Multimedia Review

Gr 6 Up—There are few topics more timely and important than the ones addressed in this powerful film. The two most gripping segments feature a 14-year-old girl named Kylie who was held prisoner for two weeks by a 47-year-old man she met online, and an interview in prison with a 30-year-old convicted sexual predator who had a relationship with a 13-year-old girl he met online. Kylie doesn't mince words in telling how she was kept chained in a room and repeatedly raped. By bravely speaking out, she says she hopes to help other young people avoid similar fates. Cyberbullying is also addressed as young people who were both bullies and victims discuss their experiences. "I found out I had like 300 e-mails saying I was a whore and everything," one victim recalls. Some youngsters explain that they are afraid to tell their parents about cyberstalking incidents because they might loose their e-mail privileges. Rearch shows that only one in four children who receive sexual solicitations online tell their parents or authorities. Viewers are given tips on stay safe while online, and how to deal with gossip and cyberbullying. A common thread is that young people who are victimized are often having family problems at home and don't have anyone to talk to. The problem of embarrassing photos and videos being taken with cell phones and posted online is also addressed. This DVD should be required viewing for middle school students and their parents.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 9 Up—Shot over the course of five years, this project weaves together a selection of short films made by young women from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds that examine the complications of teenage life in pre-Katrina New Orleans. The film's title refers to the housing development where two of the girls live as well as their collective hopes and dreams for the future. The filmmaker documents her experiences with the novice filmmakers, eventually becoming a subject in the film herself when she reveals personal details about her experiences with abortion to one reluctant subject. The teens' creative, intimate portraits depict their developing sexuality and maturation as they struggle to assert control over their lives. The subject of teen pregnancy is the impetus behind the documentary's most heartrending and challenging scenes. The filmmaker raises some interesting questions about the implications of poverty on motherhood and life decisions. Although these issues aren't explored as deeply as one would hope, she does a wonderful job of allowing her subjects to show the importance of self-identity—especially to those without social mobility. Other complex subjects, including eating disorders, bisexuality, and parental pressure, bubble to the surface in surprising ways, creating a vibrant portrait of teenage life. Viewers will identify with the young women, and the important topics the film examines will make it a valuable discussion starter for high school collections.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr all levels—This lively animated film, written and directed by Daniel Shorr, is part of the National Film Board of Canada's "ShowPeace Series" that is intended to foster new ways to address the problem of conflict resolution. In the film, four domino tiles appear and combine and recombine their "dots" to form new shapes. A new domino tile with rounded corners appears, and the rectangular dominoes don't want anything to do with this interloper. As the newcomer attempts to join the group, things begin to change. There is no dialogue, and the short is set to a wonderful jazz score based on Brazilian chorinho music. Useful in educational situations to initiate discussions on conflict resolution. An additional purchase for most libraries.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 4—This exercise video demonstrates yoga poses that stimulate various chakras, or energy centers. Practicing these movements is designed to build strength and balance. Yoga instructor Carol Webber introduces the different chakras and then demonstrates the warm-up exercise, Warrior's Pose. She then narrates the steps for Warrior's Pose again as a group of eight elementary age children demonstrate the moves. Webber continues the narration through exercises for each of seven chakras, as one or two of the children do the poses. The production is simple, yet effective. The youngsters wear brightly colored shirts, and they stand out against the workout studio's red floor and black background. The pictures of the children in the studio are framed and inserted into a larger background of beautiful scenery. Webber's positive instruction assures children that it's okay when they lose their balance. Sometimes the verbal instruction is out of sync with the children's movements. The video quickly advances through all of the movements with no repetition or detailed explanations, making it difficult for beginners to follow. Youngsters with some background in yoga will enjoy incorporating these poses into their workouts.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

PreS-Gr 2—In this adventure, based on theEloise books by Kay Thompson, Eloise and Nanny leave The Plaza hotel and head off to Hollywood where Eloise's mother has arranged for her to visit a movie set. On their cross-country train trip, Eloise meets Debbie, the young star of the film. Eloise and Nanny arrive in Hollywood, Debbie is fired as a result of a series of unexpected events, and Eloise is hired to take her place. Soon, however, Eloise realizes that working in Hollywood isn't what she expected and she concocts a plan to go back to just being Eloise. The top-notch animation conveys the same spirit as the books and brings Eloise and a delightful cast of characters to life. There's a stellar cast of voice-over stars: Alan Cumming, Cynthia Nixon, Tim Curry, and Lynn Redgrave as the Nanny. Mary Matilyn Mouser gives the indomitable Eloise all of the spunk and joy that she deserve. A top-notch production for all collections.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—In order to avoid a bath, Harry the dog hides the scrubbing brush and runs away from home. The canine enjoys a series of entertaining adventures that add to his griminess before he heads back home hungry and lonely. He's so dirty that his own family doesn't recognize him, so he must do the unthinkable and beg for a bath. Through the bubbles, he is identified and the story ends on a comfortable note with Harry curled up on his bed. Based on Gene Zion's charming book (HarperCollins, 1956), this DVD includes both the English and the Spanish versions with subtitles. Harry, brought to life with a delightful wagging tail and a short, happy bark, frolics through Margaret Bloy Graham's illustrations. Both the English and the Spanish narrations are well paced and entertaining. There is one minor flaw in the synchronization of dad's lips during the Spanish language presentation. Some characters have been updated from the original book illustrations to provide racial diversity. The jazzy soundtrack and fun sound effects help bring this classic tale to life.—Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

PreS-Gr 3—This collection includes adaptations of three well-known picture books, a lengthier live-action film based on John Burningham's Cannonball Simp (Candlewick, 1994), and an animated short of Jules Pfeiffer's Munro from the Weston Woods archives. The animated rendering of Rosemary Wells's Noisy Nora (Dial, 1979) hilariously depicts the pleas for attention of a neglected middle child. While baby Jack is put to bed and big sister Kate is read to, Nora impatiently bangs windows, slams doors, and fells chairs. The facial expressions on the little mice are priceless, and Mary Beth Hurt's spirited narration is both humorous and sympathetic. Children with older or younger siblings will relate to this delightful story. The next naughty protagonist is a Tyrannosaurus rex in an iconographic version of Peter McCarty's T Is for Terrible (Holt, 2004). The rough-voiced narrator assures viewers that he is much like other creatures: "I, too, had a mother…I cannot help that I grew so enormous…and so enormously hungry…If I could, I would be a vegetarian, but I am Tyrannosaurus rex, and I do not eat trees!" Use this comical story with dinosaur units or to introduce a lesson on animal classification. Human bullies make mischief for Peter and Archie in the iconographic rendering of Ezra Jack Keats's Goggles (S & S, 1971). The friends find a pair of motorcycle goggles, but a gang of bigger boys chase them for the prize. Peter's dachshund saves the day. Suspenseful jazz music and a deep-voiced narrator add excitement. Cannonball Simp also features a spirited chase when a little dog escapes from the pound. He ends up at a traveling circus, and inadvertently helps save a clown's job. Much of the action is wordless with lively music capturing the adventure. Children will be fascinated by this inside look at circus life. Finally, an added bonus is the Oscar-winning short, Munro, in which a contrary four-year-old is mistakenly drafted. This sophisticated satire on the American military is hardly elementary school fare. Nonetheless, the feature shorts will appeal to young mischief makers everywhere.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 1–3—Universal Studios and Mattel have released the first full-length animated film starring Polly Pocket and her friends. Polly surprises her four best friends by entering them to compete in their favorite reality TV show, "Roll Like That," at PollyWorld Amusement Park. Five teams compete for money to give to charity. Between the three events of the competition, Polly and her friends play beach volleyball, go shopping, and more. A second story runs parallel to the competition. When she arrives at PollyWorld, Polly's father, John, introduces his daughter to his fiancée. The two threads merge during the final competition. Polly's team loses to Team Thrash (the boys) and John breaks his engagement. The characters are stereotypical: Polly is perfect, the boys are skateboarders, Polly's main rival is a self-centered, shallow girl, and the fiancée is manipulative. Diversity is at a minimum. Several rock songs are incorporated into the film. Visually, the color palette is strong on pinks and purples, and the animation is smooth and generally consistent. Product placement for Popsicles is evident twice in the film. Bonus material includes "Extravenger" (a video game), "Team Pocket's PDA Profiler" (answer the questions to learn which of Polly's friends you are most like), "Rock This Town" (a music video featuring clips from the movie), and a DVD-ROM activity in which youngsters can be the editor of their own Polly Pocket fashion magazine. The film can be viewed in English, Spanish, or French (spoken or subtitled). For young girls who are Polly Pocket doll fans.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 5 Up—It is no small testament to the popularity and power of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel that every decade or so a new film version is produced. This recently released adaptation is simply extraordinary. Handsomely directed and beautifully photographed, Jane Eyre comes alive in the actual countryside of England where the original book was set. Georgie Henley (The Chronicles of Narnia) plays the young Jane perfectly (but foreshortened from the book) and sets the tenor for the strong, loyal, and passionate young woman that Jane becomes. Lead actors Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens play a winning Jane and Rochester and make the romance come alive; the supporting cast are equally good. Because Jane's character is so vibrant, even her sad exile to St. Johns River's household is interesting. Although some elements of the novel have been changed, this beguiling version is exceptional.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

Gr 6 Up—English actor Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's uncle, in the movie trilogy of Lord of the Rings) narrates this somewhat arcane documentary that studies J.R.R. Tolkien's life and times. The film features the places where Tolkien lived and the locations he loved, such as Warwick, Oxford, an ancient Lancashire school, and Saxon burial sites, which may have influenced the imagined world of his books. One of the many Tolkien scholars interviewed offers an interesting notion that the dark side of Middle Earth may have come from Tolkien's experience in the Somme Valley during World War I. Bonus features include a profile of the official mapmaker of The Lord of the Rings, a profile of the team who made the prosthetics, and extended interviews with Tolkien scholars. Only true Tolkien fans will be interested in this documentary.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

Pres-Gr 2—For families considering adopting a puppy, this DVD shows live-action footage of puppies of various breeds (listed in the credits) participating in many activities, accompanied by ditties about the action taking place. There are six sections, with a group of Caucasian children providing an introduction between them. "Welcome to Puppytown" introduces two songs about pups. "Puppy Playtime" features songs about running, chasing, and sleeping, "Puppy 101" covers puppy anatomy and the mess they can make. "Chowtime" explains what they eat. "Puppy Rules" explains how to care for a puppy, and "Growing Up" rounds out the video footage. Although this is all staged, the puppies and children are charming. The ditties are accompanied by a combo band and range in musical style from boogie woogie to lullaby to zydeco. At the end of the production, there is an interactive quiz, a review of anatomy, and advice for parents. The CD features all the music from the DVD. While the film offers only cursory information, youngsters will have fun watching and learn something about caring for puppies as well.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 2— This Is Daniel Cook is a children's TV series produced in Toronto and shown in Canada, the United States (Disney Channel), and Australia. The show features Daniel, a precocious seven year old, who explores the world through one-on-one interviews with adults who teach him skills and allow him to experiment with things that every child would love to try. Each half-hour episode features five 6-minute segments. For example, in Amazing Art, Daniel makes felt art, paints a self-portrait, sculpts a papier-maché monster, experiments with watercolors, and draws frogs with the illustrator of the Franklin series. In each segment, the artist explains the technique and guides Daniel as he gleefully dives into the project. In Winter Fun, Daniel learns about dog sledding; learns to curl, ski, and toboggan; and visits a winter festival. He learns to make maple syrup in Special Things to Eat, and he also makes a birthday cake, candy canes, and a yule log. Celebrations takes us across the year, as Daniel carves a pumpkin, goes trick-or-treating, makes a Valentine, and decorates eggs and a Christmas ornament. Daniel asks questions, some scripted, some spontaneous, and converses with his adult mentor. Some episodes are less hands-on and more instructional, as when Daniel visits a recycling plant, learns about butterflies, explores Niagara Falls, studies rocks, and has an eco-adventure in Nature, Science and the Environment. In Exploring and Discovering, Daniel explores a desert, a cave, and a beach, and meets an elephant and goes on safari. At the series' Web site, thisisdanielcook.com, youngsters can interact with an animated version of Daniel, join him on his adventures, and explore his playroom and garden; there is also a teacher's page on the site. These entertaining and educational episodes are like virtual field trips experienced through a child's eyes.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 5–9—These two DVDs contain the final four episodes of the 13-part series. Filmed in Wales with a native cast, each dramatic episode begins with a group of teens known as the "teenpack" entering a lighthouse where the lighthouse keeper transports them to Old Testament times. In episode 10, "The King Needs Help," King Saul is becoming increasingly violent and mentally unstable. The prophet Samuel is told by God to anoint David as the new king of the Hebrews. David saves the country by fighting and killing Goliath. In the subsequent episodes—"Death Waiting," "David on the Run," and "A New King"—David must prove he has the strength of character and faith to rule the Hebrew people. Solid acting and fast-paced action filmed in rugged settings make these tales appealing, especially for boys. The non-denominational stories remain true to scripture, although they are embellished for dramatic effect. A few weaknesses include abrupt endings and synthetic-looking costumes and props which do not fit with the time period. Several of the fair skinned, blond actors also appear out of place. However, these minor flaws don't affect the value of these DVD's as Bible teaching aids. Bonus features include behind-the-scenes segments and study materials. Preteens will be captivated by these action-packed stories. An excellent choice for Christian schools, church libraries, and home schooling.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 9 Up—This program is part of a series in which scientists interact with young people. This segment features Dr. William Moomaw, an atmospheric chemist at Tufts University, presenting an interactive lecture on global warming in a high school classroom. The lecture is supported by a PowerPoint presentation, and the camera moves between Dr. Moomaw, the visual images, and the students. Information about the science behind global warming, how scientists measure climate change, climate projections, indicators of global warming, and options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is presented. The last part of the films is a question-and-answer session between the scientist and the students. Although there is little in the way of bells and whistles, the presentation is effective. Dr. Moomaw's informative and easy-to-understand explanations clearly present the current state of global warming and climate change.—Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 7 Up—The film explores a rare cosmic phenomenon, the supermassive black hole, which is capable of consuming matter and energy. Astronomers and physicists explain Einstein's space/time theory and his conjecture of the existence of black holes, a bend or warping of space/time. Scientists featured in the film hypothesize that a black hole, many times larger than other black holes and even larger than the sun, exists near the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Many obstacles face the astronomers who try to find the black hole. Earth's own atmospheric gases distort images, a challenge which is overcome by using computer software to sharpen the images, developed by the program's only featured female scientist. Also, debris and cosmic dust obscure the center of our galaxy, which is overcome by using infrared lights on telescopes. The third and most daunting challenge is that black holes consume light and are invisible. However, the scientists are able to track emissions of energy and changes in the orbits of stars to pinpoint the likely location of the supermassive black hole. They offer theories about the origins of black holes and the creation of galaxies. Computer animation aids viewers' comprehension of advanced theories such as Einstein's concept of space/time. Sound and picture quality are excellent. The strong voice of the male narrator commands attention. The program will be useful in a classroom setting and is of particular value for the well-done computer animated visuals of our galaxy; however, since much of the content is theoretical, teacher guidance will benefit students.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 8 Up—The program documents the life and career of Percy Julian (1899–1975), the grandson of slaves, who overcame America's racist social climate and became a brilliant chemist, a businessman, a humanitarian, and a civil rights advocate. Julian struggled against intolerance to earn his doctorate in chemistry, and then faced a similar challenge to find employment in a white-dominated field. He discovered a way to make synthetic steroids from soybeans, changing the face of the modern pharmaceutical industry by helping to make drugs like cortisone available to everyone. The biography comes to life with spirited re-enactments starring Tony Award-winning actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Interviews with Julian's family and with his colleagues help illuminate his life and work. Ample computer-animated sequences demonstrate organic chemistry concepts. Teachers should be aware that there are images of racially motivated violence including riots, firebombings, arson attempts, and a lynching as well as some mild foul language. However, this top-notch program is a worthy purchase for science classes and also offers a compelling portrait of one aspect of 20^th-century social history.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 5–9—This informational video follows the process of digestion from ingestion to the expulsion of waste from the human body. It explores the path of an apple eaten by a teen through the digestive system, clearly explaining the biological and biochemical processes that occur. Animated clips, live-action footage, and simulations support and enhance the material. The video quality is good and the presentation is colorful but a little bland. Comparing the movement of food in the small intestine to squeezing a tube of toothpaste or equating the role of the villi in absorption to a towel with threads makes the information easier for students to comprehend. The guide includes pre- and post tests and activity sheets. While there is nothing innovative here, it may fill the need of classroom teachers for a brief introduction to the topic.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 10 Up—South African filmmaker Rehad Desai traveled to the Kalahari to document the exploitation of the San Bushmen. The documentary suggests that a pharmaceutical corporation took advantage of the Bushmen's trust and lack of knowledge about patent law to over harvest the hoodia cactus, a vital component of the indigenous people's diet and medicine, leaving the Khomani community impoverished and in danger of having their cultural identity destroyed. Hoodia is used in the production of weight loss supplements for mostly Western consumers. Desai follows Jan van der Westhuizen, a practitioner of traditional Bushman medicine, capturing his visit to another Bushman community which has failed to receive appropriate financial compensation for their root that may relieve arthritis pain. Other aspects of Jan's life are documented, such as his use of traditional medicine, his performing exorcisms, and his attempt to have a wildlife refuge opened to his people. Other ethnic groups are depicted as well. For the most part, these white South Africans are shown in an unfavorable light. Desai narrates with a British-like accent and a sympathetic tone. The music includes traditional Bushman folk songs. There is a continuous stream of subtitles, and an occasional map shows the locations of the Bushman communities. The content is made less effective by weak organization and the inclusion of elements that have nothing to do with the theme of the film. Grisly images such as the severed head of a Bushman, individuals hanging by nooses from a tree, as well as a few scenes showing exposed female breasts make the documentary appropriate for mature audiences. While the content would lend itself well to guided discussion, the program is too biased, unclear in scope, and mature in content to have a place in most schools.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—Archaeologist Miriam Cooke and Egyptologist Dominic Montserrat are filmed as they explore the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. They consult with a diverse team of experts to help solve historical puzzles such as how the Ancient Egyptians were able to move a three-ton stone 500 miles (The Pharaoh's Stone); why the builders of the pyramids changed locations to build the structures (The Pyramids); Akhenaten's motivations for splitting from the traditional polytheism of his people (The Rebel Pharaoh); and much more. It is apparent at the beginning of each episode that the scientist has a preconceived theory, and most of the evidence discovered conveniently supports the hypothesis. Computer animation is minimal but helpful when showing the directions of the archaeologists' travels; however, it is not as effective when showing a timeline that resembles a sundial because there are no references to other historic events and it is somewhat difficult to read. While the visual and sound qualities are good, some interviews were recorded in public places and it is difficult to hear the speaker over the background noise. Some interviewees have heavy accents, and their segments would have benefited from subtitles. Since the programs deal more with speculation than accepted fact and offer a narrow focus, the series will captivate those interested in uncovering some of history's mysteries but will not be the best choice for a classroom setting.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—As our country struggles with developing a meaningful, equitable, and effective national immigration policy, this intriguing program offers a fascinating review of a 1993 incident which spotlighted the issue at the time. The Golden Venture, an ocean-going freighter, ran aground off the New York coast with almost 300 undocumented Chinese immigrants aboard. The film recounts what happened to the survivors both short-term and today. The producers movingly recount the price paid by the refugees from Communist China in financial (a minimum of $30,000 each), emotional, and physical terms through the use of news footage, computer graphics, and stirring personal interviews. While the initial incident ironically took place in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the immigrants' reception was less-than-hospitable as a result of the first attack on the World Trade Center. What follows are remarkable stories of human strength, governmental indecisiveness, and a supportive coalition of national groups rallying on behalf of the refugees. The nicely paced presentation features English-language captions of interviews, a useful study guide, and a Web site with links to additional information. The film can be accessed in two parts: the first details the incidents and ensuing political and legal battles, while the latter portion provides a look at the Golden Venture passengers today. Classes studying the ongoing question of immigration would greatly benefit from the unique perspective provided in the film.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 10 Up—This documentary follows World War II veterans George Ciampa, Peter Stefanage, and Rocky Moretto as they tour the Belgian countryside, cemeteries, and battlefields from the Battle of the Bulge. Accompanying them are four high school history teachers from southern California seeking to learn from the experience in order to impress upon their students the value of freedom and its cost to the soldiers who fought for it. The documentary crew interviews Belgians who lost family members to the Gestapo, sheltered American soldiers, joined the resistance against the Axis powers, and were imprisoned in concentration camps. Plenty of historical footage accompanies the reminiscing of the veterans, allowing viewers a glimpse of the past. Some images of wounded or dead soldiers, as well as concentration camp prisoners, make this program more appropriate for older viewers. The documentary succeeds in showing the personal impact of these historic events; what it means to loose freedom, family, and friends; and the cost of regaining freedom.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 7 Up—The future of any country lies in the education of its youth. This examination of the condition of public schools in Pakistan is unnerving and enraging. The shocking degree of corruption and graft at all levels of government is disturbingly documented by the producers who visit a number of school settings and interview students, teachers, and officials. With an English-language narration and subtitles for the Urdu dialogue, the nicely paced presentation utilizes a mix of graphics and background music along with footage of the dire state of the schools. Since government officials almost universally send their children to private schools, there is little sympathy in those ranks for the plight of the almost 80 percent of the country's children from poverty-stricken families who are remanded to some of the worst education facilities in the world. In Pakistan, millions of children have no future. The program's six chapters may be individually accessed along with a still photo gallery and instructions for downloading teaching materials from the distributor's Web site. While the film closes with the promise from newly installed public officials that change is imminent, it is difficult for viewers to believe that the system will be improved.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 4–8—These two entries in the series examine historical superlatives and the year 1932. Their format features teen news "anchors" and slightly younger "reporters" who describe events shown in vintage newsreel footage. Faster introduces historical curiosities such as the 1940 collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the Grand Coulee Dam, the world's longest conveyor belt, sports records, dance marathons, and daredevil stunts. While occasionally entertaining, it has no clear educational focus or objectives. News of 1932 takes viewers to what the film claims is Depression-era America, but then spends considerable time on topics that would have been at the margin of America's attention, such as the Vatican Railroad, Pearl S. Buck's Pulitzer Prize, political haircuts, and flagpole sitting. It doesn't focus on the Depression until almost ten minutes into the "newscast," and its coverage manages to be both inaccurate and misleading with two "reports" that describe a swap meet as an example of how people were "resourceful," and visits to factories that were hiring workers to meet "increased demand." The series expert, "Professor Whatzit," briefly summarizes how the Depression affected the 1932 election. This film doesn't mention the bread lines, Hoovervilles, failed banks, or the Bonus Army march that dominated the real news of 1932, and it fails to capture the desperation and hardships of the year that is considered the nadir of the Depression. Neither of these episodes will add significantly to student understanding of the American past, and they are not a good choice for school audiences.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 1–6—This fascinating peek at Tibet, narrated by three children, takes viewers into a country of contrasts. While information about Tibet's geography is presented, the focus is on the people. Both urban and rural life is examined, and the increasing Chinese influence on Tibetan culture is explored. Cell phones contrast with horse-drawn wagons, all against a spectacular, and often forbidding, landscape. The film visits the major cities, Lake Nam Tso, and the Mt. Everest base camp. There's even an introduction to Kathmandu, as Tibetans in exile are introduced. This compelling production brings the people and the land to life while traditional Tibetan music plays in the background. Narration is a little stilted, but clear and very informative. Prayer flags fly, white scarves are tossed onto sacred rock formations, vendors sell everything from handcuffs to yak hamburgers, prayer wheels spin, candles illuminate devout faces. Both audio and video quality are excellent. Viewers will feel a connection to the country and the people. Curriculum applications may be a stretch, beyond geography, but the film stands alone as a valuable introduction to another culture and people.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 8 Up—This series brings to life the amazing technology and architecture of ancient civilizations. Each DVD features dramatizations of the construction of the ancient wonders, computer simulations of what they once looked like, and comments by experts. Terms are defined, but students will need a strong background on each civilization to fully appreciate what they are watching. The films on the Greeks and Romans are better than the one on Egypt, which jumps around too often and has too many historical details on a wide variety of pharaohs. There are some well-done segments, though, on the construction of the various pyramids and temples. Greek Designs of Beauty requires students to be familiar with terms like Minotaur and labyrinth, as well as with Greek gods. This film includes a fascinating segment on the temple of the Delphi oracle, with scientists noting that since the temple was located on a fault line, noxious gases seeping from below the Earth may have put the oracle in a trance when she pronounced her prophecies. Another well-done segment is on the first Olympics. Roman Feats of Engineering includes a segment on the construction of the Colosseum and a discussion of the gory activities that took place there. Interesting tidbits of information are provided, such as the fact that the worst of the 80,000 seats in the Coliseum went to female spectators. Even the slaves were given better seats than the women! There's also an excellent explanation about the construction of aqueducts.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 5–11—In this dramatization, two young teens, Frank and John, have misbehaved in class and are assigned Saturday detention. Panicked about being unprepared for an upcoming test for that class, they commiserate with the detention teacher. Mr. Smith offers to explain the five tips for study skills success, including note-taking, SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Receive, and Review), concentration, memory, and time management. Standing in the front of the classroom, Antonio Smith (a high school teacher) delivers the information in a conversationa l style, occasionally writing on the blackboard to outline the techniques and tips. He advises the boys to always sit in the front row of their classes, listen and take notes on a college-ruled pad, and ask questions later. He introduces Frank and John to the SQ3R method and offers advice about combating distractions at home, such as the computer and phone. Three memory techniques include association, linking, and "cool," a way to relate something they like to something they need to learn. Time management strategies include studying for 20 minute intervals over a long period to avoid cramming. Smith suggests relaxing the day before a test, eating well, resting, and dressing comfortably. A bonus section covers test-taking strategies and an easy way to make flash cards. While these techniques are not new, Smith's empathy for his students and calm, straightforward demeanor will resonate with viewers. The no-frills production includes an original rap song and an accompanying CD of instrumental study music.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Although educators have long been aware that inequalities exist along gender lines in traditionally male-dominated fields, little has been done to examine how this can be remedied. The Gender Chip Project documents one campus's innovative attempt to provide a support network geared towards maintaining the motivation of an interracial group of intelligent young women with an interest in science- and math-related curricula during their sophomore through senior years at Ohio State University. The camera alternates between individual portraits of the aspiring civil engineers, molecular biologists, mathematicians, etc., and group meetings, where the students regularly discusses the challenges they face in their respective majors as well as in their evolving priorities. The issues that arise reflect the complexities inherent in the lives of both typical college undergraduates (homesickness, personal identity) and professional women (juggling career aspirations with motherhood, challenging societal expectations). This production effectively shows how these young women's thirst for knowledge and their thrill of discovery fare when confronted with the complex choices that present themselves in higher education. The video closes with spirited affirmations about strength and independence, and footage of the young women's graduation ceremony. Given that production on the film began nearly ten years ago, it would have been interesting to have had an update on the students' progress in their careers and to have heard their reflections on the project itself. Still, this film will be useful in exploring gender studies topics and as a tool to prepare teen girls for the pressures of higher education.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

K-Gr 6—The traditions of Mexico at Christmas are warmly presented through songs woven together by a personal narrative. Twelve familiar Christmas songs are sung in English and in Spanish, and nine Mexican Christmas tunes are sung in Spanish. To introduce each group of songs, a Spanish-speaking narrator relates short stories about Christmas customs based on his childhood in Mexico. The Christmas songs with familiar tunes but somewhat modern renditions are clearly sung by a children's choir and two adults, with instrumental accompaniment. The book includes English and Spanish lyrics for the familiar songs, Spanish lyrics only for the Mexican tunes, and narratives accompanied by warmly colored illustrations. Although the translations for the songs are not always literal, the clear diction of the narrator and singers makes this an enjoyable way to reinforce Spanish-language learning.—Teresa Wittmann, West-gate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

K-Gr 4—The Christmas traditions and songs of France are the foundation for this bilingual title designed for individual or small group use with non-speakers of French. The beautifully illustrated book, written by Judy Mahoney, features text in French with an English translation. The customs and traditions of the holiday season are explained through these songs. Seasonal recipes and a short vocabulary list are included at the back of the book. Among the 21 songs are "Dans la crèche (Away in a Manger)" "Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle)," and "Douce nuit, sainte nuit (Silent Night)." The sound quality is clear and the voices are easy to understand.—Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Learning Center, Rhinebeck, NY

Gr 5–8—Moon, age 10, has lived in the Alabama forest with his father, a Vietnam veteran, as long as he can remember. His dad taught him how to survive on his own and preached about the evils of the government. After the untimely death of his father, Moon's worst fears of government interference are confirmed when he's sent to a local home for boys. He runs away and sets off for Alaska, encounters a maniacal local constable, ends up in reform school, and more. Moon's escape and wilderness skills are put to the test. He finally realizes that loneliness is his biggest foe and that his Pap may have been too distrusting. Using subdued accents and well-controlled speech mannerisms, Nick Landrum enhances this great wilderness adventure story by Watt Key (Farrar, 2006) by giving voice to an unusual cast of characters. Vocal idiosyncrasies help listeners identify each character. Boys in upper elementary and middle school will be drawn to this outdoor adventure story, as will fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (Atheneum, reissue 2000).—Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY

Gr 1–3—As the oldest child in a Quaker family in Ohio during the 1840s, 11-year-old Jay Allen learns about the important role his family plays in helping slaves escape through the Underground Railroad in this easy-to-read book (Carolrhoda Books, 1993) by Marlene Targ Brill, illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. Jay comes to understand the danger and importance of his parents' actions when he helps a runaway slave, Henry James. Under his father's guidance, the boy hides the slave and later takes him on a dangerous journey by horse and carriage to his grandfather's house where the rest of the family helps him continue north ahead of his owner who is hunting him down. The author's note in the beginning provides brief historical background information about Quakers, slavery, and the Underground Railroad. The afterword explains how Henry escaped to Canada and how Jay Allen became a well-known minister and teacher. This beginning reader is based on a segment of Allen's autobiography. Narrator Jay O. Sanders gives each character a different voice, which will help beginning readers understand the Quaker and Southern accents. A great listening/reading experience for youngsters.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old Kevin is doing homework in his New York home when a strangely dressed man with a bow and arrows drops into his bedroom from nowhere. It turns out the man is the first king of Korea, and he apparently fell off a tiger and into Kevin's world. Kevin has to discover how to send Archer back to his own time before the end of the Year of the Tiger. Their quest takes them all over Kevin's town in a search for clues. With childlike resilience, Kevin adapts quickly to the fact that Archer doesn't belong in his world, but does go through several moral dilemmas as he's trying to help the man. A bit of Korean history and Chinese astrology is imparted in Linda Sue Park's lighthearted time-travel novel (Clarion, 2006). There isn't a lot of depth to the characters, and there are some almost unbelievable coincidences, but those who can suspend disbelief will enjoy the story. Narrator Feodor Chin infuses Kevin with infectious curiosity and adds a solemnity to Archer that is appealing. This audiobook should circulate well in public and school libraries, especially where the Newbery Medal winner's books are popular.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 4–7—Harold, the dog, has another humorous and slightly scary story to tell after M. T. Graves, the author of the best-selling "FleshCrawlers" series and Pete's favorite author, comes to visit the family. The analytical and paranoid cat, Chester, is certain that Graves will cause something bad to happen to one of the family pets, just like in his creepy books. The author certainly acts odd and melancholy when he arrives with his beloved pet, Edgar Allan Crow, on his shoulder. The entire family joins in to solve the mystery when Bunnicula the bunny disappears, and the results are so surprising that Howie, the puppy, is inspired to start writing books of his own. Patrick Mulvihill narrates all the human and animal characters in Patrick Howe's tale (S & S, 2006) with wonderfully different voices. Fans of the popular "Bunnicula" series will enjoy this charming and sometimes suspenseful story.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 2–3—Take one brave young boy, encode a message and hide it in the buttons of his jacket, mix in the Redcoats and George Washington, and you have historical fiction perfect for early elementary students. Written by Peter and Connie Roop, the book (Carolrhoda Books, 1986) offers an account of a Quaker family who became spies for the American army during the Revolutionary War and the boy who carried messages to Washington's camp in the buttons of his coat. Jason Harris provides a measured, word-for-word reading, but doesn't change his voice for the different characters. There are minimal, unobtrusive sound effects, such as the occasional clip-clop of horses' hooves. The Author's Note explains the spy activities of John Darragh and his Quaker family and how they risked their lives for American freedom. A good way to introduce historical fiction in an easy-to-read format.—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

PreS-Gr 3—A giant's unsuccessful courtship with the moon leads him to despondence and slumber for hundreds of thousands of years in Mordicai Gerstein's delightful picture book (Roaring Brook Press, 2005). Meanwhile, the quiet town of Pupickton (bellybutton) springs up on the giant's belly. Villagers, cautious not to wake him, resort to unnatural silence until one day a girl named Carolinda Clatter is born. Her cantankerous clatter proves to be the melodious antidote for the lovesick giant who is finally able to bring closure to his restless relations with the moon. The villagers' whispery voices resound like aliens as they try to shush Carolinda, adding dramatic effect and emphasizing the unnatural quality of a town without sound. The subterranean voice of the giant shakes the whole village after Carolinda Clatter noisily wakes him up. While Gerstein's narration perfectly characterizes the giant, Bonnie Kelley-Young's voice doesn't ring true for the spirited girl. Instead of a spunky girl with a strong personality, she becomes a soft-spoken, lilting adult with a sweet manner. The disconnect between the illustrations of Carolinda and her voice is a bit disconcerting. However, the tale is intriguing and demonstrates the power of music to transform noise into melody and fill empty souls with "dreams."—Ann Crewdson, King County Library System, Seatac, WA

K-Gr 2—Australian singer-songwriter Peter Combe delivers a third collection of classic fairy tales by first reading the story and then offering a musical number retelling the tale. His readings are delightful, and his vocal inflections and timing draw in listeners. The musical retellings set Combe's work apart from other storytelling collections. Musically, each song embodies the soul of the story. "The Hare and the Tortoise" is a light tune sung by a soprano (rabbit) and Combe (hare), with a children's chorus joining them in the refrain. "Snow White" has a haunting melody sung mournfully by Combe. Voices are added as the number of characters trying to pull "The Enormous Turnip" grows in this charmer. A chorus of children sings along with Combe, retelling the story of "Robin Hood" in troubadour style. Librarians may want to use these with puppets during story time.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 2–4—These two humorous short tales by Alan Rusbridger are very entertaining. In The Coldest Day in the Zoo (Puffin, 2004), the heating system at the zoo breaks and the director, Mr. Pickles, asks the zookeepers to take their animals home with them over the weekend. That's when the fun begins—from the elephant crushing the car to the lion frightening the mail lady—and nothing turns out the way the zookeepers planned. In The Wildest Day in the Zoo (Puffin, 2005), Mr. Pickles thinks that it will break the monotony if the zookeepers switch animals for a day. But mayhem ensues as the animals outwit their keepers and end up on the loose. Although the plots are somewhat predictable, the hilarious details and the clever voice changes of narrator Brian Bowles will keep young listeners in stitches.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

Gr 6–9—Pirates, monks, and the Emperor's henchmen are among the many characters in the fourth installment (Random, 2007) in Jeff Stone's "The Five Ancestors" series set in medieval China. A healer and martial arts expert, Hok is a girl who's been passing as a boy since she was three. Now 12, she's trying to locate missing friends and avoid the authorities who've put a price on her head. Along the way she's reunited with her mother, engineers a prison escape, nurses a blinded companion, and ends up in a raucous fight club. Encounters with resistance fighters and protecting a secret treasure map add to her action-packed struggles. Kiki Barrera's versatile narration ably conveys personalities as diverse as a quiet grandmother and a blaring fight promoter. Unfamiliar Chinese names may confuse listeners, but information on that nation's history and culture adds valuable insights. Hok's Dutch and Chinese heritage also broaden the story's appeal. With a cliff hanger conclusion, Crane will be of most interest in public and middle school libraries where the series already is popular.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 7 Up—Many readers think that classics have little relevance to our modern lives. But with the right author and the right turn on a classic tale, these stories can remain as relevant today as they were when they were first written. Julius Lester's Cupid (Harcourt, 2007) is a retelling of the ancient myth of the love story of Cupid and Psyche (originally written by Lucius Apuleius). Cupid, the Greek God of Love, and Psyche, a mortal princess, have a tempestuous love affair (and conflicts with Venus, Cupid's mother). Throughout their affair, Cupid and Psyche learn about themselves and the meaning of true love. With Jupiter's help, Psyche attains immortality. Lester's fresh and sassy prose brings new life and luster to the story, and actor Stephen McKinley Henderson's expert, enthralling narration always holds listeners' attention.

On the other hand, M. T. Anderson's The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing (Candlewick, 2006), winner of the 2006 National Book Award, falls flat because its uniqueness renders it unintelligible. In this imitation of Voltaire's Candide, written in 18^th-century language, young Octavian Nothing, an African child, is raised by tutors with numbers instead of names and subjected to experiments performed on him by Boston philosophers who seek to determine the intellectual ability of Africans. While the idea and the scope of Anderson's novel are fresh, the plot and the prose are so confusing that it becomes difficult to follow the story. The narration by actor Peter Francis James is first-rate, but only advanced high school students and aficionados of the Enlightenment will be able to wade through the novel. On the other hand, Lester's lively retelling of the Cupid classic enhances the original tale and makes it accessible to students.—Larry Cooperman, Seminole High School, Sanford, FL

Gr 6–9—Half-sisters Pauline von Cant and Lucy Wickwright return in K. P. Barth's sequel (Little, Brown, 2006) to The Secret of Castle Cant (Little, Brown, 2004). This time, the girls are on the run while the Barony of Cant endures a revolution over gum chewing. With a price on their heads, Pauline and Lucy dodge bounty hunters as they attempt to reach the Outlands to stop the gum trade. They flit in and out of trouble, encounter a multitude of characters, and learn more about their intertwined past and precarious future. Narrator Kerin McCue creates dozens of interesting voices to match the cutesy names given to the characters, such as Luigi Lemonjello. Unfortunately, the plot drags and listeners will probably surrender long before the story ends. Fans of the first book may be amused with this tepid sequel.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Pre-Gr 3—Lovingly read by author Sarah Stewart (Farrar, 2004), this is a sentimental ode to an African-American housekeeper who manages a sprawling mansion while simultaneously caring for a young, precocious, wealthy white girl whose parents are too busy to spend much time with her. The relationship between the two is recalled over the course of a standard week, with young Belle assisting (in her way) housekeeper Bea with the daily chores. After completing each day's hard work, they wind down with visits to the beach. Instrumental music plays a larger role here than in most read-aloud adaptations of picture books. Illustrator David Small's wordless full-page spreads of the beach scenes are enhanced by gently lilting music and beach noises, giving children ample time to pore over the lovely watercolor-and-crayon cartoon illustrations. Appropriate sound effects enhance the rhyming text. In a scene where the two are cleaning a room together, gentle sounds of floors being scrubbed and windows being wiped to the point of squeaking create the background sounds. Overall a pleasant and touching production by this award-winning, creative husband-and-wife duo.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

Gr 3–5—All of the quirky characters are back in this delightful sequel (Chicken House, 2006) to Cornelia Funke's Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost (Chicken House, 2006). Nine-year-old Tom, Hugo, the Averagely Spooky Ghost, and ghoul hunter Hetty Hyssop are called to a fancy beachfront resort where the guests are being turned into ghosts. Armed with the tools of their trade, cake icing and champagne, the trio quickly finds the root of the problem—a Gruesome Invincible Lightning Ghost—and uses all of their courage and skills to defeat it and save the remaining guests at the resort. Veteran voice actor John Beach skillfully brings to life the madcap adventures by giving each character a unique voice that conjures up fantastic images in listeners' minds. This enjoyable story will thrill both fans of and those new to the series. A must have for every collection.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 5–7—Due to a birth defect, Rowena can't speak but she has plenty to say in this often amusing, sometimes touching, and occasionally odd tale (Puffin Books [Australia], pap. 2004) by Morris Gleitzman. It begins with a car full of rotten apples, a trip to the police station, and a desperate attempt to keep the media from splashing her dad all over national television with a story on the misuse of chemical sprays. Meanwhile, Rowena discovers that the mother she never knew is not buried in Australia as she had been led to believe but was actually the victim of a hit-and-run accident while visiting France and is buried there. Rowena is determined to track down her mother's killer at all costs. She and her father travel to the town where her mother died and find the people there oddly kind and inviting. Her many questions and her search for revenge come to a head in a wild scene in which she—and then her father—is trapped under an old bomb from World War I. There's a lot going on here (perhaps too much) and the ending is a little too neat. However, Mary-Anne Fahey does an excellent job of giving a voice to a young girl who has no voice, and providing plenty of variety and emotion in the telling. Listeners will be caught up in her story and cheer for Rowena along the way.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 7–10—Rosie Moon, 15, lives in Perth, Australia, and wants some excitement in her life in this novel by Bridget Lowry (Holiday House, 2003). Asher Fielding, the new boy in school, is a mysterious rebel with dreadlocks and a guitar who doesn't follow the school dress code and wants to return to the life he had before his parents split up. When Asher is falsely accused of stealing a teacher's wallet, he and Rosie run away and hitchhike up the coast. They learn a lot about each other and about themselves, and come to realize that sometimes the road one takes is as important as where one wants to go. Kate Hosking brings alive the lyrical nature of the writing and engages listeners with a narration that is emotionally intense and easily distinguishes each character. This Australian import is realistic, romantic, and entertaining.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Dana Reinhardt's ripped-from-the-headlines novel is told in the first person, in alternating chapters, by three teen protagonists—Anna, Emma, and Mariah—all freshmen at a private day school in a New York state college town. Mariah, one of the hottest girls in school, befriends best friends Anna and Emma and invites them to a party at the home of her boyfriend, who is older and attends the local public school. The girls easily get away with lying to their parents about where they are going. When the teens decide to meet the boys for a second time, they tell their parents that they're going to a movie. When they're caught in this lie, they concoct what they consider to be a harmless story about being down by the river and a man trying to attack one of them and the others fending him. The story works, until an innocent man is arrested and things mushroom out of control. Listeners are privy to how each girl is coping with the events as they unravel and what she thinks about the other girls' reactions. Teens will be drawn into the drama of how smart people can sometimes do stupid things, and will be satisfied with the difficult resolution each girl ultimately must face. Three female narrators do a convincing job of portraying each character in a realistic manner. As a bonus feature, there's an interview with the author about her motivation for writing the novel.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—At 11, the unnamed narrator has already been shipped between numerous relatives to protect him from his parents who are "mean drunks." When he is finally left with some distant relatives on a secluded farm, he has no idea what is waiting for him in the form of his reckless, crude, trouble-making younger cousin Harris. The boy is soon caught up in his cousin's wild schemes—from wrestling 300 pound pigs to taking on a boy-kicking cow named Vivian to trying to motorize a bicycle, and much more. There is plenty of profanity in these pages and a nasty incident is included in which the narrator challenges Harris to urinate on an electric fence with painful results. For those not put-off but such things, there is loads of humor here and a great story about the joy of finding a place to belong. Narrator Steven Boyer does an excellent job of capturing the humor in the novel by Gary Paulsen (Yearling Books, 1995), providing the boys with distinct voices that perfectly capture their personalities.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 8 Up—Paski (Pasquala Rumalda Quintana de Archuleta) is the daughter of a struggling comic book artist and an absent, druggie mom in this novel by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (Little Brown, 2006). She lives with her dad in Taos, NM, has two best friends, considers herself to be popular, and has visions. When her dad gets a big break, they move to Los Angeles where the teen tries to fit in with wealthy classmates. Paski has caught the eyes of the popular girls, dubbed "haters" by the non-popular kids because of the mean antics they employ. She's excited to go to a party thrown by this group, but the "haters" live up to their name by slipping the date rape drug into her drink and throwing her into the pool. Paski is saved by Chris, the boyfriend of one of the girls. When Paski and Chris start dating, the "haters" go to great lengths to make them break up, and the teen must use her visions to survive. The typical plot line is enhanced by the use of multicultural characters and *females in typically male-oriented roles (e.g., extreme mountain biking, Motocross). Librarians should be aware that there is one sexually explicit scene. The first-person narrative is delivered by Johanna Parker whose tone and attitude perfectly convey the voice of the 16-year-old Latina.—Betsy Schwering, Franklin Central High School, Indianapolis, IN

Gr 4–7—When Claire's cousin Duke drops her off the bridge and into the Mississippi River, he grows a horn over his nose that get longer every time he is mean to someone. Claire is rescued by a little old lady in a boat who explains that the only way for Duke to reverse this process is for him to perform a selfless act of kindness. Claire knows that's not likely to happen anytime soon. To make matters worse, their families are turned to stone by trolls and the children become involved in a feud between the Rock Trolls and the River Trolls. There is much high adventure as Claire, Duke, and three river trolls take on the Great Rock Troll, Bodacious Deep Think. Jessica Almasy does a remarkable job of narrating Joseph Helgerson's debut novel (Houghton, 2006). Her ability to imaginatively differentiate the voices of the various quirky characters makes this a winning rendition of this fanciful tale.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, Baldwin City, KS

Gr 5–7—Awash with heart-warming philosophical and metaphysical life lessons, Jeremy Fink and his best friend, Lizzie, bounce through mysterious plot twists on their way to solving an age-old question in this novel by Wendy Mass (Little Brown, 2006). Jeremy's father, unsure of the length of his own life due to a fortune-teller's dire prediction of an early death, prepared a mysterious locked wooden box engraved with "The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink to Open on His 13th Birthday." The prophecy was fulfilled, and his dad died when Jeremy was eight. Two months before Jeremy's 13th birthday, the box is delivered to him by a lawyer, but the four keys required to it are missing. Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime that leads Jeremy and Lizzie across Manhattan to search flea markets, museums, and office buildings in the hope of finding the keys before his birthday. This coming-of-age novel deals with important themes such as friendship, family, and the meaning of life that will provide fodder for group discussions. Narrator Andy Paris transitions smoothly from the high-pitched, impulsive voice of Lizzie and the nerdy voice of Jeremy on the cusp of adolescence to the various adult characters. An excellent choice for tweens who love a good mystery that allows them to become emotionally involved.—Beverly S. Almond, Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC

Gr 2–4—Judy Moody has a rival in Amy Namey, a dynamic new girl at school. Not only does Amy have her own newspaper, she wears two watches so she knows what time it is in France. Like Judy, she has a collection of ABC (Already Been Chewed) gum, and has even visited Bubblegum Alley in California. To top it off, Amy's a card-carrying member of the My-Name-Is-a-Poem Club. Judy Moody's never heard of this club, which is way cooler than the Toad Pee Club she and her friends originated. What's not to hate? Judy soon discovers that best enemies can turn into best friends when their similarities are viewed as common ground. That's about the same time Judy's friends Rocky and Frank become jealous and make trouble during their group social studies project. Kate Forbes hits a perfect third grader stride in her narration of this hilarious book by Megan McDonald (Candlewick, 2006).—Erin B. Allen, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Mrs. Watson, the first-grade teacher, is a 300-year-old alien with a purple tongue who steals baby teeth from her students. How does this new student know? A second grader enlightened her on the bus ride to her first day of school. Now she lives in terror because she has a loose tooth. Can she keep her mouth closed for the rest of the school year? This delightful book by Alison McGhee (Harcourt, 2004) is sure to have students giggling. Rachael Lillis reads the text (and pretty much every written word in the illustrations) with gusto and humor, creating a different voice for each character. Sound effects and background music enhance the text, as readers enjoy the humorous details of Harry Bliss's watercolor-and-ink illustrations. While some might have a little trouble with the concept of giving children candy as a reward for losing a tooth, this book is a sure-fire hit.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 4–8—A newspaper ad reads, "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" Many youngsters respond but only four are chosen, among them 11-year-old Reynie Muldoon who can't figure out what he has in common with his three companions. Talkative Kate carries around a bucket filled with odds and ends and can wiggle her way into or out of any situation. Sticky is a voracious reader who remembers everything. Tiny Constance is smart as a whip but cranky and stubborn. The one thing they have in common is they are all without parents—either by circumstance or by choice. When kindly Mr. Benedict recruits the youngsters to go undercover on a dangerous mission, they are confident that they are up to the challenge. Their goal is to infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a school for gifted children, whose founder is sending hidden messages and hypnotizing the world population to bend to his wishes. Alone, each child is helpless, but as a team, they manage to overcome evil and save the day. First-time novelist Trenton Lee Stewart has infused his novel (Little Brown, 2007) with strong characters and an exciting plot. Del Roy's husky, grandfatherly voice works perfectly with the third person narration. Although the story is long, each short chapter ends in an exciting cliff-hanger that is sure to keep kids listening. Count on this clever, well-written title to make an appearance on both state reading lists and best books lists.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–7—Six young teens with discipline problems are sent on a sea journey sponsored by a group called Charting a New Course, an organization designed to help troubled youths straighten out their lives. With only the captain and first mate to guide them, the teens work as the crew of the sailboat. When a terrible storm hits, the captain is lost at sea and the first mate abandons the kids once he realizes the ship is slowly sinking. The teens must work together to survive the storm and a shipwreck in the first book (Scholastic, pap. 2001) in Gordon Korman's trilogy. Holter Graham's suspenseful narration successfully portrays the tension between the characters and keeps the action moving. Listeners will want to read the next two books in this hi-lo series—Survival and Escape (both Scholastic, 2001)—or wait for them to be released on CD.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 3–6—Nicholas Frith, 11, was an ordinary English schoolboy. Nothing particularly spectacular had happened to him. All that changes on a trip to Spain where he incurs the wrath of a 300-year-dead corpse, and the curse that comes with it. Only slightly ameliorated by a local bruja (witch), the curse means plants wither at his touch, animals behave strangely, tests are a sure-fire route to bedlam, and all those around him are touched by incredible bad fortune. He becomes a modern Jonah as strange accidents follow in his wake. As a result, he's bounced from school to school and has no friends. At last, however, he arrives at a school where the headmaster actually makes an effort to understand the problem, enlisting the help of a local mystic to seek a solution. Nicholas's new friend, Fiona, has a cool head in catastrophes, which proves extremely useful, and it begins to look like there may be a way to beat the curse. Can the power of positive affirmation cast aside a magical malediction? Andrew Norris's book (Yearling, 2001) dishes up delightful tongue-in-cheek humor. Nicholas is a likeable character, and the matter-of-fact way he deals with his problems—attacking wasps, a roving mountain lion, occasional unexplained fire, and much more—is giggle-worthy. Glen McReady performs the text well, creating a unique voice for each character and maintaining an excellent pace. A fun audiobook.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 6–9—John Feinstein narrates his second sports mystery (Knopf, 2006) for young adults, this time set at the U.S. Open where 13-year-old aspiring reporters, Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson, are covering the tennis tournament. This year's main attraction is young, beautiful Russian phenomenon Nadia Symanova. On the first day of the event, she disappears on the way from the locker room to Louis Armstrong Stadium. Within hours, there are rumors that the Russian government is behind the kidnapping to prevent their star tennis player from seeking U.S. citizenship. That doesn't quite wash with the young reporters, and they are on the case. The plot points and mystery elements are over explained, and the author's narration is monotonous. Serious tennis fans will enjoy the sports action and frequent name dropping of celebrities, but this offering is not very likely to win Feinstein many new fans.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 1–6—Celtic music and traditional storytelling are combined in this collection of wolf tales performed by Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder for an audience of Vermont school children and their families. In "Hungry Wolf's Lucky Day," a wolf hunts for his breakfast, but is repeatedly outwitted by a variety of animals. "St. Ailbe's Wolf Mother," the strongest of the three tales, is told with interludes of Celtic music. A human baby is raised by a wolf and years later has the opportunity to save his wolf mother from hunters. In "The Dog and the Wolf," a farmer believes his dog has become too elderly to be useful and sends him off into the forest. A wolf assists him and, in appreciation, the dog protects the wolf and provides him with food. One day, while the farmer is hosting a party, the dog sneaks the wolf in. The wolf becomes drunk and begins to sing. The dog saves the wolf from certain death at the hands of the farmer and they remain close friends. The use of alcohol in this tale may make it inappropriate for young children. The stories are told in two overlapping voices which is meant to lend emphasis to various portions of the story; however, the dueling voices become distracting and irritating. Variations in the volume further affect the CD's aural quality. The lively Celtic music is the strength of this endeavor.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 3 Up—In his second excellent album, Matthew Sabatella sings 16 familiar and mostly traditional American folksongs in a rich baritone. The Rambling String Band joins him, performing beautifully on guitars, dulcimer, harmonica, banjo, bass, mandolin, fiddle, and washboard. The songs bring to mind the culture of America during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Among these treasures are "Wabash Cannonball," "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," "Skip to My Lou," "Buffalo Gal," "Oh Susanna!" "On Top of Old Smokey," "Down in the Valley" (who knew this song had so many verses!), "Pick a Bale of Cotton," "I've Been Working on the Railroad," "Old Blue," "Home on the Range," and more. Fun to sing along and harmonize with, this album belongs in every collection that values folk music—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Paul Helou delivers a charming nature-themed collection of 13 original tunes. His smooth baritone soothes as he sings ballads ("A Butterfly Lullaby," "Our Big Green Planet"), sets a mood ("Big Bear Huggable," "Funny Bunny Fun Fun Song"), tells a story in song ("Firebreathing Dragon," "The Dance of the Bears"), or expresses upbeat fun ("Morning Sun," "Eureka"). There are brief story segues between several songs. Helou employs a wide range of musical styles, including bluegrass, pop, ballad, and country. Accompanying instrumentation is varied, and background vocals and harmonies are employed judiciously, enhancing the theme or melody of the songs. Several songs use a chorus of children on the refrains to encourage listeners' participation. Perfect to use with preschoolers during story times with a forest animal theme.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Library cards, cowboys, healthy eating, bicycles, pets, teddy bears, and rainbows are some of the topics tackled by songwriter/performer Debbie Clement in these 16 original songs. She employs a variety of musical styles from rock and country to calypso and klezmer, with terrific arrangements by Tom Martin. Several professional musicians, including Clement's daughter, add their talents on guitars, banjo, trombone, oboe, sax, clarinet, and trumpet. "Questions??"includes a male asking various questions in a Yiddish accent; other songs are enhanced by various sound effects. "Library Card," written as a tribute to librarians, was premiered at the American Library Association convention in June 2006. Clement's voice sounds rather thin, and the songs are clever but most don't really offer anything new or original. However, the songs are lively and bouncy and will hold the attention of youngsters.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-K—Pam Donkin reminds us that play is child's work on her latest recording. The singer/composer employs a variety of musical styles in these 18 songs—including country, boogie-woogie, Mediterranean, and rhythmically spoken—to send messages and offer fun activities and story time fillers for young listeners. Children will find it hard to sit still during "A Hop, Skip and a Jump," "Clap Your Hands Now," "What Shall We Do?," and "Wiggling Around." They will have fun learning as they sing "Kindness Is Everywhere," "Families All Over the World," "Planting Seeds of Love," "Nature's Fun and Fancy Free," and "Water Cycle Song." Librarians will appreciate adding "Little Red Train," "Gotta Get the Beat," "It Rained All Day," "Five Woodpeckers," and other songs to story time. In most songs, a bass provides the percussive beat with guitar, piano, and fiddle providing melodies and harmonies. A chorus of children in several pieces encourages participation. Using a computer, two MP3 songs (wonderful for opening and closing story times), lyrics for all songs, activity guides (including curriculum connections), and a music video ("Everything Works Out Perfectly") can be accessed. A great choice for libraries and day care facilities.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 3—These 20 original songs were written, produced, and performed by Brian Kinder, who is occasionally joined by his wife and a group of children. Youngsters will enjoy singing along to the fun and catchy lyrics. The songs have a whimsical feel to them and Kinder performs them in a variety of styles. "Nine Counting Rudolph" offers some basic math skills and teaches the names of the reindeer. "Mooey Christmas" is a silly song about the joy a cow can bring on Christmas. "The First United Methodist Church Annual Christmas Play" tells a story reminiscent of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," where the local troublemaker decides to try for the part of an angel in the Christmas play. In contrast, there are also touching pieces. "Music Box" tells of a young girl receiving presents from her father who is a soldier stationed far away. Among the other songs are "Hot Chocolate," "Angels in the Snow," "Bow-Wow Christmas," "Happy Birthday Jesus," "Fruitcake," and more. For public library holiday collections.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-Gr 4—Susie Tallman's latest release is her best yet. Energetic and playful, Tallman and her fellow musicians use a variety of traditional instruments to create an non-traditional sound. Strong, comfortable harmonies paired with clever styling result in an impeccable album. The lyrics to these 26 mostly familiar camp songs are silly and inviting. "Boom Chicka Boom" features several different musical styles, changing from country to jazz to opera, and even incorporating an Elvis impersonation. Many songs have surprises, such as "The Ostrich Song" and "A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea." "To Morrow" is a clever play on words that may be less familiar, but will quickly become a favorite with older listeners. Also included are "Going on a Bear Hunt," "On Top of Spaghetti," "You Are My Sunshine," "Ain't Gonna Rain No More," "There's a Hole in the Bucket," and many more. This album will well serve story time presenters looking for musical tie-ins to camping themes, as well as providing an excellent addition to general listening collections.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 4—Award-winning rock musician Peter Himmelman performs 12 original compositions on this wonderful, quirky album that looks for the magic in everyday things. Himmelman's forceful baritone ably handles the demands of his pop-infused rock songs. Flawlessly performing on guitars, keyboards, percussion, electric and upright bass, oboe, and French horn, he and the other musicians sing about feet, kites, roses, eggs, red rubber boots, philosophical bovines, and watercolors. "My Father's an Accountant" recognizes dad's heroism despite his dull vocation. "I Made It for You" celebrates Mom's cooking. "Maybe Is a Bad Word" emphasizes a child's preference for the answer "yes." In "Baseball Tips with Professor Buckley," Himmelman asks a young boy how fast various people and animals can throw a baseball. This terrific album will appeal to the whole family.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—Singer/songwriter Scott Wheatley's collection of ten educational, imaginative, silly songs are sung in an easy rock style. In the title song, everyone in the town is super safe. "Pets Have Feelings Too" emphasizes the importance of recognizing that pets have feelings and shouldn't be tormented or dressed up like dolls. "World Wide Web" offers fun ways that the Internet can be used safely. "Figures of Speech" introduces terms like metaphor, simile, and personification. "Chicken Major" encourages children to get up and waddle like a duck and swim like a fish. Other songs include "She's a Prime Number," "Your Pencil's Eraser Is Lonely," "Let's Get Metric," and "Free Time." These lessons combined with quality musicianship make this a great addition to collections for young children.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 1–4—John Michael Maddock's aim is to write songs that can motivate children to be the best that they can be. This album was recorded live at elementary schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. In between Maddock's 10 original songs, he interacts with the audience by leading them in cheers and asking motivational-style questions. Many songs have motivational messages, such as "Choose (the way we think)," "Practice," "The Biggest Mistake," and more. "Mister 'Fraidy," "Skip the Spider," "The Brat," "The Bully," and "Captain Cookie's Boogie Woogie" are story songs featuring situations in which kids may find themselves. Maddock sings these songs in rock, country, and calypso styles. His vocals are adequate, and the instrumental performances by Maddock and the GT Band are excellent.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 1–4—In classic rock style, Recess Monkey performs 13 original songs. This Seattle band, comprised of three elementary school teachers, sing mostly about school-related topics, including art class, the playground, field trips, the school librarian, and math. Other songs feature bike riding, getting along with others, apologizing, dressing up, and preferring the box to the toy that came in it. "Mercado" is a bilingual song about shopping for food. On some of the songs, the high falsetto voices sound somewhat shrill, but overall, the tunes are catchy and lively. Elementary-age listeners will easily relate to the themes of the songs.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 4–8—Jennifer Roy's partially fictionalized retelling (Marshall Cavendish, 2006) of her Aunt Syvia's life in 1939 Poland recounts the true experiences of a 4-year-old child who is forced into a well-guarded ghetto with nearly 300,000 Lodz Jews who lived in fear, poverty, and starvation. Many years after the end of WWII, Syvia Perlmutter was able to share with her niece the terrible story of the family's ordeal during the Holocaust. In free verse form, Roy writes from the perspective of a child from 1930 to 1945, bringing to life what it was like to live in the Jewish ghetto. Of all those incarcerated in Lodz, only 12 children and 800 adults survived the war. Christina Moore does a brilliant job as narrator, perfectly voicing Syvia, her father, and all the other people. From just listening to the audiobook, it is not apparent that the book is written in free verse. A must for all Holocaust collections.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY

PreS-Gr 2—This page-by-page facsimile interactive book offers basic facts about the equipment and people at a fire station, as well as the duties performed by various workers, from firefighters to dispatchers. The text is well supported by clear, full-page color illustrations showing diverse male and female workers. Designed to aid in reading instruction and language acquisition, the self-explanatory set up and good pacing will help students succeed. Text is printed in English at the top of the page and in Spanish at the bottom, and students may elect to listen to the book in either langage. Both versions are read clearly and fluently. Corresponding text is highlighted as the audio moves through the book, allowing readers to see the word as it is spoken, while also modeling appropriate phrasing. An excellent tool for individual use in reading remediation or ELL programs, it also has a place in larger public libraries serving Hispanic populations.—Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA