky just to return to England with their lives, let alone their freedom. Narrator John Keating sets the mood for this dark and sometimes violent story, managing to keep listeners enthralled even with a limited cast of speaking characters. The pace of the narration creates suspense, and there will certainly be another installment in this swashbuckling series. A good choice for listeners who like exotic tales of danger and survival on the high seas.—Casey Rondini, East Windsor Middle School, CT

Gr 8 Up—Sharon Draper's Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel (Atheneum, 2006) begins in an idyllic African village where Amari, a 15-year-old Ashanti girl, her younger brother, and her parents live. The teenage girl is anticipating her upcoming marriage. "White-faced" strangers come to the village, murder the old and very young, and shackle the rest of the inhabitants and lead them down to a slave fort on the Ivory Coast. They are branded like cattle and forced to board a slave ship bound for the Carolinas. They make the Middle Passage, with many slaves dying of starvation and disease. The story gains momentum when Amari reaches the rice plantation where she is given as a birthday present to the owner's son for his sexual pleasure. After witnessing the murder of the plantation mistress' black baby and her bodyguard/lover, Amari, Polly (a white indentured girl), and the cook's son are sent to be sold into slavery. They escape with the help of a doctor, but face every imaginable hardship on their way to Fort Mose, Florida, where they finally gain their freedom. Myra Lucretia Taylor narrates this complex, searing story in chapters that alternate between the voice of Ashanti and Polly. She gives voice and credibility to each character, from the cold-hearted plantation master to Amari's broken English. Historical fiction at its best.—Beverly S. Almond, Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC

Gr 8 Up—Teenager Murray Keifer is a loner and feels most comfortable in the cemetery in this mystery by Charlie Price (Roaring Brook, 2006). He has friends there…and they are all dead. Pearl, the cemetery caretaker's daughter, is much more outgoing and enters Murray's world in a rather forceful way. Nikki, a popular cheerleader, has gone missing without a trace. The mystery involves the lives of these teens as well as a drunken cop living on the edge, a detective determined to uncover Nikki's disappearance, and a young man with emotional problems. Robert Ramirez's narration is inconsistent. While the narration is smooth and clear, the characters are only slightly voiced and on occasion don't display the appropriate emotions. This unevenness makes it difficult to feel entirely engaged with the characters. Patient listeners will be propelled along by the plot and making their own connections as they try to solve Nikki's mystery along with the characters.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 3–5—Digory's ordinary life is turned upside down when he find's a dragon's tooth in the forest and is hailed by his fellow villagers as Sir Digory the Dragon Slayer in this story by Angela McAllister (Bloomsbury, 2006). Just an ordinary boy who prefers singing to fighting, Digory is thrust out into the world with nothing but an old carthorse and the suit of armor his blacksmith mother cobbled together for him, with the dragon's tooth proudly mounted on his helmet. After stumbling through his first attempts at knightly deeds (fighting dragons and wooing princesses), he finds himself at the castle of King Widget, where the princess shares his love of tree-climbing and music, and the most dangerous quest is rescuing the cook's cat from a tree. Everything seems to be falling into place for Digory, especially when the king offers him a permanent home at the castle as Prince Digory. But Digory's courage fails him when he learns that his first princely duty is to slay the local dragon. Richard Mitchley perfectly captures the lighthearted tone of Digory's adventures, and his witty delivery enhances the story. Fantasy fans will be chuckling and cheering as Digory struggles to overcome his fears and find his place in the world.—Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, Beaumont Branch, KY

Gr 6–9—Three peoples of different worlds are brought together in a subtle allegory of faith, hope, and love in Sylvia Louise Engdahl's 1971 Newbery Honor Book (Walker, 2001). Star Trek fans will recognize the premise immediately: the Prime or Non-Interference Directive. The Federation, a civilization far above most others, sends agents from world to world trying to keep more advanced Youngling races from endangering the development of less advanced ones, without interfering in either civilization. Elana is a stowaway on her father's Federation landing ship to Andrecia, which is being threatened by the more advanced Imperial Exploration Corps. She becomes inextricably entwined in a plan to slay a dragon which is destroying Georyn's world. An Imperial medical officer, Jarel, who believes that the natives are not animals, and who may, in fact, be human, disagrees with the idea of taming the world and putting the natives into reservations. His perspective and actions lend another level to this complex exploration of the ideas and ideals of humanity, space exploration, and development couched in an enjoyable t blend of science fiction and fantasy. The masterful unabridged narration by Jennifer Ikeda brings the novel to life, infusing Elana with dignity and grace, and Georyn with the wide-eyed wonder of a mortal man confronted by a powerful and benevolent enchantress. This fine selection belongs in all school and public libraries.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 9 Up—Julia tolerates her best friend Ashleigh's enthusiastic fads, frequently being dragged right into them. The latest is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice which dictates Ashleigh's speech, dress, and search for a true love like Mr. Darcy. Crashing the boys' prep school dance propels both tenth-grade girls into a new social world where they meet two young men. After auditioning for parts in the boys' school play, the story centers on rehearsals, romantic encounters, the girls' loyalty to one another, and various family issues. A predictably happy ending finds the girls "going with" the boys they each like and Julia's divorced mother landing the job of her dreams. Borrowing generously from Austen's classic, Polly Shulman's tale (Putnam, 2006) is told with humor and teenage passion. Jennifer Ikeda narrates this entertaining and spirited novel. A great choice for high school girls.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 7 Up—Graham Salisbury's companion novel (Wendy Lamb Books, 2006) to Eyes of the Emperor (Wendy Lamb Books, 2005) and Under the Blood Red Sun (Delacorte, 1994) depicts the effects of the Pearl Harbor attack on teenaged Hawaiian boys too young to join the military but old enough to feel the need to act to preserve their families' honor. At the center of this story is Tomi, 13, a fisherman's son who is the only male left at home in Honolulu in 1943 after his father and grandfather are arrested in the anti-Japanese sweep following Pearl Harbor. Tomi and his best friend, a haole (white boy), get involved in a massive project to wrest Tomi's father's sampan from the canal in which the American military sank fishermen's boats in the immediate heat of anti-Japanese reaction. The obstacles here are not only the sheer size and complexity of the project but also the haole bully on whose property Tomi's family lives. As typical with Salisbury, the cast is multiethnic and credible in both motivation and expression. Jeff Woodman provides excellent voices for all of the characters. The story makes the historic period accessible to listeners.—Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 6–9—Martin Conway, unhappy with school and with his pointless life, is left a radio by his grandmother when she dies. In a new spin on time travel, the seventh grader uses a vintage, World War II Philco radio to travel back in time to war-torn, 1940s London. He suddenly finds that he's having vivid dreams about a British boy named Jimmy who urges him to do his part. Martin, confused and unsure about what he is supposed to do, travels with Jimmy back to the London Blitz. Jimmy tragically dies during a German air raid, and Martin finally understands his mission and his life becomes full of purpose and meaning. Superbly narrated by actor Robertson Dean (The Young and the Restless), Edward Bloor's novel (Knopf, 2006) will interest young adult readers with its deft blend of history and science fiction.—Larry Cooperman, Seminole High School, Sanford, FL

K-Gr 3—These contemporary adaptations of classic children's tales were recorded live at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, to be aired nationwide on XM Satellite Radio as well as on Nickelodeon's Nick.com. This not-for-profit theater company, founded and directed by Arthur Yorinks, offers lively performances by a full cast that hark back to old time radio shows. Stellar acting allows listeners to visualize the characters' antics as they unfold. In Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes," the government tries to decide how to put a positive "spin" on the current state of affairs. A new "birthday suit" for the emperor tailored by twin tricksters Charlie and Candy should fit the bill, resulting in the expected conclusion as a young boy exposes the truth. Carlo Collodi's "Pinocchio" chronicles the adventures of the little wooden puppet as Gepetto tells the story of how he became a real boy. Each performance includes a "Listen Up!" with well-known critic and author Leonard Marcus that provides background information for each play. This audio feast will tantalize both children and adults.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 5–7—Kirsty is a typical teen concerned with everyday matters, such as hanging out with pals at the coffee shop and sewing her costume for the Halloween party. She also sees the past through dreams and believes she is the reincarnation of her grandmother, who died in a fall—or was she pushed down the stairs by an unseen hand? Kirsty's journey to unmask Grandma Elizabeth's murderer leads her to nasty Auntie Ann and the woman's coworker, Molly, who has suspected Ann of murder for years, but lacked the proof. Kirsty and Ann attempt to gain justice for the grandmother. Are they on the right track? Robert Swindells' gripping mystery (Doubleday, 1997) is narrated by Alison Reid. Her crisp delivery invigorates the characters, bringing life to snakelike Auntie Ann and headstrong Kirsty. Suspense sprinkled with schoolgirl humor enlivens this fast-paced story to its final twist.—Erin B. Allen, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC

Gr 4–6—In the fourth installment (Blooms-bury, 2006) in the series by E.D. Baker, Princess Emma, also known as the powerful Green Witch, and her fiancé, Prince Eadric, are traveling to Upper Montevista in order to gain the approval of the Prince's mother for their upcoming marriage. Upon their arrival, the duo discovers that Eadric's younger brother, Bardston, has been kidnapped by a band of trolls and their nasty, four-headed queen. Emma, Eadric, and their odd group of traveling companions set off to rescue Bardston and, along the way, encounter an assortment of magical, and sometimes dangerous, creatures. Filled with fairy tale creatures of all kinds, this often humorous albeit sometimes scary tale of witches, trolls, vampires, and other magical creatures is wonderfully narrated by actress Katherine Kellgren who gives each character a unique voice. This title will appeal to youngsters already familiar with the series as well as those with a taste for contemporary fairy tale adventures.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

K-Gr 3—Bob loves his grandson and namesake, Bobby. He helps teach him to walk, and they share activities that delight them both. When Bob suffers a debilitating stroke, it is especially hard on five-year-old Bobby. As his grandfather begins to make a gradual recovery, Bobby helps teach his grandfather to walk again—"now one foot, now the other." Tomi DePaola narrates his tender story (Putnam, 2005), allowing the simple telling of events and his artwork to reach out to listeners. Expressive original background music accompanies the narration. This gentle story will touch the hearts of listeners.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 4–6—Kaye Umansky's parody of a Dickensian tale (Candlewick, 2005) features Solomon (Solly) Snow, a hapless lad who leads an unfortunate existence of meager means in the village of Boring. His life seems rather hopeless until his parents reveal that he is a foundling, left on their doorstep in a basket one winter evening with no clues to his background except for a silver spoon in his mouth. His wretched adoptive parents have recently pawned the spoon, so Solly sets out to find the one clue that may help him learn more about his origins. Along the way, Solly is joined by two companions—Prudence, a young neighbor girl with smarts and an attitude, and a sickeningly sweet little beauty named Rosabel, the "Infant Prodigy." Chapters are short and periodically interrupted by scenes from the lives of Solly's "real" parents, who desperately wish they could find their son. Jenny Sterlin gives voice to this occasionally funny story, but her efforts aren't enough to keep listeners amused. The "Infant Prodigy" character is annoying, and Sterlin's voicing of this character is so cloying that listeners might be turned off. An additional purchase where the book is popular.—Casey Rondini, East Windsor Middle School, Broad Brook, CT

Gr 3–7—Master storyteller Jim Weiss takes listeners on an exciting romp through Jules Verne's classic submarine adventure in this lively "storyteller's version" divided into 15 chapters. No longer told in the first person, this abridged version still manages to capture the excitement, intrigue, and flavor of the original story. When Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and harpooner Ted Land find themselves aboard the vessel of the enigmatic Captain Nemo, they are caught up in a unique adventure. Weiss provides clearly distinguishable voices for each of the main characters and does a wonderful job of capturing and holding listener interest. This version will introduce youngsters to Verne's masterpiece and inspire older readers to tackle the unabridged classic.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 6–9—The year is 2505 and twins, Connor and Grace Tempest, have lived in Crescent Moon Bay ever since their father, the kind and somewhat unorthodox lighthouse keeper, arrived with them as babies after having left his home to see the world. When their father dies, the twins are forced to choose between the orphanage and adoption by the wealthy, pompous Busbys. Instead, they decide to choose their own fate and escape to the open sea in their father's boat. They are caught in a storm, shipwrecked, and separated. Each is rescued by a different ship. Connor is taken in by a group of amiable pirates, while Grace is rescued and imprisoned on a mysterious galleon, home to the vampirates. While Connor tries to find her, Grace struggles to uncover the truth behind her mysterious captors. Daniel Philpott presents an excellent reading of Justin Somper's novel (Little Brown, 2006), giving distinctive voices to each character, and singing when necessary. The story is exciting, with engaging characters and a plot teeming with adventure that will appeal to reluctant readers. However, more demanding listeners may be frustrated with the sparse background material about the setting and the abrupt ending. But those faults weigh lightly against an otherwise enjoyable recording.—Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, KY

PreS-Gr 3—Carol Connolly and Don Darmer's latest release is an enchanting combination of lively melodies, catchy rhythms, and enthusiastic presentation. The nine original animal-themed songs feature both real and mythical creatures. Combining clever storytelling and simple melodies, the duo sing their way through stories such as "Little Red Bossy Hen," "Bunches of Beasts," "Magic Beans," "Dipsy Doodle Zoo Parade," "Big Bad Dragon," and more. Accompaniment is provided by guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and bass. The songs' storylines reinforce such concepts as individuality, imagination, and courage. Connolly's lyrics and the music, written by Darmer, blend nicely to provide a solid choice for preschool and primary grade general listening.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

K-Gr 3—Bicycles, merry-go-rounds, diners, musical instruments, and other things are celebrated on this album that features excellent vocal and instrumental performances by Ben Rudnick and Friends. Utilizing bluegrass, rock, folk, country, and spiritual musical styles, a variety of instruments help make these 13 tunes toe-tapping fun. Among Rudnick's eight original songs are "My Name Is Ben" (introduces musical instruments to the tune of "B-I-N-G-O"), "Vowels," "Tuba Tune," "Cowgirl Song," "Grace's Bell," and "Chet's Fabulous Diner." The three traditional songs are "Mama Don't 'Low," "Hava Nagila" (instrumental), and "When the Saints Go Marching In." An entertaining album.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—The king of kid pop is at the top of his game. Grammy-nominated singer/storyteller Bill Harley shows that he still has his finger on the pulse of the concerns of young children. These 12 original catchy songs are in a wide variety of musical styles and feature Harley's simple vocals, often with a chorus of children's voices on the refrain. He judiciously adds instrumentation to the songs for effect. In some instances, the lyrics deliver a message: "You've Got to Ask" (a ballad saying it's okay to ask if you have a question), "At Your Library" (an upbeat tribute to all libraries and what they have to offer), and "Touch One Thing" (a Caribbean tune describing how we're all a part of the universe). They can also provide a laugh: "Barbie's Head Is Missing" (a 1950s type rock 'n' roll song), "To the South Pole" (a country/western flavored apology to Mom for the huge mess created), "Sleep the Whole Day" (a 1950s tune about the teenage brother who sleeps all day, featuring a saxophone solo), and "You Saved My Life" (a story-song about how best friends cover for each other). Some tunes celebrate life, such as "I Like to Sing" (a joyful number celebrating making music) and "I Wanna Play" (a bluegrass tune about the desire to be included in playground games). Another sure-fire winner from Harley!—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Gutsy singing with a voice akin to Pat Benatar's, Lisa Matthews provides the lead vocal sound of Milkshake. The Baltimore-based band improves with each offering, and their third CD is the best yet. The driving rock sound of the 15 original songs keeps listeners engaged; all the tunes have a message. Among the songs are "Imagination Nation," an invitation to use your imagination; "Superhero," listing all the heroes in our lives, imaginary and real; "Go Wild"; and "Play!" Milkshake slows the tempo down with ballads: "Home on the Range" (not the classic cowboy song, but a new one), "Plant a Garden" (show the Earth that you care), and "Magic Ride" (we can go anywhere our imagination takes us). Mixing things up, "Pirates" sways with the ship and its accordion accompaniment, "Parade" has all the trappings of one, and "Baseball" has the added treat of Cal Ripkin opening and closing the song and Fred Manfra calling a game in the middle. Solos by horns, guitar, and saxophone are balanced with background vocals by band members and a children's choir. This polished performance makes listeners want to sing along.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—This album will be welcomed by libraries needing more Spanish songs for children. Eight of the tunes are in English (two of them have verses in Spanish): "Rainbow Round Me," "In the Kitchen," "Cooperation," "Plant a Seed," "Cowboy Bob," "Won't Be Long," "Place in the Choir," and "New Shoes." Six songs are in Spanish: "De Esos Caballos," "Los Padres de San Francisco," "El Mosquito," "Caballito Blanco," "Diez Perritos," and "Celso Dormilón." Houston resident Don Sanders croons these original and traditional songs in a pleasant voice (although a bit too nasal at times), accompanied by guitars, banjo, bajovarious instruments such as sexton, drums, percussion, keyboard, trumpet, and jaw harp. Different musical styles—mariachi, conjunto, New Orleans backbeat, rock, country/bluegrass, folk, and lullaby—give the album variety. A pdf file on the CD provides activities in English and Spanish. A great resource for libraries, classrooms, and families.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—The String Beans are a group featuring Curtis and Randy Bright and Freddy Kerr. This Christmas collection consists of 11 original songs in a variety of styles featuring clever and entertaining lyrics. The topics addressed will appeal to children and their caregivers. "My Bike" tells of the joy of receiving a new bike on Christmas morning. "Reindeer Rodeo" explains how the reindeer and elves celebrate the day after Christmas. "Merry Christmas" is a laugh-out-loud song that encourages listeners to say "Merry Christmas" in a variety of languages. "Santa Says" is a variation on "Simon Says." Among the other songs are "Upside Down Christmas Tree," "Snowflakes," "300 Days 'til Christmas," and more. Lyrics are available on the group's Web site (thestringbeans.net). Listeners will want to sing along to these lively tunes.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Kimber Breaux, the lead singer for the BummKinn Band, has a terrific voice that can really belt out those melodies. For this debut album, Texas-born Breaux adapted traditional nursery stories, nursery rhymes, and lullabies into 15 original songs in country, rock, Celtic, and blues musical styles. The instrumental performances are excellent, and Peter Tork, formerly of the Monkees, is the banjo player. In "Friends," the three pigs make friends with the neighbors when escaping the wolf, while the three bears befriend Goldilocks. "The Snowman in the Freezer" captures the desire of young snow-deprived Texans to keep the rare snow fall as long as possible. Other songs include "A Bear with No Hair" ("Fuzzy Wuzzy"), "Unusual Day" ("Little Miss Muffet"), "The Hope Song" ("Jack Be Nimble" and "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary"), "Everybody Sing" ("Sing a Song of Sixpence"), "Hey Mr. Dumpty" ("Humpty Dumpty"), "A Star I See" ("Star Light, Star Bright"), and others. Boot-stompin' fun for the whole family.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Mr. Richard (Richard Peeples) performs original solos in a variety of styles, including rock, blues, and jazz. Although they are a bit wordy, kids will love these fast-paced, silly, rockin' songs. Jimbo Mathus (former Squirrel Nut Zippers leader) provides accompaiment on mandolin, accordion and guitar. Themes run the gamut from hungry tummies to stinky smells to dreaming dogs. It's difficult to miss the point of songs such as "Milking It," ("even if it only hurts a little bit, scrunch up your face, have a crying fit") which includes a whiny violin refrain. A wonderful addition to general listening collections, Mr. Richard is sure to provide hours of entertainment for young listeners.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

Gr 1–3—It's fun to learn to spell with this bright and lively undersea game. After a quick and easy installation, a submarine takes the player to the ocean floor where vibrant sea creatures frolic around during three fun games. Before play begins, the control buttons and icons at the bottom of each screen are explained. The games are represented by a giant shell, a sunken ship, and a spooky cave. Each requires the player to unscramble or type in letters, or choose the correctly spelled word from a list. Before each game, a list of spelling words is presented for study, and each word can be heard when clicked. In most cases, there is no penalty for second or third attempts, and there is always plenty of encouragement after wrong answers as well as praise for correct ones. After every five correct responses, a trapped fish is released; a prize is earned for ten correct responses, and plenty of music, dancing, and singing celebrate each victory. The program automatically adjusts difficulty to match the player's ability from a list of over 1700 words, and additional spelling words can easily be added by teachers or parents. Games can be saved and continued, and reports can be printed. The explanations, prompts, and rewards are mostly aural, with no closed captioning for the hearing impaired, but the games are fairly easy to understand without sound, and there are plenty of visual rewards. The workbook doesn't continue the undersea theme, but contains the usual spelling puzzles and worksheets that reinforce letter sounds, word recognition, and spelling patterns. Spelling just can't be any more fun than this vibrant, cheerful game.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 3–5—This computerized workbook offers drill and practice of common math concepts for grades 3 to 5. An animated bee is the teacher, and instructions are enclosed in on screen word bubbles. Repitition is the focus of the program, in which each skills builds on the previous one. Among the topics covered are multiplication with two or more digits, long division, fractional equivalence and simplifying fractions, adding/subtracting fractions and mixed numbers, adding/subtracting decimals, and more. Since there is no audio, a teacher or parent should be available to help read the instructions and teacher prompts. Homeschoolers and students who need lots of reinforcement might find this an acceptable product. Since most students are accustomed to a much more energized format, with lots of sound and animation, such as MathBlaster (Knowledge Adventure), this program would not be a first choice for most users.—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI