Multimedia Reviews

K-Gr 6—In this adaptation of one of Mike Venezia's "Getting to Know" books, students are introduced to the life and art of Andy Warhol, a pop art icon. The production is animated, but also includes photographs and actual works of art. Mixing facts with humor, viewers learn about Warhol's childhood in Pittsburgh, his stint as a commercial artist in New York City, and the path he pursued to become a super star by taking everyday objects and making people look at them in a different way through his art. The fun animation and original background music combine to provide a fun but informative introduction to an important American artist. Students will want to seek out more of Warhol's art and even try their hand at creating their own works of art from everyday items.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 3–7—Artist and former elementary school art teacher Michael Moodoo (Michael Dowell) guides budding young artists through the process of drawing essential shapes needed to create a basic pirate scene. Each chapter begins with a brief narrative of Princess Naia's audacious quest to recover Captain Greenbeard's lost treasure. It is through Princess Naia's adventures that Moodoo shows viewers, with step-by-step instructions, how to create a cutlass, jolly roger, pirate ship, parrot, treasure map, treasure chest, sea monster, and more. This colorful, instructional production, with its warm and humorous host, will be a hit in elementary art rooms.—Beverly S. Almond, Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC

Gr 9–10—The program covers the basics of creating computer programs. While its scope is marginally adequate, the Cobal and C programming languages that are mentioned are really old. Among the concepts presented are the history commonalities of languages, syntax, logical design, algorithms, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid), and documentation. The presentation gets bogged down with scenes involving the character "curious Ken," a wild haired, casually garbed guy who acts out each concept. These attempts at humor are elementary at best. For example, he provides a misconception of "internal documentation" by literally writing on a computer monitor. He never speaks, but continues with similar antics throughout, including flapping a large plastic bug to depict a computer bug. . After each concept is presented, a bulleted list provides a summary of the points made The best part of the production is the narrator provides the commentary with a slight British accent and is appropriately animated when she appears on screen. The program will not hold the attention of high school students.—Mary Trenerry, Millard South High School, Omaha, NE

PreS-Gr 4—"If you can dream it, you can dance it," is the theme of this second DVD by tween ballerina Rochelle. Filmed in an actual home's well-appointed living room, she engages the audience with enthusiastic introductions before each dance which helps to encourage viewers to be creative, have fun, and use their imaginations to dance around their own living rooms. Rochelle's grace and skill are highlighted in the nine dances she choreographed herself that feature characters such as a girl dancing with her father, a silly tango dancer, a beautiful ballerina, and a girl cleaning her house. for company, and a series of animals she portrays through dance. The final act in this delightful show is the reading of an original story, "Dancing Dreams," followed by the dance performance of the same story. This talented young lady's love of dance shines through each moment and will encourage those watching, no matter their dancing ability, to get up, move around, and tell a story—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 4—Rochelle, a young teenage ballerina, invites viewers to "come along with me and use your imagination as you dance." She performs six ballet dances that she has choreographed to classical music pieces. She is a graceful dancer, and the uncredited musical selections are excellent choices to accompany the performances. Professional costuming for each dance is appropriate to both the music and the choreography. Through the dances, Rochelle teaches viewers how to dance like animals, find buried treasure, have a tea party with dolls, and more. Two additional segments are related to understanding the dance: an introduction to ballet mime and a reading of "The Seamstress Story." Both are well-rehearsed, but some of the mime is lost because close-in camera shots cut out Rochelle's actions. The production is filmed in a small living room, restricting what should be grand passes across a stage to a few steps across the room. In several instances the walls of the room hamper the performance. However, the total result is beautiful recital by this talented performer. This production will achieve its goal of inspiring youngsters to create their own dance.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS—The series is intended to encourage conversation naturally between caregivers and their children, ages 6 months to 3 years. Live-action footage and computer animation feature images of familiar objects, toys, and children, as well as two animated toddlers. Classical music pieces such as Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" and Bizet's "Jeux d'enfants," performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, accompany the visuals. Baby's First Word highlights familiar objects, while Counting presents the numbers 1 to 10. For example, three shells are shown on a beach while a stick inscribes the number 3 in the sand. Vibrant images present the basic Colors. The films purposely lack any narration. Instead, the bright and colorful images are meant to encourage parents and caregivers to verbally interact with their little ones. The pace is slow, so children can easily follow along. Adults are directed to talk with their babies and toddlers about what they see on the screen. An insert in the DVD case offers hints and tips on how to best make use of the films, but there is no filmed introduction. The films are rather lengthy for the intended audience, and some children may lose interest. Nonetheless, this would be a popular addition to collections in large public libraries where infant videos are in high demand.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS—This early reading program is intended to encourage infants and toddlers, ages 3 months to five years, to learn the written word at the same time they are learning spoken language. This starter set comes with a DVD, nine sliding word/picture cards, and a wipe-clean word card and erasable pen so that parents and caregivers can introduce additional vocabulary. The complete series includes five DVDs ($79.95). The DVD begins with Dr. Robert Titzer, the program's creator, talking about how infants learn and how adults can use the information included in the set. The portion of the DVD geared towards infants and toddlers presents 22 key words, such as wave, dog, cat, and toes. First, the word is shown on the screen and a child or adult narrator states the word twice as an arrow moves from left to right underneath the word to show the flow of text. A brief live-action video clip is shown to highlight the specific vocabulary. Interspersed with the vocabulary are brief sing-along songs. The DVD also includes some word games. In the parent segment, Dr. Titzer comments that in the beginning the children are simply memorizing the look of the words and aren't learning how to sound out words. Dr. Titzer encourages parents to watch the programs twice a day with their children. The slow-paced, repetitious video may not hold the attention of young viewers. The word/picture cards, intended to reinforce the vocabulary presented in the DVD, would probably not stand up to repeated use in a public library setting. Adults could probably achieve similar results by interacting with their children with the vocabulary in a book.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS—Intended for children ages three months to five years, this first volume in the series is based on Dr. Robert C. Titzer's widely recognized research on reading to infants and toddlers. It features over 50 keywords that children should recognize after viewing this DVD twice a day for two months. In the first part of the lesson, a single word such as point, head, toes, giraffe, and chimpanzee appears in large type in the middle of the screen. The word is then said by various unseen children and an adult. Finally, live-action footage set in the park or at the zoo demonstrates the word as a sentence or two is spoken featuring that word. For example, for the word waving, two little girls and then a baby are shown waving while the sentence "Are you waving two?" is voiced over. Interspersed among the vocabulary are the great interactive songs, "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." In the second part of the lesson, viewers are encouraged to participate in two simple word games which reinforce word recognition. The extras include information on the development of the reading program featuring Dr. Titzer, and the word games and songs that can be played over and over again. The word/picture cards reinforce the concepts present in the DVD. Youngsters will have loads of fun with these lesson.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—This award-winning, endearing 2-D cartoon features inventive characters facing serious problems to which children will relate. Andy AppleButter and Billy Bob Baking Soda have just arrived in the kitchen after being purchased at the grocery store. In, "Pool Party," Andy and Billy Bob have just moved in when Cha Cha Cola takes a shine to Billy Bob and invites him to her pool party without Andy. Henry the coffee maker and Henrietta the coffee pot teach Andy how to deal with bullies such as Cha Cha, and he stands up to her with some help from Billy Bob. In "Let's Play Ball," Cha Cha joins the Sisters of Spice's champion softball team after Nutmeg moves to a different shelf. The girls don't like having Cha Cha there and are not nice to her. In the end, they learn that it is important to try and like one another and work together so that they can be a winning team. At the conclusion of each episode, Birdy reviews the lesson that was presented during the segment. The 2-D animation, rather than looking tired and dated as compared to today's 3-D animation, appears fresh and different. Children will learn important life skills while they are entertained. A must have.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—Justin Baer, 24, a "B" student in high school and a 2004 graduate with honors from New York University, hosts his film that offers tips from his own experiences that will ensure academic success for college-bound students. He admits that some of his advice is obvious, such as taking notes, being organized, and getting enough sleep. He emphasizes that students must "understand the system" for finding the right classes and professors. Preliminary investigation work, such as going to Web sites that rate professors and looking at online class surveys, will help students choose the best classes the college has to offer. "Schmooze or lose" is his phrase for developing a relationship with the professor and the TA (teaching assistant) to stay on top of assignments. He suggests that all students get a tutor or form study groups. Baer maximized his test performance by studying for an exam as though it was being given one day earlier and used the extra day for relaxing and sleeping. "Happy Place" discusses and shows areas on campus, such as the library, that are free of distractions. "Balancing Your Life" focuses on responsible behavior, exercise, and taking advantage of free and confidential campus counseling services when problems arise. This recent graduate's personal approach and "e-mail me" offer underscores the accessibility of the program.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 6 Up—With so many different ways of communicating using technology, teens are on the cutting edge of staying in touch. The producers maintain that face-to-face contact is still the most important type of communication, but they realize that teens are using instant messaging, text messaging, and cell phone calls to stay in touch. What is the etiquette of using a cell phone? How about texting? A group of teens learn about manners and "netiquette" as they organize and publicize a ballroom dance club at their high school. They use email, text messaging, instant messaging, camera cell phones, and social networking sites to spread the word about the new club. For each type of communication, guidelines are given, such as checking with someone to see if they are free before starting an electronic conversation, using emoticons sparingly, and keeping instant messages under 75 words. Although the acting is somewhat stiff, the production quality is excellent and the narration is perfectly paced with the scenes. This program provides sound, practical information.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

PreS-Gr 3—Thoroughly incompetent farm hand Woodhead makes a complete mess of things on the farm on the day when Farmer Guff is expecting Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, a busload of college students, and TV reporters to visit for Family Farm Day. Woodhead plants the sign to the farm with the arrow pointing the wrong way, spills things, trips over things, sets the tractor in motion (with no driver), and does almost everything else wrong. Four farm kids offer to help him straighten out the mess and, using teamwork, they restore order to the farm, just in time for the Senator's speech. Five songs are interwoven into the story: "Down on the Farm" (bluegrass), "Old Fat Hen" (jazz), "Teamwork" (contemporary pop), "Let's Be Friends" (contemporary pop), and "Party in the Animal Barn" (rock). Actor Mark "Woody" Keppel, who wrote and performs the songs, also plays the part of Woodhead; mime/actor Tony Montanaro portrays Farmer Guff; and Senator Leahy is himself. The background song performances and the acting are quite good, the slapstick is appropriately silly, and the setting (Shelburne Farm in Vermont) is lush. This film will entertain young viewers and perhaps teach them the rewards of teamwork.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 7 Up—The series will dispel any misconceptions students may have about science jobs being boring. A narrator claims that a career in science is "not your ordinary desk job," and backs it up by showing diverse individuals doing meaningful work trying to solve real-world problems, such as a chemical engineer developing liquid armor to protect soldiers from roadside bombs and a molecular biologist using nanotechnology to develop particles with homing devices that will attack cancer cells. Each program covers five or six careers, including a landscape ecologist, who studies how our "human footprint" has changed urban areas, and a venture capitalist, who researches emerging biotech companies that deserve funding for new research. The interviewees are shown in their work environment, such as an entomologist in the jungles of Madagascar and a mechanical engineer testing robots over rough forest terrain. Most subjects describe their career path and offer advice about the qualities needed for the job. Among some of the other careers presented are volcanologist, geneticist, meteorologist, environmental health scientist, and more. Following the interviews, a narrator suggests related jobs in the career field, and graphics and bar graphs show income and years of schooling required. A must have for high school students.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY.

Gr 6 Up—DeBora Rachelle, owner of a dress company specializing in prom and evening wear, begins by telling viewers that they can prepare for a design career by attending fashion school or interning with an established fashion designer. She describes designers as highly creative individuals and explains that those going into fashion must be able to visualize and draw their own designs. Rachelle is shown sketching a dress design, draping fabric over a form, and sewing it to make a sample garment. The finished sample is then taken apart to use as a pattern and sent to a manufacturer in China. She is careful not to glorify her field, and says that she wishes it wasn't necessary for a designer to live in major fashion industry hubs, such as New York City and Los Angeles. She's shown sitting at her computer pricing notions, such as beads and zippers, as well as fabric. In the closing moments, Rachelle holds up several of her latest designs and the presentation appears somewhat rushed. School libraries looking to meet the growing demand for career information will find this a worthwhile addition.—Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA

Gr 6 Up—Interior designer Brandi Hagen loves her job but admits that she was unaware of all the pros and cons of her career when she first started working. When she was in high school, an art teacher suggested she consider a career in interior design. Brandi learned that each state has its own licensing requirements and that the career requires from two to four years of education after high school. She explains that she enjoys being invited into people's homes and finding the best solutions to her clients' design issues, but doesn't like the amount of paperwork that is required and HGTV's erroneous depiction of interior designers. Her presentation is casual yet knowledgeable. Viewers learn the basics of the career and may be inspired to do more research into the field. Useful for guidance offices and high school career days.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 6 Up—Students learn the pros and cons of being a chef from several instructors at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Mendota Heights, MN. Hosted by Brenda Langton, chef/owner of Café Brenda, this brief introduction includes descriptions of what it is like to work in the "front of the house"(preparing the food, selecting good wine, and making sure that everything is ready for the guests) and the "back of the house" (ordering food, paying bills, hiring and firing people, scheduling parties, and planning for catered events). After viewing the film, students will have a better idea if they might be interested in pursuing a culinary career.—Beverly S. Almond, Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC

Gr 11 Up—The information provided in Interview Performance is similar to the material offered in VEA's Ten Things Not to Do in an Interview (SLJ, July 2007), but it also includes specific guidelines for those applying for a position above entry level. Career consultants and trade union representatives offer suggestions as well. Two candidates work together to prepare for their interviews, surfing the Internet for information about the company, the field, and the person who will interview them in order to help them prepare questions to ask at the interview. Applicants learn about the importance of a resume and listing their skills honestly. The differences between group, panel, and one person interviews are explained. Viewers are encouraged to practice the interview with a friend, and are reminded clearly respond to questions and never criticize previous employers. In scenes where the candidates are interviewed, the narrator offers comments on both their negative and appropriate interview behavior. The actors have strong Australian accents; the male candidate's speech is not always clear because he speaks too rapidly. While the manner of presentation is predictable, the information will be useful for career education classes.—Anitra Gordon, formerly Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI

Gr 10 Up—A male actor, assuming the role of a personnel manager for a variety story, provides useful, practical advice for first-time job seekers as he conducts an interview with an applicant. Each point is written on the screen. The actor tries to enliven the material by acting hip and making funny faces and comments, which sometimes detracts from the information being presented. The applicant is such a caricature of what not to do in an interview that viewers will easily be made aware of inappropriate behavior and comments. Viewers learn that appropriate interview behavior includes being punctual, bringing a resume, and dressing and comporting oneself appropriately. Applicants should prepare for the interview by learning about the company by visiting Web sites and even calling the company for information. A successful applicant should have some idea of what will be expected on the job and should prepare questions for the interviewer. The light touch will provide opportunities for students to laugh as well as learn.—Anitra Gordon, formerly, Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI

PreS-Gr 3—This yoga film stands out from many of the recently released preschool exercise videos because it is fun yet provides clear instructions that make following along easy for young children—and it even encourages adult participation. Yoga instructor Leanne Gotval teaches 10 preschool and elementary-aged children. She uses witty metaphors in her directions, such as "reach your arms like they are the rays of the sun." Once she explains the individual movements in the workout segment, she performs the routine with the children along with songs that reinforce the instructions. Using simple rhythms and melodies, the lyrics suggest that children, "shine to the left," and "shine to the right." The outdoor setting in a field is very laid back, and during the final relaxation exercise, soothing footage of a waterfall is displayed. This movement program combines stretching, aerobics, and relaxation techniques for children based on traditional yoga, and it will be useful in early childhood classes as well as at home.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

Gr 10 Up—These two programs, produced in Australia, do a thorough job of defining the stages of human life and detailing how and when growth occurs, perhaps even better than they do in identifying nutritional needs. While special nutritional needs for different life stages are discussed, scant attention is paid to the types of food which will satisfy these needs. Supplements are mentioned and sometimes photos of foods that contain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are shown, but often the sources of specific vitamins or minerals that are especially important at particular stages in life are not presented. Each stage of life is considered separately with a review of key points at the end of the segment. Graphics and charts clearly show how growth occurs. Occasional regional differences in pronunciation occur, and Australian product labels are evident. These titles are solid choices for health classes studying human growth.—Constance Dickerson, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood, OH

Gr 7 Up—A basic overview of nutritional concepts and an explanation of how physical performance is related to diet is presented in this Australian production. Facts pertaining to diet composition and bodily energy needs are narrated over footage of young athletes participating in sport activities. Summary screens recap the information at the end of each of the five segments. Much of the material echoes what is routinely presented in similar programs about food and health for a younger audience—the importance of a healthy diet, the dangerous prevalence of obesity in today's society, etc. Sports nutritionists talk about the various components of a balanced diet, paying particular attention to how certain nutrients aid the body when training. While the program would be appropriate as an introductory resource for health units, much of this information can be found elsewhere. The film is marginally successful in setting itself apart from similar productions by focusing on nutrition needs for athletic endeavors as well as for routine physical activities. While some of the material (such as the definition of the glycemic index) is carefully explained, much of it is skimmed over and will give students only a rudimentary understanding of the concepts.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

PreS-Gr 3—Nationally recognized storyteller and educator Mary Jo Huff is featured in this fun-filled collection of ten stories filmed at the beautiful Ohio Township Public Library in Newburgh, Indiana, and the fictional Peeper Palace. Huff tells the stories to a group of young children of various ages and ethnic backgrounds. She captures their attention with just her voice and an occasional puppet as she tells a variety of stories from the interactive "Chicken Fun" to the "3 Billy Goats" told from the troll's point of view to "Gingerbread Girl." Huff also includes the story time standard "Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle" and the "Modern 3 Bears" featuring a Goldilocks who tries out different pizzas, CD players, and , beds. The stories told at the Peeper Palace, a place inhabited by hand puppets made from gloves, include "Willy the Worm," "Old Lady in the Vinegar Bottle" and "Little Red House." They are well done but not as exciting as those told to an audience in the library. The extras "Get to Know Mary Jo" and "A Burst of Color," about the stained glass featured in the library, are directed more toward parents than children; "How to Make a Peeper Puppet" is related to the stories and intended for children. This delightful production will be a welcome addition to any collection.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but his legs are too long and his body is made for eating shoots from trees. When all the animals hold their Big Jungle Dance, Gerald is jeered at and ridiculed by the other animals when he tries to dance. Finally, a cricket helps him find his own rhythm. Youngsters will enjoy this animated picture book (Orchard, 2001) featuring Giles Andreae's bouncy rhyming text and Guy Parker Rees's colorful watercolor and pen-and-ink artwork while they learn about self-esteem, acceptance, and friendship. Sound effects add to the fun. The film can be viewed with or without on-screen text; the text is not always clear superimposed over the illustrations. This appealing production can be used in conjunction with units relating to animals, self-esteem and bullying, music, and dance—or just for fun. For class, small group, or individual viewing.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 2—You don't want to go to the library. Everyone knows that its the realm of "The Laminator," an ogre of a librarian who doesn't even let students breath while they're in her dangerous realm. Thinking of messing up the books? Not likely, since she bolts them to the shelves. Any kid caught whispering gets laminated, and you have to pass through a gum-detector to get inside. But the children are in for a surprise when they visit the library for the first time. Mike Thaler's humorous "Black Lagoon" series is always popular with youngsters and this title (Scholastic, pap. 1997) is no exception. Thaler's hilarious illustrations have been animated and augmented, and backed up with original music. A variety of voices add flavor to the production. This is not only a delightful introduction to the book, but librarians will welcome it as a great way to start the school year, introduce rules, and dispel myths about their own libraries.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 3—When seven blind mice discover a strange "something" by their pond, each in turn goes to explore it in Ed Young's Caldecott Honor book ((Putnam, 1992). On Monday, red mouse encounters a sturdy pillar. On Tuesday, green mouse finds a snake. Yellow mouse thinks that it's a spear, while the other mice speculate that it is a cliff, a fan, and a rope. On the seventh day, white mouse undertakes a thorough investigation to settle the argument once and for all. She runs from one end to the other and back, and concedes that the something is indeed as sturdy as a pillar, as supple as a snake, as sharp as a spear, as wide as a cliff, as breezy as a fan, and as stringy as a rope… "but all together the something is an elephant!" The "Mouse Moral" is that "knowing in part may make a fine tale, but wisdom comes in seeing the whole." In an interview, Young shares how he transformed the Indian folktale, "The Six Blind Men and The Elephant," into this simple fable that not only tells a story of wisdom and teamwork, but also teaches colors, the days of the week, simile, ordinal numbers, and mathematical proportion. Young's striking primary-colored illustrations on black backgrounds are brought to life with animation and hypnotic background music featuring strings and woodwinds. After viewing, youngsters can explore parts and wholes through descriptive writing and collage. This selection is a winner.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

PreS-Gr 1—Fans of Strawberry Shortcake will be thoroughly engaged by these two episodes from the original TV series, broadcast in the early 1980s. Written and produced Romeo Muller, the author of classics such as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the series has a sort of old-fashioned charm. Other characters who accompany Strawberry include her cat, Custard, Blueberry Muffin, Huckleberry Pie, Raspberry Tart, and the villainous Peculiar Purple Pieman. In "The World of Strawberry Shortcake," Strawberry celebrates her sixth birthday—but will the Peculiar Purple Pieman spoil her surprise party? In second episode, there's a bake-off competition in which Strawberry and the Pieman are rivals. Strawberry explores the Big Apple City and makes some new friends as well. The video and audio is over a quarter century old; for those who haven't experienced the charm and simplicity of older cartoons, this may be annoying, but the nostalgic effect of the original presentation is relaxed and welcome. For nostalgic moms and their young daughters.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—In the book, Stephane Jorisch's unique illustrations accompany parts of songs by Quebecois singer/poet Gilles Vigneault. "Scuttlebutt, What a Nut" is the first song in the book and the only one printed in its entirety. The other 12 entries only contain a verse or a chorus from a song. The book's illustrations are all done in the same manner. On the DVD, each song is sung in its entirety and accompanies a beautifully animated music video that originally aired on Teletoon in Quebec and France. The animated video segments are done in different styles, from computer generated animation to claymation. However, the songs on the video and those in the book don't follow the same order. Also, some subject matter may be for an older audience. For example, in "For You, I've a Lake," what appears to be a pregnant princess on a deserted island sends a message to a prince on a different island. When he receives the message, he quickly finishes carving his boat, paddles and to her island. When he arrives, she has a baby with her. On occasion, the lyrics also seem geared towards more mature listeners, such as in "Boxes"—"A box made out of lace/To hide your face/A box made out of coal/To hide your soul." While the animation and illustrations are extremely well done and the vocals are very beautiful, the fact that the DVD and the book do not work together makes this an additional purchase for larger collections.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 3—Two picture books—The Seven Chinese Sisters Albert Whitman, 2003) written by Kathy Tucker and illustrated by Grace Lin, and Two of Everything (Albert Whitman, 1993) retold and illustrated by Lily Toy Hong—receive iconographic treatment in this delightful production. Tucker's tale is an adaptation of the classic The Seven Chinese Brothers. In the story, each sister uses her unique talent to rescue the seventh sister who was snatched by the red dragon. The colorful illustrations are manipulated to imply movement, and the animated shouts for help are very well done both verbally and visually due to the undulating text. Debra Lee's narration is expressive and compelling. In Two of Everything, narrated by the author, a magical pot teaches elderly couple that greed leads only to trouble. Hong's full-page acrylic and gouache illustrations are scanned, and sound effects and background music add to the telling. A good choice for libraries with strong fairy and folk tale collections.—B Allison Gray, formerly John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 7 Up—This gimmicky and somewhat silly overview of Shakespeare's life, time and plays may hold the attention of students who would probably be inattentive to a more serious film. A caricatured Professor Avon Strattford and his straight woman, Dina, host this live-action production, at times dressing in costume and acting out scenes from various plays. The film is divided into six parts—Shakespeare's home, audience, theatre, histories, comedies, and tragedies. The pair begin with a bicycle tour, pointing out Shakespeare's birthplace and actually touring the Globe Theatre in London. They convey the tenor of the times, discussing the differences between the rich and poor audiences and the love of dogfights and other violent entertainment by showing the class-defined seating arrangements in the theatre and acting out little vignettes in which fake blood sprays everywhere. They compare the plays to modern entertainment, such as a Steven Spielberg film or TV mini-series about Princess Diana, in which the story is more important than factual history. A scene from Twelfth Night is parodied using a present day setting to show how Shakespeare's plays mirror modern sit-coms. The hosts tell viewers that the plays are about wonderful language, universal themes, and well-developed characters. In the section on tragedies, the hosts perform a scene from Macbeth in a "black box" theater, demonstrating simple sound effects and lighting. Other plays receive modern treatments as well. While some viewers may be put off by the shtick, most will come away with a good sense of what Shakespeare was all about.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

PreS-Gr 1—This early learning title strikes just the right balance between fun and educational programming. Recognizing shapes, counting, adding and subtracting, and telling time are among the stills that are introduced. Early math concepts are depicted in a concrete and entertaining fashion via animation and live-action footage. For example, to teach youngsters the concept of top, middle, and bottom, familiar items, such as dresser drawers, a boy getting dressed, and a skier are shown. Fairy tale characters like the Three Little Pigs, and the Seven Dwarves introduce some of the counting concepts. Rhymes such as "Hickory, Dickory, Dock" are introduce telling time. The segments feature dark backgrounds of black, red, or blue with contrasting objects in bright colors that will capture the attention of young learners. The information is presented by two off-screen narrators whose clear and calm voices augment the well thought out instructions.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

Gr 9 Up—Live-action studies of athletes along with graphics of how the muscles and body systems function demonstrate how our bodies use energy. The program details the three major energy systems of the body (ATP-PC, Lactic and Aerobic), how they differ, and the chemical systems involved. This is a fairly high level look at the body's energy systems. The vocabulary and ideas are dense, although the producers have tried to simplify and illustrate each concept. On-screen captions and summaries help clarify the information, but teachers should pause the video and regular intervals and discuss the material covered. The British narration is clear, but might distract some students. The graphics illustrate the information and reinforce the points made, and the sports photography is interesting and gender balanced. The production provides a great deal of information, but lacks excitement. While the producers indicate the program is suitable for students in grades 7 to 10, there is so much material presented that it would be best suited for grades 9 and above. Segments of the DVD could be used as review in life science or health classes.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

Gr 9 Up— Astonishing Army Ants was compiled from decades of field research in the rainforests of Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. Based on the research of scientists Carl and Marian Rettenmeyer, the program brings viewers close to the action, showing the habits of these predatory insects. Mark J. Roy provides clear and constant narration, describing the on-screen action. Many aspects of the army ants are shown, including feeding, mating, nesting, and migrating. The flow of information is almost non-stop and so detailed and full of scientific names that the film is best suited for students in high school and above. The near absence of human interaction is a weakness of the film; a charismatic onscreen guide would have gone a long way in promoting enthusiasm for a well-researched and informative program. Students who have an interest in entomology may be entranced, but the lengthy program is unlikely to hold the attention of an entire high school class.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—The film's intention is to persuade its viewers that consumers' reliance on fossil fuels for power needs is leading to social and environmental dangers. It explores alternative energy sources including natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, nuclear, solar, hydroelectric, and wind power. Utilizing computer animations, it demonstrates the consumption of fossil fuels with a clear bar graph, illustrates the function of a car's hydrogen fuel cell, and shows global locations on a map. The picture quality shifts from a clear, modern look to occasional poorer quality tape-transferred images. The sound quality is sometimes below professional quality; a tinny, high-pitched hiss accompanies the background music, and the translator's voice during interviews is too quiet to be heard clearly. Individuals from Russia, Germany, China, and the United States are interviewed, showing a worldwide concern for the issues this program discusses. A male narrator speaks throughout with a European accent, but his voice is clear enough that this should not pose problems for American audiences. The producer's biases against certain forms of energy are obvious.. For example, the discussion of nuclear power is accompanied by images of children with clear birth defects from the Chernobyl accident, which could be upsetting to some viewers. The program also makes political statements, showing images of the Iraq war as an effect of America's dependence on oil. Likewise, the depiction of the World Trade Center attack as a danger of using fossil fuels seems heavy handed and an oversimplification of a significant event. Educators showing this program to their classes should be prepared to discuss these biases with students.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 7 Up—Ocean species are rapidly disappearing. Cod fishing off the coast of Massachusetts is in trouble, developing nations in Africa that depend upon fish as a food source can not compete with "killing machines"(40 foot trawlers that clearcut the deep sea), Japanese fishers kill sharks for their fins—and these are only a few examples cited in this documentary. Extraordinary film footage, sometimes bloody and graphic, is complemented with scientists' narratives explaining how climate change, over-fishing, and habitat destruction are destroying ocean animals. Narrator Matt Damon offers case studies to demonstrate the problems and possible solutions. The Emperor Penguin of Antarctica depends upon sea ice to reproduce and raise its young, but rising sea levels due to global warming are destroying its habitat. Loggerhead turtles in Florida face a similar fate. Another case study is the Klamath River in Oregon which has its water diverted to irrigation projects, thus destroying salmon habitat. These examples and the exceptional visuals and narration help viewers understand the problems of the oceans and what needs to be done. The longer version of this program contains more details and examples and will appeal to more advanced students in science and environmental studies classes. The edited version can be utilized with younger viewers and in short format classes. A significant addition to environmental studies collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 4–8—This science review game can be played on a DVD player or on a PC or Mac containing a DVD drive. Two teams alternate answering the questions—all related to the topic of matter and taken from original Bill Nye shows on atoms, chemical reactions, measurement, and phases of matter—in categories such as "Lab Vocab," "Fact or Fiction," "Scientists at Work," "Cause and Effect," "Fill-it In," and "Where's Bill?" Using a television remote, or the arrow keys on a computer, viewers can select their answers. Both correct and incorrect answers are followed by a clip from the Bill Nye film that demonstrates or reinforces the concept. Although the questions are randomized, it is possible to see a question repeated if you play the game more than once. Game length will vary according to the speed with which contestants respond to the questions, but tends to run about 30 minutes. Students and educators will find this a fun way to review or reinforce concepts, and the enthusiastic explanatory clips make the game an entertaining learning experience as well.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Pubic Library, UT

Gr 3–5—The key elements of weather are presented in a clear, scholarly, but interesting format. Set to a soft jazz background, a female narrator provides the voice-over to live-action footage provided by sources such as NASA and the National Weather Service. Following national benchmarks and standards in science, various weather formations are explained. Air masses, warm fronts, and cold fronts explain tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms. Weather terminology such as low pressure, storm surge, cumulonimbus clouds, and tropical storm is defined. Up-to-date information is presented about wind velocity and specific storms such as Hurricane Katrina, while live footage shows the devastation caused by such phenomena. Graphics help to explain the concepts presented. Safety issues are addressed, and there's a five-question quiz at the end of the film. A solid choice for students studying weather as well as for budding meteorologists.—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Gr 6 Up—These lovingly produced American Sign Language DVDs raise questions about their intended audience. Volume 1 contains material previously released on a video entitled The Sign Language Video Dictionary, but it has been re-edited and re-packaged for an updated feel. Volume 2 contains entirely new material. Both volumes offer well-done segments introducing basic vocabulary, first with a textbook style run down of the vocabulary in a "Look for these Signs" segment, and then with a scene showing the vocabulary used in real-world situations. Volume 2 contains other types of segments. Some work well (such as "Sign Language Puns") and some are less successful. "Guess the Animal" uses handshapes to play a visual guessing game, but the note warning viewers that these shapes are not the actual animal signs is buried in the "Extras" on the DVD. The "Silent Comedy Club" segments, while highlighting fine storytellers, use vocabulary that is far beyond what any beginner using the vocabulary segments would understand. Deaf Culture information is sprinkled throughout the segments (in one scene, for example, the signers call the doctor using the Video Relay Service). he final scene in the second volume, "The Mad Plot of Dr. Cochlear," is a humorous take on the debate over cochlear implant technology; unfortunately, viewers who don't already know about it are unlikely to understand the humor. Overall, these DVDs would work best as a supplement to a class where students would gain the contextual information needed to fully understand the material.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

PreS—Created by and featuring Missy Keast, a deaf mother, the series presents basic signs for babies, toddlers, and parents, along with cogent explanations of the hows and whys of signing with young children. The information is presented by Keast in American Sign Language (ASL) with English voiceover. Signs are grouped into meaningful categories (creatures, needs, family, etc), and are demonstrated by Keast, and then by her hearing toddler, so that viewers can see the variations in signs as formed by children. Each sign is also accompanied by a picture, a sound, the word printed on screen, and English voiceover. Concepts & Combinations will be especially useful to parents who want to take signing a step further with their children since it gives examples of how to go from discrete signs to full ASL sentences (such as "Please help clean up" and "Want to go for a walk?"). Dictionary & Alphabet contains 150 additional signs presented in alphabetical order by English word, as well as the manual alphabet and slow-motion and regular-speed demos of how to fingerspell the most popular 40 children's names. While there are a few minor glitches (missing voiceovers for some signs, for example), The DVD features well-chosen, well-organized, and well-presented content. In a field where flash too often wins out over substance, this program deserves a place on every library shelf. Finally, the Signing Time series (Two Little Hands Prods.) has a worthy competitor!—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 10 Up—There are few images more iconic than that of the veiled North African nomads riding proudly across desert dunes, yet little is known about the wives and daughters who play a crucial role in their societal hierarchy. Originally produced in 1991, Adalil appears to be a film transfer that has not been remastered, lending the production a grainy visual texture. The scenery is so striking, however, that this is only a momentary distraction from the overall quality of the video. Poetic voiceover communicates the women's words without outside commentary, giving the content a sense of intimacy that is rare in anthropological documentaries. Footage of communal events (camel races, feasts) is interspersed with interviews with several Tuareg women. Topics discussed include courtship rituals, nutrition, and ownership (women "own" their tents and are able to divorce at will). Their candor and humor gives students a window into the Tuareg peoples' tenuous existence, which is tempered by their eternal hope. Generational issues are also examined; mothers describe the anxiety they experience when separated from their children, especially their daughters. While the older women view life in the city as a path towards corruption and ruin, the younger generations enjoy the color and bustle that urban living provides. With added context, this film will be an informative addition to geography and social studies curricula, offering a rare perspective on a fascinating topic.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

PreS-Gr 6—Two young hosts take viewers along on a magic carpet ride to share a number of festivals with children in India. Narration is available in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjab. English subtitles are printed on the screen, but often they don't exactly correspond to the dubbed English narration. When a child is speaking, we often hear the voice of the adult female narrator, which is a bit jarring. Holi, the Festival of Colors; Rakhi, a festival celebrating brothers and sisters; Diwali, the Festival of Lights; and Kolu, the Festival of Dolls are clearly explained. Live-action footage shows how families celebrate these festivals, and craft ideas are included. Throughout the film, children sing songs in Hindi; however, they are not subtitled or dubbed in English. Useful as part of a multilingual collection as well as to introduce children to some of the festivals of India.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 7 Up—The film illustrates the volatile racial atmosphere in Colorado during the 20th century. Unlike other locations in the Midwest, Colorado was heavily influenced by Southern culture, and racist ideology permeated much of its society and was enforced by powerful Ku Klux Klan members, including government officials and police officers, according to this program. Colorado seems a microcosm of the civil rights movement that spanned the United States. The three DVDs feature sit-ins, boycotts, marches, school integrations, and non-violent protests. The documentary comes to life with interviews of men and women, both African American and white, and historical stock photos and video footage. The production values are excellent with great picture and sound quality. The challenges that faced those fighting for equality in Colorado were similar in other parts of the country, and it is the documentation of this struggle against segregation and oppression that raises the importance of this program above a typical regional history title. This material can serve as a springboard for many classroom discussions, and it belongs on the library shelves and in the classrooms in Colorado. For the rest of the country, Eyes on the Prize (PBS, 1987) would be a better first choice for a unit on the civil rights movement.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—In 1979, a spontaneous strike by farm workers in Raymondville, Texas was the catalyst for dynamic change in the community. Protesting the low wages they received for harvesting onions, the workers drew attention to the fact that wages had not increased in 20 years. The first part of the film follows the story of the strike and presents vivid images of the lives of the Mexican-American workers. Many Anglo-Americans residing in the town are seen as bigoted and ignorant of human rights. Eventually the strike was broken, but the people were galvanized for change. Part 2 features their fight against the local school district that did not offer counseling for the migrant children, bilingual education, or programs to prevent high dropout rates for Mexican-Americans. Part 3, "Nothing's Changed," continues the story in 1992. Although onion farms became mechanized, the school system had not changed. A local Mexican-American man, the district attorney in the county, using the power of his office, continued the fight for change by rallying the people to use their political power. The film concludes in 2002 with town residents looking to the future, now united by ethnicity. There is excellent utilization of film footage from the strike, historical black-and-white photos, and interviews with people from 1979 through 2002. This noteworthy addition to library collections can be utilized by classes across the curriculum for multicultural studies—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 2–4—Test-taking skills are increasingly important as high-stakes testing becomes the norm. This program teaches students solid test-taking strategies in the subject area of reading. Computer-generated 3-D animation introduces a young girl about to take a test, and her test mentor, Marco the Pencil. Marco is enthusiastic, optimistic, and chock full of testing tips. He recommends reading the questions first, then reading the selection while looking for the answers required. He suggests reading all possible answers before choosing the correct one, and using inference skills when necessary. Marco then walks viewers through three passages and the questions that go with them, while applying the skills he has discussed. Along the way, students are reminded to be neat and to erase completely when necessary. The strategies are solid and would be useful in test-taking. Unfortunately, this method encourages underlining, numbering, and putting an "x" behind each incorrect answer. Since writing on tests is sometimes prohibited, this might confuse some students. Still, for classroom reading comprehension tests, this method would be very useful and could be adapted for other testing situations. Students will enjoy the occasional light humor and appreciate the program's clear, specific content. The review at the end covers 13 test-taking tips, and if you hang around during the credits you get to hear Marco's comedy routine, consisting of very bad riddles. While not perfect for all test-taking situations, this program presents some important skills in an interesting way, and would help to relieve students' testing anxiety.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—Barry Lyga's first novel (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) about a smart, geeky, artistic 15-year-old boy comes to life in Scott Brick's performance. Fanboy lives life with a chip on his shoulder, almost content to feel bitter about his parents' divorce, his stepfather, his mother's current pregnancy, the fools at school who include both teachers and fellow students, and his general loneliness. But he also has a sense of humor and some perspective, so he's not entirely alienated from his peers; in fact, he has a friend, Cal, a star athlete, who also is very smart and shares Fanboy's affection for graphic novels. Then Fanboy meets Kyra, a goth girl with requisite attitude—and a body almost as alluring as Dina's, the school's senior heart throb. Brick provides fitting voices for both the teen and adult characters—including real life comics artist Brian Michael Bendis—that inculcate the audio with almost cinematic quality. Here's a prose novel that includes lots of descriptive detail about graphic novels, an essentially visual medium, rendered into an aural performance with huge success. Fanboy's embarrassments and eventual personal victories, Kyra's unmasking, and the credibility of their environments at home and at school are vivid and compelling, thanks to both Lyga and Brick.—Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 7–10—Fourteen-year-old David comes across a few stories about life in Rhode Island during prohibition while researching an article he wants to write for his local paper. An aspiring journalist, David follows his leads which take him to Ruben, an elderly man who has some secrets he has never revealed to anyone. During the course of the summer, David and Ruben become an unlikely pair as Ruben talks about his past and how he came to know about the Black Duck, a rum-running boat that worked the New England shores during Prohibition, and the pain, betrayal, heartache, and murder that came along with that knowledge. Ruben's story begins in 1929 when he and his best friend discover a body floating in the water. When the police finally arrive to check it out, the body has disappeared. Janet Taylor Lisle's historical novel ((Philomel, 2006), inspired by actual accounts of the Black Duck, will keep listeners enthralled. The stories of two teen boys—David and Ruben—during two very different time periods, are set perfectly against each other. Narrator David Ackroyd vividly conveys Ruben's recollections and perfectly portrays the young man's eagerness and curiosity. An excellent selection for school and public libraries.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Teen Services Librarian, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 3–4—Cal and his grumpy little dog, Frankie, , are curious about what their reclusive neighbor, Mr. Frout, is up to. Loud noises and huge clanging, smoking metal contraptions have Cal's parents and the rest of the neighborhood in a tizzy. When one of Mr. Frout's experiments goes terribly awry, Cal and Frankie come to his aid. Although wary of children, the man allows the pair to assist him, and they discover a force that is the opposite of gravity. Richard Hamilton's book (Bloomsbury, 2005) is a delightful romp, peppered with fabulous vocabulary. Narrator Russell Boulter's British accent and distinct character voices make this witty little chapter book a listening delight. In his capable hands, the delightful cast of character's become larger than life. A brilliant choice for youngsters just venturing into chapter books.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—While tenting in the great outdoors, Curious George gets into all sorts of scrapes and mishaps. The inquisitive monkey interferes with other campsites, gets lost, is sprayed by a skunk, and ends up a hero when he puts out a small fire. This unabridged audio version of the book inspired by Margret and H. A. Rey's beloved character is read with enthusiasm and energy; however the Man in the Yellow Hat's dialogue is delivered woodenly. The subtle sound effects and varied background music add to the telling and make the story more exciting as it builds to a climax. Some unusual page breaks in the book are smoothly handled in the narration. One track has page-turn signals. A fun addition to Curious George collections.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

Gr 1–3—After unintentionally destroying the fountain during a fairy party, wingless Rani feels like an outcast and a failure in this tale by Lisa Papademetriou. The water-talent fairy decides to leave Pixie Hollow, and on her journey battles a water snake before finding herself in the Mermaid Lagoon. At first, Rani thinks living with the mermaids is great, until she realizes that they treat her like a pet and have serious short term memory problems. Leaving the mermaids, Rani meets up with a water turtle, a seahorse that she frees from a fishing line, and discovers a cave with glowing pearls. When Tinkerbell sends her a message imploring her to return, she heads back to Pixie Hollow and is warmly welcomed back by her friends. In Gail Herman's Fira and the Full Moon, Fira and her fellow light-talent fairies are exhausted because the fireflies have taken ill, and they must do double duty. In addition, Fira is put in charge of three newborn (light-talent fairies who constantly get into trouble. Fira leads a delegation of miners into a deep cave and finds that her light is failing. The troublesome triplets come to the rescue, saving the day. Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Debra Wiseman expressively narrate the tales, giving each character a unique voice.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—George and Martha are a delightful pair of hippo friends introduced in this book by James Marshall (Houghton Mifflin, 1972). The book contains five very short adventures including a misunderstanding over split pea soup, an attempted balloon flight, an unfortunate "peeping Tom" incident, a lesson on vanity, and a tooth disaster. Jeff Loeb reads the stories, providing unique voices for both hippos. Jazzy, energetic background music creates the mood, and also provides some sound effects. This CD includes a bonus track—"George and Martha Back in Town"—five additional short stories that further illustrate the mischievous friendship these two share. This would make an excellent reading center or a fun activity on a car trip—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 3–5—In the third volume (Chicken House, 2007) of the series by Cornelia Funke, the expert trio of veteran ghosthunters—young and enthusiastic Tom, practical and experienced Hetty, and Hugo the Averagely Spooky Ghost—as been called to Gloomsburg Castle because unusual and horrifying things are happening there thanks to a creepy, deceased, and somewhat moldy Baroness. Upon their arrival, they find the restless spirit of the brutal Baroness terrorizing the castle as well as its two frightened caretakers. Can the ghosthunters find a way to stop the fiendishly destructive behavior of the Totally Moldy Baroness before she completely takes over the castle and its inhabitants? John Beach gives each characters a distinctive voice; some are downright chilling and creepy. Interspersed with humor, youngsters will find this audiobook thoroughly entertaining.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—In British author Mary Hooper's mystery (Scholastic, pap. 2004) featuring ghost-hunting twins Jake and Jenna, a new couple and their prissy little granddaughter have moved into the historic Horare House. Jenna senses that all is not right in the house that once served as a school for boys. Her psychic sense and Jake's penchant for adventure lead them to a disturbing discovery. Hooper has crafted a chilling, fast-paced mystery with terrific appeal for ghost story enthusiasts. Narrator Tom Lawrence is right on the mark with his portrayal of the eager Jake and Jenna. However, it may take young listeners a while to get used to his accent as well as the British slang. An additional choice for school and public libraries.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Chester Raccoon is going to school for the first time and he's nervous. His mother reassures him, and places a kiss in the palm of his hand. Now it's a "kissing hand." Whenever he's lonely or afraid, he can place that hand on his cheek and feel his mother's kiss. Chester gives his mother a kissing hand as well, and heads off to school. This gently reassuring tale by Audrey Penn (Tanglewood, 1993) has been used for many years by parents to prepare young children for new experiences. Here it is performed by Heather Koren, with light, evocative, original background music and occasional sound effects. Owl-hoot page-turn signals are available on the first track. A sweet song has been added, with lyrics by the author, and music by Garth Koren. This gentle story will provide young listeners with a warm, fuzzy feeling of security. This presentation is best used for repeated exposure to the story. The first time should always be while snuggled on a parent's lap, with a kiss ready to be deposited on a small palm.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 4–7—In this novel (Miramax Books, 2006) by Silvania De Mari, translated from the Italian by Shaun Whiteside, an elf boy who is orphaned and starving in a world that detests elves is befriended reluctantly by Monser, a hunter, and a woman named Sajra. The world has been turned dark, but an ancient prophecy talks about the last dragon and the last elf breaking the circle and ushering in a brighter future. They find the last dragon, and Yorsh vows to take care of him forever. The second part of the tale begins 13 years later with the daughter of Monser and Sajra miserable in an orphanage controlled by wicked adults. Yorsh's boring but comfortable life taking care of the dragon ends when a baby dragon, Erbrow, is born after 13 years of secret incubation and the old dragon dies. Yorsh must take care of the baby and teach it to fly. They venture out to discover what has happened to Monser and Sajra and find a harsh world full of oppression and hunger. Erbrow and Yorsh find Robi, the orphaned daughter, and escape with her and a community of people after much fighting and many feats of courage. There is sadness in the end, but the strength of love and freedom prevail and there is hope for the future. Narrator Patricia Conolly weaves a tale full of emotion and adventure using different voices for each character. This involved and captivating story that will have listeners rooting for their favorite characters and eager to learn how they will survive.—Teresa WittmannWestgate Elementary, Edmonds, WA

Gr 7 Up—Alice Tully seems to be a normal teenager, but she compulsively scours the newspapers for information about Jennifer Jone (JJ). Six years ago, at age 10, JJ and two friends walked into the woods, but only two girls came back. JJ was convicted of killing her best friend. Why is Alice so interested in JJ? Through flashbacks and interludes, Alice's motivations become clear. Teens will relate to Alice's struggle for identity, her worries about her boyfriend, and her relationship with her mum in Anne Cassidy's novel (Scholastic, pap. 2004), winner of the U.K. Trust Teenage Prize. The novel is well narrated by Shirley Barthelmie and enhanced by music reminiscent of Hitchcock films. Most Briticisms can be discerned in context. There are a few technical glitches: a repeated sentence and a few slurred and nearly indecipherable words. For teens who enjoy novels by Lois Duncan and Joan Lowry Nixon.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 4–6—Ann M. Martin's first book (Scholastic, pap. 2007) in the "Welcome to Camden Falls" series is set in an idyllic little New England town where families play board games and drink tea together. Eight-year-old Ruby and Flora, 11, must move in with their grandmother Min after their parents are killed in a tragic car accident. Min owns a sewing shop, Needle and Thread, and lives on a street of historic row houses. Listeners are introduced to the diverse group of town residents, while the story focuses on the day-t-day concerns of preteen girls. Ariadne Meyers narrates in an engaging and appropriately girlish voice. Tween girls will be excited about this charming new series as will their moms who grew up reading Martin's "Baby-sitter's Club" series.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 4–6—When Benjamin Bartholomew Piff, an orphan, makes a birthday wish for unlimited wishes, he unintentionally becomes the catalyst for disrupting the balance between wishes and curses in this light adventure fantasy (Grosset, 2007) by Jason Lethcoe. Before Ben he can really enjoy all the wonderful things he can wish for, he is drafted by the Wishworks Factory director to fight the Curseworks Factory's plan to curses unstoppable. An inventive plot and entertaining characters help move Benjamin's series of lighthearted misadventures to their inevitable conclusion. Roy Dotrice's clear, strong voice and the distinctive voices he provides for the characters keeps the story moving along. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this fantasy tale.—Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Learning Center, Astor Home for Children, Rhinebeck, NY

Gr 3–5—Molly McIntire is growing up in Illinois during WWII. While Molly and her family are trying to cope with the hardships of life on the home front, Molly's father, an Army doctor, is treating wounded soldiers in London. Molly misses her dad, but with the help of her two good friends, she's learning how to overcome adversity and experience life as close to normal as possible during this turbulent time in history. Six Molly stories by Valerie Tripp are included here: Meet Molly; Molly Learns a Lesson; Molly's Surprise; Happy Birthday, Molly; Molly Saves the Day; and Changes for Molly (all American Girl, 1990). Narrator Katherine Kellgren gives each character a distinctive voice, and brings a smooth and fluid tonal quality to the story. At the end of each CD, a "Looking Back" segment from the book explains the historical realities of life in 1944. For fans of the series and those who enjoy American history.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—Adolescence has hit 14-year-old Ruthie Bayer particularly hard in this novel by Mary Hogan (HarperTeen, 2004). Her former best friend Perry is now the love of her life. The problem is that Perry has no clue about Ruthie's infatuation and she has no idea how to let him know. She can't go to her anxiety-ridden mom for advice, and she has no father. When a new girl who is perfect in every way enrolls in school, Ruthie decides she has to do something. Luckily, Ruthie has her Aunt Marty, New York's romance columnist, who can be counted on for some fine advice. But Ruthie discovers that even the "Goddess of Love" isn't as together as she appears. After a surprising and touching denouement, Ruthie understands that she is already the "perfect girl." Ann Marie Lee does a fine job of capturing the roller-coaster ride of teen angst and disdain. She excels at differentiating between characters without over-acting, and listeners teens will appreciate how she develops Ruthie's character would sounding condescending. Mary Hogan has given teenagers an "every girl" story that will have wide appeal.—Alison Kastner, Multnomah County Library, Portland , OR

Gr 3–5—In this strange and frightening tale (Frontline, pap. 1995) by Johnny Ray Barnes, Trey Porter and his two friends attempt to escape the local bullies who are at their campsite but encounter even more menacing and horrific danger. When the threesome heads deep into the forests, they discover that the chilling legend about the old fort on Widow's Hill may be real after all. In his attempt to flee the woods, Trey discovers a dark secret that could save him and his friends or change their lives forever. The full-cast, multi-voiced production does little to communicate the mood of the story. Although the narration and the intermittent chilling musical segments create a spooky feeling, apparent distinctions between voice transitions and occasional background noises, muddled with ineffective and sporadic sound effects, result in a disjointed recording. The younger narrators' parts seem contrived and are often inconsistent.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—While the rest of the seventh graders at Camillo Junior High attend Hebrew school or catechism classes on Wednesday afternoons, Holling Hoodhood, a Presbyterian, must stay with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, and perform janitorial chores. The Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement form the background for this powerful novel by Gary Schmidt (Clarion, 2007). Holling is pretty sure that Mrs. Baker despises him, and things only get worse when he proves to be inept at the jobs she gives him to do (he releases her two rats when cleaning their cage and gets chalk dust all over the cream puffs that were intended for the wives of American soldiers serving in Vietnam). The teacher announces that in the future they will spend their time together studying Shakespeare. Despite Holling's reservations, Shakespeare turns out to be not so bad after all, and he acquires a whole new vocabulary for cursing from the bard. This comes in handy when he's dealing with the bullies at school; trying to hold his own with his heartless, all business father; or when he must wear a yellow leotard with white feathers on the butt while performing in a Shakespearean production. Eventually, he realizes that Mrs. Baker really is his friend, and that he must be true to himself and his own purpose in life. Actor Joel Johnstone does a marvelous job as narrator, bringing the believable characters to life. A moving, compelling, often humorous novel.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, Baldwin City, KS

Gr 5–9—Sumiko is 12 years old and is living in southern California in 1941 in this historical fiction novel by Cynthia Kadahata (Atheneum, 2006). After Pearl Harbor is attacked, she is taken from her busy life of helping her uncle on his flower farm and going to school to a Japanese-American internment camp on the Mohave Indian reservation in the Arizona desert. Narrator Kimberly Farr does excellent job of conveying the confusion, fear, and isolation felt by Japanese Americans during this terrible time in American history. Sumiko, her family, her neighbors, the Native Americans, and the land with its dust storms and beauty become real through her voice and pacing. An excellent choice for American history classes and World War II and civil rights units.—Suzanne Libra, Huron Middle School, Northglenn, CO

Gr 8 Up—Noblewoman Sandry and her foster siblings Tris, Daja and Briar, must contend with The Will of the Empress (Scholastic, 2005). Working with a well-chosen cast, author Tamora Pierce narrates this extension of her two fantasy series, "The Circle of Magic" and "The Circle Opens." After two years apart, the four gifted magicians are often at odds, but they share the desire to use their unique talents to prove themselves as adults. Their visit to Sandry's estates brings them to Empress Berenene's kingdom where the ruler intends to marry Sandry off, acquire the young woman's lands, and draw the three other young mages into her service. Confronted by Sandry's abduction by a disgruntled suitor and challenged to escape the Empress's domination, the four bring together their weather, metal, nature, and stitching skills to triumph over all. The novel's misunderstood madman, cousins, courtiers, and commoners are nicely portrayed by a cast of 22, and Pierce's narration adds a special dimension to this well-done recording. Appropriate music opens and closes each CD. Issues such as sexual identity and personal independence are seamlessly woven into the rich fabric of the fantasy, making this title a solid choice for high school and public libraries.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 9 Up—Richard's 15th summer, vacationing in the Welsh countryside with his family, is filled with pleasurable and painful epiphanies when he meets the bohemian Dalton family who live in The Wish House. Celia Rees's coming-of-age novel (Candlewick, 2006) revolves around the complex relationships of the family and friends of J. A Dalton, a demanding, often quixotic, artist. It's a time of many firsts for the vacationing Richard whose sexual encounters with the artist's daughter Cleo draw the teen into a freewheeling life, very different from his own buttoned-down family. Despite his sudden inclusion in the daily life of the Daltons, Richard is often unsure about why he's there. Not only is he sleeping with Cleo, but Dalton is also painting his portrait. When Richard misunderstands what's going on behind closed doors, he sets an inevitable tragedy in motion. The story's setting is reinforced by British narrator Christopher Cazenove. Smoothly sophisticated, he creates identifiable characters with vocal personas that reflect their unique, sometimes quirky, personalities. Each section of the novel begins with catalogue-style descriptions of Dalton artwork that frame the action in the story. Though set in 1976, Richard experiences the classic internal conflicts that concern teens today. An author's note at the end reminds listeners about the importance of responsible sexual behavior.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

PreS-Gr 2—The cartoon band The Blankies performs this collection of rhythm-paced original songs intended to get listeners moving. Themes encompass general movement, clapping, counting, body part identification, jumping, walking, spinning, and dance. The opening song, "Robot ("Shake your head left and right/Blink your eyes like a flashing light, you are a robot") introduces the musicians with a highly synthesized, mechanical, percussion-heavy sound that is carried throughout the recording. The intended movement will come naturally to most listeners, and is encouraged through the lyrics. The well-intended song "Clean" contains phrasing some who encourage self-motivation and creativity might take exception to: "Neater work means better grades, So clean your desk up every day, That will earn you lots of praise" Still, the songs will be fun for the CD's intended audience. A supplemental purchase for general listening collections.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

K-Gr 4—It's risky for anyone to cover Beatle sons, especially children. Anyone covering Beatles songs is risky. Children covering Beatles songs is even riskier. But in this production, the risk is definitely worth it. Three of the 11 Beatles hits—"Hello, Goodbye," "Birthday," and "Yellow Submarine"—are beautifully arranged to feature a group of children on lead vocals. The rest of the collection features professional performers with background vocals provided by the children. Among the other hits included here are "Magical Mystery Tour," with lead vocals by Steve Conte of New York Dolls fame; "All You Need Is Love," featuring Jason Lytle of Granddaddy; "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Here Comes the Sun," and others. The winning combination of children, known performer, and Beatles hits guarantees listening fun for youngsters and their parents. A surefire hit.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—Recess Monkey offers up 20 rockin' tracks that are designed for children but will entertain adults as well. With fantastic vocals and instrumentation, Recess Monkey often sounds like a 60's band similar to Hermann's Hermits as they perform songs that focus on animals and are set to a great, sing-along beat. Each song is fun and educational, ranging in topic from what kinds of things to see at the zoo ("Zoo, Zoo, Zoo") to what life as a zookeeper might be like ("When We Play Lion") to a conversation between a climbing squirrel and a flying squirrel who are thinking about switching places ("Trading Squirrels"). In "Unlikely Likeables," youngsters learn that friends can be the same and different through examples such as the fish and shark that go to the park and the rat and the snake that bake a cake. Domestic animals get their fair treatment and are featured in "KC (He's a Fine Dog)," "Fred (The Tabby Cat)," "The Rabbits," and "I Wanna Iguana." Songs about bats, a chicken, a cheetah, and a butterfly are also included. The lyrics tell fantastic stories that are fun and educational. This must-have album will be circulated again and again.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 3—The title track of this wonderful collection of 13 songs is based on Barney Saltzberg's children's book, Crazy Hair Day (Candlewick, 2003), which tells the story of a hamster who goes to school totally ready to celebrate Crazy Hair Day, only to find that it is actually Picture Day! When he is finally persuaded to come out of the bathroom and rejoin his class, he finds that every kid and even the teacher has crazied up his or her hair to make him feel better. The story was inspired by a boy who was reluctant to return to school after undergoing chemotherapy, and whose classmates shaved their own heads in a show of solidarity. Every song on this CD hits a familiar note, from "Be with Me," in which a youngster wishes that his parents' would put down the cell phone and pay him more attention, to "Best Friends," about a friend who moves away. In between, there are silly, fun, cute, short, heart-warming, toe-tapping songs about pets, socks, friends, messy eaters, crickets, soggy cereal, and pets. There are also songs about things near and dear to a kid's heart, like "Home," "I Want a Dog," and "Big Box of Socks." The story is read by Dustin Hoffman and there are musical appearances by Jackson Browne, Richard Thompson, Vonda Shepard, Jessica Harper, and Peter Himmelman. All artist royalties will benefit the non-profit Concern Foundation for Cancer Research, whose mission is to fund cancer research scientists who focus on childhood and young adult cancers. That makes this CD a rollicking good time for a very good cause.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 4—Dave Fox and Will Branch have been making music in the Milwaukee area individually for years, and touring for the last seven years together. They developed Did You Hear That? as a concept CD, a fun guessing game for all ages. The title cut sets up the game. The duo banter for nearly four minutes introducing the instruments played on the recording and demonstrate their sounds. They challenge listeners to identify the instruments used in each song. (Answers are found on the enclosed lyrics sheet.) They play well off each other, but have a limited range of musical style, leaning toward a county-western/jug band sound. One exception is "Did You Hear That?," which has zydeco undertones. Eleven of the songs are traditional tunes: lesser known songs such as "Animal Fair," "Drinkin' Gourd," and "Skye Boat Song" as well as familiar fare such as "Froggie Went A'Courtin'," and "Ain't No Bugs on Me." Only two well-known contemporary folk tunes are included: "Bling Blang" by Woody Guthrie (an audience participation number) and "Rock Island Line" by Huddle Ledbetter (a jug band tune). Listeners will have a knee-slappin', toe-tappin' good time that could be very useful for beginning music education teachers to use with their students.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 1–6—The original songs center around the beauty of the environment and are perfectly complemented by the gentle voice and peaceful accompaniment of talented vocalist and instrumentalist Susan Reed. The simple banjo, guitar, violin and mandolin scores accentuate the folk-song style Reed brings to her musical creations. The thoughtful verses emphasize respect for the earth. In "Grampa," listeners can almost envision an old man whittling and chiseling as he "listens to the story in the wood." "Dip into the Water" is a circle dance song, and several of the pieces include a children's chorus. The spoken Greek myth "Athena and Poseidon" retold by Reed is a natural lead in to "The Olive Tree." Two final songs about paper cranes and peace will work nicely in origami units for older children. A wonderful addition to general listening collections, this title is especially appropriate for nature units as well as multicultural programs. Intended to celebrate the gift of the earth, Reed's recording is a gift in itself.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—Joe McDermott is in top form on his fourth family album. The energetic rock 'n' roll title song will have everyone copying McDermott's photo demonstration of playing air guitar in the liner notes. The other nine songs are either rock or folk rock, with one a cappella tune, all with very pleasing harmonies. Professional musicians rock out on guitars, piano, cello, violin, and drums, and other percussion instruments, ably backing McDermott's high tenor voice. "Sport Comes to the Rescue" praises the helpful family dog. "Our Family Car Is a Helicopter" includes a traffic report for Austin, TX highways. "Ride, Ride, Ride" is sung before a live audience who help with the sound effects of riding a horse, motorcycle, pig, and porcupine. McDermott casts the traditional "I've Been Working on the Railroad" into a wonderful jazzy-soul arrangement. Among the other songs are "Momma's Gonna Have a Baby," "Dolphins," and "Anything Is Possible." This top notch album should be in every library's juvenile music collection.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—From the opening notes of the 60's pop guitar in "I've Got a Rock in My Shoe" to the closing acoustic guitar strumming on the lullaby "Goodnight, My Sweet," singer/songwriter Wendy Gelsanliter delivers a winner. Her third CD features 12 songs in a wide range of musical styles that not only comfort listeners with their lingering melodies accompanied with pleasing harmonies, but also empower them with messages delivered in the lyrics. Country rules in "I'm Hungry, I Need a Bandaid" (enhanced with some blues interludes), "Buffalo Herd" (the Roger Miller tune), "Do-Si-Do," and "Pick It Up" (Gelsanliter's cover of this Woody Guthrie tune is a standout). Middle of the road pop music is apparent in "I've Got a Rock in My Shoe" and "Dilly Dilly Dally" (featuring nonsensical words). A jazzy arrangement breathes new life into "Mairzy Doats" and makes "Counting Sleep" another standout. "On My Own" is a bluesy ballad celebrating riding a two-wheeler. Gelsanliter uses a children's choir wisely in a couple of interactive songs. "Broccolini" is a show-stopping melodramatic performance. A terrific album.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 5—Rick Scott, Joe Mock, and Shari Ulrich are the veteran Canadian folk trio Pied Pumpkin. This album of 13 folk, novelty, and folk-rock songs features beautiful harmonies and bouncy, toe-tapping melodies, including two sung in French. The trio plays masterfully on a range of instruments, and their vocals blend beautifully. "Annabelle's Fiddle" tells about a young girl who practiced a great deal to learn to play the fiddle. Fred Penner joins the group on "Upside of Down/Cote de Down," a song written for the 2006 World Congress on Down Syndrome. "Bowen Island" is a beautiful tune reminiscent of a Gordon Lightfoot song. "Sebastaphone" cooks chapattis (flat unleavened bread) for everyone. Among the other songs are "Papa Do Wah Diddy,"" "We're Having a Party," "Elephant Ride," "Little Tai," "When the Bell Rings," and others. This exuberant album deserves a place in every library.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-K—Al "Mr. Al" Rasso, educator and entertainer, has assembled 30 songs that are sure to fit into the preschool curriculum. They are divided into four sections: "Hello Songs," "Transitions Songs," "Circle Time Songs," and "Goodbye Songs." Mr. Al wrote and arranged most of the songs, and demonstrates a myriad of musical styles. He uses boogie woogie to encourage children to sit down in "Criss Cross," to provide movement inspiration in "Rhythm Sticks," and to close a school day in "See You Later Alligator." Among the other styles are funk ("7 Days in a Week"), Caribbean ("Caribbean Clean Up Song"), '50's Rock ("Good Morning to You"), and much more. Mr. Al does a nice cover of Ella Jenkins' song, "Hello," adapting it also into a "Goodbye" song. The entertainer shines in "Neverending Love Song" (written by Delaney Bramlitt) and two piggyback songs, "Wake Up Little Children" (based on B. & F. Bryants' "Wake Up Little Suzy") and "Months of the Year" (using the Neil Sedaka tune "Calendar Girl"). A bonus DVD of Mr. Al singing or sharing 11 activity stories is a little less polished than the CD, but is entertaining. Mr. Al's CD is a great tool to use with preschoolers.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH