Multimedia Review

Gr 7 Up—Artist/teacher Peggy Flores takes viewers to the studio and uses color wheels to teach fundamental lessons in color techniques. She begins by making a simple round color wheel, and then mixes colors to get secondary and intermediate or tertiary colors. The artist also demonstrates the use of analogous color schemes or cool and warm color schemes to create mood, as well as a monochromatic scheme using a color with black and white mixed in to create tints, tones, and shades. Art students will be eager to try out these great techniques to energize their painting.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

Gr 9 Up—Antoni Gaudi was the foremost leader of architecture in Barcelona, Spain during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The story of his life is presented as a first-person narrative in five chronological segments. The narration is delivered in a monotone. The quality of the photography is somewhat uneven and begins to blend into one long montage, failing to highlight the beauty of the individual works of art. The background piano music is reminiscent of watching a silent film. Gaudi's most famous work, the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral, highlights the influence of the natural world on the artist and his devotion to the Catholic church. Photos of his 1926 funeral give tribute to the popularity of this architectural visionary at the end of his career. The film is too lengthy to hold the interest of most students.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

Gr 3 Up—Colorful undersea photography inspires students to draw a dolphin, a shark, a moray eel, a sea turtle, a clown fish, and a sea horse. Cordi, an artist and elementary art teacher, breaks the sequential lessons into three phases. The first targets younger students by teaching basic shapes and how to connect them to draw forms. The second phase adds details and background lines to the drawing. The final segment teaches more advanced students shading and blending techniques. "Pause and draw" prompts give students time to draw with the instructor. Cordi explains the various drawing tools such as charcoal pencils, different types of erasers, blending stumps, and fixatives. Her vocabulary is appropriate for younger students and the demonstrations are easy to follow. These fun art lessons could also supplement a unit on marine life.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, CT

Gr 7 Up—In this emotionally charged film, two articulate young people share their stories of addiction and their former drug lifestyle. The pain they feel as they discuss their pasts is visible on their faces. They are from two disparate socio-economic classes with different life experiences, but their relationship with illicit drugs colored every aspect of their lives. The close-up shots the filmmaker employs on the former addicts' faces, interspersed with footage of them visiting their pre-recovery haunts, makes this a very personal experience for viewers. The narrator connects the concurrently running stories, an a social worker explains the path leading to addiction. This excellent film does not provide easy answers about how to combat addiction, but rather tells two cautionary tales of how accessible drugs are and how they can impact the lives of young teenagers.—Barbara Skaryd Fecteau, Beverly High School, MA

Gr 8 Up—This presentation, covering basic facts about cannabis and its effects, is loosely organized into five sections: "Drugs and Risk Taking," "What Is Cannabis?," "Effects of Cannabis," "Cannabis and the Law," and "Kicking the Habit." The majority of the information is conveyed via talking-head interview footage with a representative from the Australian Drug Foundation. This volley of facts is punctuated by a fictional narrative that follows a young musician and her encounter with cannabis-using classmates as well as anonymous interviews with one teen cannabis user who is ambivalent about the drug and his addiction. Although this testimony provides insights into the addictive nature of the drug, it is unfortunate that both the young woman and the young man appear to be artistic types, which may reinforce the stereotype that creative people are more likely to abuse drugs than students with other interests. Varying perspectives would have been useful in reaching a broader range of young people in diverse classrooms. A perfunctory assemblage of the basics, this program may be useful for upstart collections on health and drug use.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 6 Up—Interviews with professionals, ex-users, and students along with crash-test dummy reenactments of what happens to teenagers when they use marijuana are incorporated into this production. Debates between students last less than 10 seconds each, touching on myths about marijuana use before flipping to another topic. "The Great Marijuana Debate" exposes myths about marijuana being non-addictive, harmless to the brain, and more. Combining actors, specialists, and actual students, scenes fly by with little content that will deter teens from using marijuana. Flashy word fonts introduce each debate topic, appealing to technically savvy viewers. The crash-test dummy segments are inappropriately humorous, with no injuries in the aftermath of an accident related to marijuana use. The program does deliver a strong no-use message, but with little effect. The accompanying workbook, which doesn't incorporate information from the film, and the teacher's guide do a better job of reinforcing the message, providing activities, fact sheets, and Web links. Quizzes, fill-in-the blanks, and facts about THC (a component found in marijuana) make it a useful learning tool. The peer pressure self-assessment will make teens aware of how they may be susceptible to drug dealers or friends who may offer them marijuana. The most recent resources in the bibliography were published in 2002. This production might be useful for viewers with short attention spans.—Ann Crewdson, Issaquah Library, King County Library System, WA

PreS—Designed to encourage conversations between caregivers and their children, this DVD consists of live-action footage and computer animation of familiar objects as well as two animated toddlers (Baby I and Baby Q). The film is accompanied by classical music pieces such as Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals and Bizet's "Suite" from Carnival performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. It is divided into sections, such as colors, animals, counting, movement, seasons, shapes, and patterns. For example, the segment on animals features a variety of puppets as well as footage of real animals. There is no narration; instead, colorful images encourage parents and caregivers to verbally interact with their children. An insert in the DVD case offers tips on how to use the film. Bonus features include segments on the National Literacy Trust which provides information for adults on how to interact with their children and the film, as well as a segment on the London Symphony Orchestra. The pace is slow and the pictures are bright and simple, so infants and toddlers can easily follow along. However, the lack of narration may cause some young children to lose interest. An interesting addition for large public libraries where infant videos are in high demand—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS—Designed to introduce infants and toddlers from 6 to 36 months to the Spanish language through songs, this combination of music and animation resembles a Spanish language Wee Sing episode with a visual component. Twenty little ditties are presented with an arresting set of cartoons designed with babies in mind. Each song is introduced by a male voice stating the title, then a female sings the song. As the tune progresses, animated figures appear onscreen. For example, in "Sol" animals are shown, and in "Aeroplano" and "Pajaro" the images are assembled from basic shapes. The use of clear shapes and bright colors along with the movement in each segment will appeal to very young children. Songs are sung through at least twice, with easily understandable pronunciation. There is an option to print out lyrics, and on-screen navigation buttons make it easy to return to a favorite song. The catchy and melodic songs and rhythms will work well in preschool programs. While not as clearly directed at infants as the bilingual "Osmosis" series (Casa and Cuerpo), this is an engaging program for preschool classrooms and home use.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 7 Up—Apprenticeships, certificate programs, and colleges for those with learning differences are introduced as educational alternatives available to graduating high students. Students and administrators share their experiences with these three options, lending a personal note to the production. Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to learn a trade while earning money on the job. These programs are associated with "hands-on trades" in the construction industry and medical field. Usually offered by community colleges, certificate programs are aimed at teaching a specific trade within a designated amount of time, allowing students to enter the workplace earlier than a traditional degree program. Colleges specifically focused on the needs of students with learning differences emphasize a specialized environment paired with additional support to provide the tools necessary for success. In each option, personal testimonies highlight the reasons for choosing the program, the opportunities provided, and the successes each student experienced. Administrators explain each program's objectives and goals. The host ends each segment with a list of additional careers available as well as questions for consideration. The teacher's guide includes learning objectives, student activities/worksheets, and fact sheets. The film can be viewed in its entirety or by individual chapters. A good selection for high school libraries to support guidance collections.—Linda Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Gr 9 Up—Based on the premise that leadership skills can be learned, viewers are encouraged to tap into their potential. Communication, organization, self-awareness, vision, and trustworthiness are the five key skills discussed. Communication is the ability to listen attentively and thoroughly. Organization is developed by taking good notes, managing time, prioritizing, and planning ahead. Leaders must have a positive self image. Vision creates inspiration. The most important leadership skill is trustworthiness. Role-playing segments enhance the effectiveness of the program. Interspersed throughout are "Leadership Tips" and "Profiles in Leadership" which feature helpful advice and examples of notable leaders such as Theodore Roosevelt, Sandra Day O'Connor, , and Pope John Paul II. An excellent resource to help high school students develop or reinforce leadership skills.—Linda Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Gr 3–6—Differences can create problems. Tall, short, fat, skinny, black, white—any difference can be exploited by a peer. Teasing, ostracizing, even physical confrontations can result. This program examines ways in which young people can promote peace in their own communities by learning to respect others. As the film points out, we are all different. A humorous cartoon shows that differences are desirable. If we were all the same, life would be boring. Still, to achieve peace we need to actively work at it. Three children relate how they were mistreated for their differences—race, height, and weight. Three more speak about standing up for those who are being mistreated. There are three steps to planting the seeds of peace: treat others with respect, speak out when you see someone being mistreated, and make friends with a variety of different people. The film features a multiethnic cast, well-done vignettes, and places to pause for classroom discussion. This would be an appropriate adjunct to classroom discussions, and would fit nicely into programs to eliminate bullying and harassment.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 7 Up—Seven young women and one teenage boy tell about their boyfriends and girlfriend who abused them emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Interspersed between these stories, a clinical psychotherapist provides expert commentary on the ten signs of relationship abuse: isolation, jealousy, possessiveness, double-standards, name calling, threats of self-harm, playing rough, non-consensual sex, and violence. At the end of the film, each of the young people talk about getting help and freeing themselves from their abusers. Teens of all ethnicities and economic backgrounds will relate to the stories. The binder contains print descriptions of the ten signs of relationship abuse, pre- and post-viewing quizzes, tests to assess students' own relationships, fact sheets, and lists of additional resources. In addition to being a valuable resource for schools, this powerful program is appropriate for use by church and scout groups.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Gr 9 Up—Four different occupations related to each career cluster are introduced. The well-structured films clearly articulate each job's prerequisites, educational requirements, advancement and income potential, and what type of personality would be suitable in the position. Optimistic, successful individuals are shown in actual workplaces. Most of the occupations are office-related, requiring some college or a degree. Among the jobs highlighted are community relations manager, park ranger, corporate account assistant, associate creative director, bank manager, and stockbroker. The films emphasize that success can be achieved by hard work, the importance of getting along with others and keeping the staff and customers happy, internships provide important experience, and more. Solid and practical, this series is recommended for students who are anticipating professional careers requiring post-secondary education in the job clusters presented.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 9 Up—What kind of skills are employers looking for in a teen that has never held a job? What can teens do to develop a good skill base before applying for a job? What skills do many teens already possess that can be transferred to a work situation? These questions and more are answered in this fast-paced, information-packed film. There are four sections: "Basic Skills," "People Skills," "Thinking Skills," and "Personal Qualities." The host examines the skills in each category and offers suggestions to help teens develop them. For example, listening to a friend's problems and helping to find a solution involves two job-related skills—listening and problem solving. Reliability, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude are some of the personal qualities sought by employers. Several role-playing situations demonstrate the importance of particular skills. The relevant and timely information will help students succeed in an after-school job as well as in today's demanding workplace.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 9 Up—Marc and Julia are animated teenage characters who are considering engaging in sexual relations. Their cuddling is interrupted by Wrappy the talking condom who takes the pair on a tour of the seedier side of intimate relations. Sexually transmitted infections, represented by tough-looking characters, hang out on the street of danger. Once introduced to the various STIs, including AIDS, the teens witness a young woman receiving the devastating news that she is pregnant. Throughout the tour, Wrappy and others sing and rap clever songs about the consequences of unprotected sex. This film can help diffuse some of the embarrassment teens experience when adults teach them about safe sexual practices.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Gr 9 Up—This eye-opening production presents an interdisciplinary, in-depth view of an important topic—obesity and its health implications. Billed as the world's first man-made epidemic, the turn of this millennium marks the first time that more people are dying from overeating than from malnutrition. The filmmakers explore the myriad reasons why this has become such a serious affliction, going beyond the traditional indictments of inactivity and poor eating habits. A variety of media, from animation to archival footage, is integrated with interviews of medical professionals and lifestyle experts. Sociological, scientific, and historical information provides for a broader conception of how the problem became endemic in the Western world, and psychological observations drive home the emotionally damaging effects of obesity. The film showcases a variety of creative solutions, such as anti-sprawl initiatives and integrated health curricula, currently in practice in different communities and schools across North America. This fresh and engaging program is entertaining, enlightening, persuasive, and uncompromising. A welcome addition to collections supporting health and a variety of ancillary topics including psychology, sociology, and consumer and urban studies.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 7 Up—A brief exploration of one nation's emerging culinary identity, this program surveys a variety of new of foods becoming more and more widely available in Australia. Food groups covered include fruits, vegetables, potatoes, cheeses, and meats. Showcasing dozens of new and boutique varieties such as Ruby Flame grapes, Opal basil, and Purple Congo potatoes, viewers learn about presentation, texture, color, and other functional and aesthetic qualities of these foods. Specialists describe recent innovations and market trends such as techniques to raise leaner meats. Although the focus is Australia, the production may have some use in supporting units on culinary arts and the hospitality industry.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

K-Gr 4—Developed by Dr. Brij Kothari to help improve reading skills, this DVD contains five stories, some traditional and others original. The DVD features Same Language Subtitling (SLS), synchronizing the text, visuals, and sound to teach children to learn to read. Viewers can select to view the story in English, Spanish, or a combination of both languages. The text changes color when read aloud. The narrators do an excellent job of presenting the stories and enlivening the simple scripts. The illustrations outlined thickly in black, pop off the screen, while animation adds energy. New Age music plays in the background during each story. "The First Christmas" retells the story of the birth of Christ, from the Star of Bethlehem's point of view. "The Elves and the Shoemaker" is faithful to the tale by the Brothers Grimm. Three original tales round out the collection. In "Tucket the Bucket," a cast-off bucket finds new life as a flower pot. A group of friends find that friendship is "The Greatest Treasure." Santa experiences a reverse Christmas in "Santa's Christmas." Don't wait for the holidays to use this intriguing program with youngsters. It just might be the key to a child's reading breakthrough.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Maq, a young Mi'gmaq boy, carves a little person out a piece of pipestone. On his way to show his creation to his grandfather, he encounters an old man in the woods. They travel together for three days. Under the old man's tutelage, Maq's usual clumsiness disappears. They camp together, laugh, run, sing, dance, and tell stories. When the boy reaches his grandfather's home, the old man is gone. To his surprise, only a few hours have actually passed since he set out on his journey. His grandfather tells him that the old man was the Spirit of the Woods. Maq takes the experience to heart and truly learns how to make something out of what he is given. This original Canadian Native-American story is simply animated, featuring brightly colored illustrations boldly outlined in black. Both English and French tracks are available. A simple story, it teaches a good lesson about accepting and embracing who you are.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 6—Storyteller Yvonne Young recounts six stories—"Two Goats on a Bridge," "Gecko Can't Sleep," "Gluscabe Traps the Animals," "Not Our Problem," "Lifting the Sky," and "Finding the Center"—that where retold by Margaret Read MacDonald in her books, Peace Tales and Earth Care. Young performs in front of a small audience of children and adults in what appears to be a library's children's area. The camera focuses primarily on the storyteller, and there are a few scattered shots of the audience. Conservation; living honestly, moderately, and peacefully; and working together and sharing the Earth are the themes of the stories. While Young is a good storyteller and her delivery is natural, the videography is amateurish and the transitions between stories are much like those used in PowerPoint presentations. An additional purchase.—Kathryn Tvaruzka, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

PreS-Gr 3—Owls have a mysterious simplicity that most people find intriguing. Nicola Davies weaves this feeling into her gentle story (Candlewick, 2007) about a young girl and her grandfather. Grandpa knows about owls, and teaches his granddaughter. Together they wait to see if the nest box he's placed high in a nearby tree will be an acceptable home for a local owl family. When it is, they both rejoice. This gentle, sweet story also contains some good information about barn owls. While Debra Leigh reads the first-person narration, Michael Foreman's warm, detailed watercolor illustrations are scanned iconographically. Flowing background music enhances, but never overwhelms. The presentation includes two segments that provide additional information about barn owls and nest boxes. A useful literature tie-in to science lessons about birds.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 3–5—Marko the Pencil stars in this animated video designed to instruct students in math test-taking strategies. Marko has a slight European accent, a very good sense of humor, and takes viewers step-by-step through solving 40 math problems. The tips provided about erasing completely and having a good breakfast the morning of the test are solid, as are the specific math strategies like looking for patterns and drawing pictures to solve problems. However, students may be confused by how Marko arrives at some answers if they were taught a different strategy. No time is provided for viewers to answer the questions themselves; students will be frustrated when Marko arrives at the answer before they have time to finish the problem. Marko's Web site (markothepencil.com) contains the same test that appears in the video. It is highly recommended that teachers download the test ahead of time and let the students work through the problems before they watch Marko's solutions. This program would work best as a review. It can be an effective tool for teachers to use with a whole class or with select students.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

PreS-Gr 4—In 2004, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer produced a CD of songs, cELLAbration! A Tribute to Ella Jenkins (March 2005, p. 89) featuring well-known children's music artists celebrating Ella Jenkins's many awards and achievements. Now they have gathered many of the same performers together in a live concert to celebrate Jenkins's 50 years with Folkways Recordings. Red Grammer, Riders in the Sky, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Tom Chapin, John McCutcheon, Bill Harley, Tom Paxton, Michele Valeri, Pete Seeger, Mike Stein, Mariachi Los Camperos, and special guest Ella Jenkins perform a number of wonderful songs. Some of them were included on the earlier CD, others are new to the live concert. Each of the artists gives an outstanding performance, engaging the audience and singing such favorites as "You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song," "Jambo," "Go Miss Mary Mack," "This Pretty Planet," "Toom-Bah-Ee-Lero," "I Know a City Called Okeechobee," "Milky Way," "Rushing Around Russia," "The Hadrosaur from Hackensack," and more. Special features include interviews with and backstage greeting from several of the performers and photos of Jenkins. A terrific production for all libraries.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 4—Suzi Shelton rocks and rolls with her kiddy audience in this live recording of her February 2007 concert at Brooklyn's Southpaw nightclub. Opening with her signature tune, "Time to Say Hello," Shelton sings 11 songs; most are from her CD Simply Suzi (CDBab.com, 2005), and a few are from her upcoming No Ordinary Day (due in winter 2008). A four-piece backup band adds depth to the performance. The Gumdrops, a young group of backup singers, lend their vocals to a fw songs. Shelton is upbeat throughout the entire concert. The vocals for the DVD were recorded in a studio, resulting in a very high quality soundtrack with limited background crowd noise. In a few spots, the camera work is almost amateurish. While there are plenty of shots of the young audience enjoying the concert and the camera angles change frequently enough to hold viewers' interest, often camera angle changes are too abrupt or the camera pans too quickly and the image is out of focus. Also problematic is the black-and-white footage of Shelton answering questions that is inserted between the concert footage and breaks up the continuity of the performance. Extras include an interview with Shelton and one with the Gumdrops. This DVD will thrill those who have seen her in concert and will attract some new fans.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 6–9—Brian Patterson offers commentary as he travels through a Nordic archipelago during the summer, trying to get as close to polar bears as possible. While the film is supposed to be an exploration for bears, only a few are filmed, but viewers get to see a variety of other wildlife, especially several species of birds. There is some good information about adaptation and global warming, but there are also some vague generalities and attempts at sensationalism. There are no maps to show the decline in icepack over several years. This slow-paced film doesn't present enough scientific information for it to be used for more than a general introduction to global warming. It could lead to discussions about survival of the fittest and whether animals are shifting their habitat due to environmental changes.—Barb Hartings, Lebanon High School, OH

K-Gr 6—Using a blend of digital animation and live action, this program attempts to explain the mysteries of gravity and encourage scientific exploration. Much of the beautifully animated first section consists of songs and lively dances, as Tol Stilts, mystery traveler, and his companions (a rubber ball and a red wagon) encounter chubby little Gary Gravity. Tol becomes a live-action character in the second segment, and joins students in a school-like setting to encourage them to use their imaginations. Youngsters offer definitions of gravity, but correct responses are not distinguished from those that are obviously guesses. Tol and his friends visit the lab of Dr. Izatron, a crazily dressed scientist, to find out more. The program is nearly half over before we get a brief explanation of what gravity is, just before Tol returns to his animated world once again. Dr. Iz offers three questions and answers about Isaac Newton, the speed of falling objects, and why people shrink during the day in rhyming verse at the end of the film. Bonus features include a conversation between Dr. Iz and Gary Gravity, dance lessons, and a lengthy lecture by Derek Demetic of the Seminole Community College (Florida) Planetarium about the time line of the discovery of gravity, with demonstrations of Galileo's object-dropping experiments. The main portion of the film is too childish for all but the youngest students, and the lecture is too complicated for those same children. More scientific information and less entertainment would have made this program more useful, but it still may spark children's' curiosity and imagination.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 3 Up—This documentary series takes viewers on an exquisite visual tour of the Earth, exploring flora and fauna, as well as geographic points of interest on every continent. Each episode showcases a particular biome and highlights several interesting forms of life that demonstrate key points of scientific study including mating, food chains, and adaptation. Actress Sigourney Weaver narrates with a precise tone tempered with humanity. Nature is the real star of the show. There is a lack of catchy graphics and animation; instead, the panoramic shots of vast landscapes, the time lapse photography of plant growth, and the fine detail close-ups of small animals provide the special effects. The few scientific experts and film crew caught on camera are bystanders to the events unfolding onscreen, and are interviewed only during the closing credits of each episode, mostly recounting the difficulty of filming in certain locations. The visual and aural qualities of this production are superb. Every episode supports classroom scientific topics, though instructor guidance may be necessary for younger audiences who might struggle with the sometimes challenging vocabulary. The teacher's guides for each episode are particularly notable, providing animal guides for many of the species featured on the program, discussion questions, vocabulary lists, learning objectives, and grade-level appropriate writing prompts. This timeless documentary series will bring a wealth of core content scientific information to classrooms.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 7 Up—Hosted by History Channel personality Zay Harding, this series offers an interpretation of ancient societies that emphasizes their complex social and economic structures and cultural achievements rather than the more widely accepted militaristic interpretations that were advanced by the early archaeologists and anthropologists who viewed the ancient world through the lenses of the wars that their own societies were experiencing. The three titles on the ancient Americas share a similar format that traces the roots, development, zenith and achievements, and decline of each society. Ancient Britain discusses how the ancestors of the modern British people, thriving in isolation from the European continent, created Stonehenge and other prehistoric structures in a unique culture that was the forerunner of the society that would give the world the King Arthur myths and the British contributions to western civilization. The two titles on ancient Greece trace the development of the city-states; the importance of Athens as the center of Greek culture; and the lasting legacy of Greek architecture, art, theater, literature, and science. The entire series has the same male narration, supplemented by comments and analysis from historians, anthropologists, and other experts. The visuals feature beautiful footage of the remaining sites from each culture and the artifacts that it left behind. Live-action footage is supplemented by maps, drawings, and illustrations. This series' emphasis on each society's development and achievements will help students gain a better understanding of the sophistication of these ancient cultures, making it a very good choice or middle- and high-school library collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—The 65th Regiment, "The Borinqueneers," was America's first and last Hispanic Army Unit. With a mix of bilingual interviews (with subtitles) and rare archival footage, the film chronicles its history from the unit's formation as the Puerto Rican National Guard to their harrowing exploits during the Korean conflict. The strength of the film is the commentary provided by former members; they are exceptionally candid about their military experiences, reasons for serving, and relationships formed under fire. Many become emotional, providing graphic descriptions of combat and straightforward viewpoints of military service. Historians' and former military officers' commentary provide an outside view of the regiment, praising their heroism and bravery. The film also examines how mismanagement of the unit by assigning non-Spanish-speaking officers led to mass insubordination and the arrest of 100 soldiers. A number of relevant topics are covered: racism in the military, America's relationship with Puerto Rico, and the Korean conflict. But what makes the film most compelling is its examination of friendship and camaraderie under fire. An excellent choice for libraries.—Scott Charles Jarzombek, Howe Branch, Albany Public Library, NY

Gr 2–5—We're becoming an increasingly global community, and knowledge about other countries is vital. This series does an outstanding job of giving youngsters a quick but complete introduction to these countries. Each of the five countries reviewed is presented by a preteen girl. The voice-over narration can be heard in either English or Spanish, and it moves along at a brisk pace as viewers learn about money, flags, religions, geography, landmarks, political systems, and languages. Cultural aspects are examined, such as art, music, and dance. We also learn about food, daily life, transportation, and what local people do for fun. A little history is tossed in for good measure. In China, we learn about Buddha, chopsticks, calligraphy, and the opera. In Iceland, geothermal energy and the Vikings are examined. The Aztec history of Mexico is highlighted. In the Netherlands, viewers visit the Ann Frank house, watch chees being made, and learn about windmills. The program about Rwanda visits mountain gorillas, and provides a brief history of the 1994 genocide. These fascinating, well-organized programs, featuring crisp video and sound, will enhance social studies classes.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—Are athletic stars born or made? Most high school, college, and professional basketball players who have excelled at their level of competition can point to a special coach who helped develop their innate talents. One such coach is the legendary Marv Kessler, whose Five Star Basketball camp honed the skills of numerous athletes, including the legendary Michael Jordan. The main segment of this program consists of footage of Coach Kessler working today with a number of high school players (all male, although females are also enrolled in his current school, Station 13) along with interviews with some of his former students. Vintage video clips and black-and-white photographs contribute to the sense of the coach's timeless insistence on mastering the fundamentals of the game. His "tough love" approach to coaching is balanced by his obvious caring for his students. In a few instances, his language becomes a bit "salty," but that adds to the realism and intensity of being an invested coach. The DVD offers scene selection of 12 sections, interviews with and comments from additional former students of Kessler, and a revealing discussion of basketball's role in furthering school integration in the mid-20th century. Beginning coaches as well as aspiring athletes will pick up a number of pointers from this highly recommended glimpse into the career and knowledge base of one of basketball's most celebrated coaches.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

K-Gr 3—Teachers of German will appreciate this set, which provides the opportunity for students to practice basic comprehension skills while also learning more specialized vocabulary (listed in a bilingual glossary) relating to Christmas, crafts, and cooking. Each spread in the book by Linda Rauenhorst is a chapter, and includes a song with the words listed in both German and English and author commentary in German with an English summary on the side. For example, in one chapter, Rauenhorst describes her family's traditions surrounding the Epiphany holiday, and teaches the related hymn "Herbei, O Ihr Gläubigen (O Come All Ye Faithful)." Unfortunately, here and throughout the book, the English summary is stilted and misses important details that is provided in the German text, in this case omitting the names of the three kings who traveled to Bethlehem to welcome Jesus. The book's large, bright, computer-generated illustrations mainly feature families enjoying the festivities, but also include related historical images, and, in one case, a map. Three recipes for treats mentioned in the text are appended. The CD, which is in German only, will prove useful to students of the language, as the clearly enunciated narration follows the book's German text exactly. The songs are performed by the author, accompanied by a children's choir and traditional-style instruments, such as bells. While this set is heavy on kitsch, it's the season for it, and children can improve their language skills and learn about another culture's celebration of Christmas along the way.—Etta Thornton-Verma, School Library Journal

Gr 1–3—When the newspaper reports that there is a ghost in the Shangri-la Hotel, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose resolve to discover who's behind the mysterious apparitions that have been frightening away all of the guests. Does this trio have a ghost of a chance in solving this mystery before the hotel must close? The Haunted Hotel is the first of three of Ron Roy's "A to Z Mysteries" (all Random, 1999–2000) on this audio collection. In The Invisible Island, the kids find a mysterious $100 bill in the sand when they go to Squaw Island for a picnic. When they return the next day, they discover the island is missing…or is it? A beautiful emerald jewel is not what it appears in Jaguar's Jewel. The discerning threesome have traveled to New York City and must discover who swapped a valuable emerald that was sent to Dink's uncle at the museum with a fake before he is arrested. Delightfully narrated by David Pittu, these tales will delight fans of the series as well as mystery lovers.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 5–7—National Book Award finalist Deborah Wiles's third book (Harcourt, 2007) is the story of House Jackson, 12-year-old star pitcher and team captain of the Aurora County All-Stars. The boy has been sidelined for the past year by a broken elbow, and he's kept it a secret that he spent every afternoon reading to the mysterious old recluse all the other kids have call Mean-Man Boyd. After the elderly man's death and with a healed arm, House is ready to play ball again. Unfortunately, the only game of the year that's left to play falls on the same day as Aurora County's 200th anniversary pageant, an event that has been planned by Frances Shotz, the very girl who was responsible for breaking House's arm. In the ensuing standoff, House learns that just about everyone in Aurora County has a secret or two. Kate Jackson's raspy, southern-tinged voice is clear and she interjects lots of emotion into her reading, adjusting her voice to reflect the different characters. Sure to be a hit with baseball fans.—Kathryn Tvaruzka, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Gr 9 Up—Tessa has a list of things to do before she dies. Her chemotherapy is no longer working and her four-year struggle with leukemia will soon end. Sometimes angry and rebellious, other times exhausted and forlorn, the 16-year-old Brit in Jenny Downhom's novel (David Fickling Books, 2007) crams sex, drugs, and a few illegal acts into the few months she has left. Best friend Zoë abets her outrageous acts until Zoë's pregnancy test comes out positive. Tessa's dad is steadfast and patient, her little brother is often torn between deep concern and jealous frustration, and her once runaway mom is loving, but occasionally distant. Adam, Tessa's new boyfriend, is helping his emotionally-fragile mother after his father's recent death, but in her last days, he's her constant, comforting companion. Told from Tessa's viewpoint, even in her last moments, the story draws listeners into a gut-wrenching range of real emotions. Narrator Charlotte Porrus is both ethereal and passionate as she conveys all these feelings. With its uncompromising reflections on the harsh realities of terminal illness and straightforward descriptions of sex and drugs, this title is most appropriate for a mature teen audience. For public libraries and high school libraries with liberal collection development policies.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 5–8—Sam Faulkner knows that it's not unusual for his father to disappear, but he's never been gone for ten days before. Sam searches his father's bookstore and discovers a secret room containing a mysterious book, a statue, and a coin. The boy places the coin in the center of the statue and is transported back in time to Scotland during the Viking invasion. He doesn't find his father, but he does help save the day. The next turn of the coin transports Sam to a World War I battlefield where he intervenes at a crucial moment. Another turn takes Sam to a tomb where he assists an ancient Egyptian priest. And then it's on to Renaissance Belgium. This story by Guillaume Prevost, translated by William Radarmor (Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007) just doesn't work. The pace is too rapid and character development is non-existent. Listeners have little reason to care about Sam or his father. Holter Graham's narration seems exaggerated to compensate for a thin plot and mundane language. Youngsters will feel cheated by the ending that doesn't answer any of the book's questions. A better choice for time-travel stories is Dan Gutman's baseball card adventures or Susan Cooper's King of Shadows (Margaret K. McElderry, 1999).—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 8 Up—Anna and her aristocratic family's luxurious and privileged life in Russia comes to an end with the Revolution in 1917 in this novel (Puffin, pap. 2007) by Eva Ibbotson. They are forced to flee their home, penniless, and go to London. Anna, who has never worked, takes a job as a maid in a country estate owned by Rupert, the Earl of Westerholme. The other servants are skeptical of Anna and her lack of knowledge about cleaning and serving, but Anna's infectious personality wins over everyone in the house. When the Earl announces his engagement to Muriel, the staff's exhilaration quickly turns to dismay as Muriel inflicts her strange and thoughtless beliefs on everyone. Davina Porter's expert narration moves along at a leisurely pace, clearly reflecting the change in mood and atmosphere at the country home. To add to the distressing situation, the Earl and Anna realize, days before his wedding, that they are very much in love. Porter approaches this romantic coming-of-age story with empathy and compassion. She skillfully reflects Anna's confusion about her feelings for Rupert and captures the Earl's anguish as he realizes he will be trapped in a loveless marriage with Muriel. Porter deftly moves from the various English dialects to Russian and French. Listeners searching for a cozy English romance with well-rounded and realistic characters will be well satisfied with this book.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 7–10—Cammie Morgan has returned to the Gallagher Academy for a spring semester of spy school after being grilled by the CIA for the unfortunate events involving her first boyfriend, Josh, whom we met in I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Aug. 2006, p. 54). She is determined to concentrate on school work and leave boys behind. This becomes difficult when the Gallagher Academy hosts visitors from Blackthorne, the male equivalent of Gallagher. Cammie is baffled by the attention she receives from Zach, the hottest of the Blackthorne boys. He has the habit of showing up just when things are going wrong—such as when she encounters Josh in town or when there is a security breach at school. Cammie must determine if Zach is really interested in her or just wants to learn the school's secrets. Narrator Renee Raudman provides a well-paced narration of this novel by Ally Carter (Hyperion, 2007) and gives the teens believable voices. Chick lit? You bet, but it's well written and well plotted. Cammie and her friends are admirable, and there's enough intrigue and G-rated romance to satisfy teens and tweens. While this second book in the series stands alone, prepare for listeners to demand the first volume.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 1–3—Tinkerbell's pixie friends in Neverland star in these two stories. In A Masterpiece for Bess (Disney, 2006) by Laura Bergen, an artistic fairy is overwhelmed with requests for portraits after she paints a likeness of Tinkerbell that is admired by all. In Prilla and the Butterfly Lie (Disney, 2007) by Kitty Richards, Prilla must help herd prankster butterflies when she lies to get out of helping the caterpillar talent fairies with their work. In the first book, Ashley Albert gives each pixie a distinct voice. Quincy Tyler Bernstine's narration of the second story is more subtle. Youngsters will find these tales delightful.—Kelly Vikstrom, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–8—Set in 1909 New England, Laura Amy Schlitz's novel (Candlewick, 2006) is filled with gothic suspense. Listeners first meet 11-year-old orphan, Maud Flynn, the evening that two of the three Hawthorne sisters visit the Barbary Asylum for Female Orphans and adopt her. Although Maude is strong-willed and often in trouble, she promises to be good and loves her new home with indoor plumbing, nice clothes, a servant who treats her well, and the intriguing youngest sister, Hyacinth, who refers to her as their "secret child." It soon becomes evident that Maud is there to help the sisters with the "family business" of using spiritualism to bilk the wealthy. As the plot evolves and Maud must decide between the need for self-preservation and her desire to do the right thing, listeners will be rooting for her to succeed. Alma Cuervo gives each character a unique voice, even bringing alive Muffet, the deaf mute servant. A good choice for fans of gothic mystery and books like Anne of Green Gables.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—The intrigue of Shakespeare's Macbeth is brought to life in this bewitching tale as seen through the eyes of 14-year-old Lady Mary, Lord and Lady Macbeth's court ward. Mary has a favored position with Macbeth until her father becomes a traitor to King Duncan and is hanged. As Macbeth ascends to the throne, the court descends to violence and murder. Mary, once betrothed to a young man she loves, learns that he has been killed and must face life at court without support from anyone. While alone on the ghostly moors, she overhears a prophecy from the "weird ones" to Macbeth setting the events in motion. As Mary watches the madness of Lord and Lady Macbeth unfold, she must demonstrate courage to prevent destruction by her power-hungry guardians. Action and drama abound in Caroline Cooney's novel (Scholastic, 2007). Each chapter is preceded with lines from the Bard's play and cleverly foreshadows the coming events; some of the play's actual text is used in the book's dialogue. Charlotte Parry's voice resonates to bring authentic accents to the reading. Young adults who enjoy historical fiction or mystery will find this audiobook gripping and may even be enticed to read Macbeth.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

Gr 7 Up—Mena, a high-school freshman, is harassed by her former church friends when she reports their mistreatment of a supposedly gay classmate. Her parents are punished for speaking out, too. In this novel, (Knopf, 2007), Robin Brande examines the religious right's influence, especially a debate over Darwin's theory of evolution versus intelligent design erupting in Mena's biology class. Luckily, the young woman's new friend, lab partner Casey, helps her get good grades as he captures her heart. Tension mounts for the pair when students from Mena's old church confront her biology teacher and Casey's politically savvy sister reports it all on her blog. Mena fears her parents will discover she's embracing more liberal views on God, and skirting the truth to keep visiting Casey's house. In the end, Mena shares her bible-based perspective to support her teacher's evolution curriculum and risks further punishment when she tells her parents the whole truth. Kalli Vernoff narrates with proper emotional intensity and, occasionally, tongue-in-cheek humor. Sure to spark discussion, this story is God-affirming, but questions conservative tactics to inject specific religious ideas into schools. The end of the audiobook offers a brief dialogue between the author and an expert on the connections that link faith and science. Fundamental Christians may object to their occasional one-dimensional portrayal, but middle-school, high-school, and public libraries will find few other titles that bring this current affairs question to teen listeners.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 9 Up—Two British teens, Bella and Danny, tell their parallel stories of adolescent heartbreak in Pete Johnson's novel (Puffin, 2006). In Bella's case, old boyfriend Luke left her in favor of supposed best friend, Andrea. Danny laments Nicole's decision to break up with him and hang out with her old pal, James. Using a diary entry format, Bella and Danny are alternately angry, petulant, despairing, and angling to get back with old flames. Fortunately for the lovelorn young people, older teens, Rupert and Juliet, have formed the Ex-Files, a group that intervenes to help them move past their hurt and confusion. It's not easy, but the crestfallen duo learn to avoid the pitfalls of pining for something that will never happen. In the end, Danny hooks up with fellow Ex-Files client Leah, and Bella makes future plans with Rupert. Narrators Gillian Walton and Tom Lawrence are appealingly conversational, as well as convincingly anguished, humorous, and flippant, as the teens try to change their self-defeating behavior patterns. While high school students may not recognize some of the British teen talk, the feelings discussed are spot on and easily understood by anyone who's been "dumped." Ex-Files' comic relief also contains some wise counsel for teens in similar situations. Not an essential purchase for high school and public libraries.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 5–8—In the third title (Dutton, 2007) in Jennifer Allison's popular Gilda Joyce series, Gilda, the spunky and resourceful psychic investigator, travels to Oxford, England, as a page turner for her best friend Wendy who is a competitor in an international piano competition. Shortly after their arrival, Wendy begins acting strangely and is haunted by frightening dreams. In addition, someone or something is leaving disturbing tarot cards in the competitors' hotel rooms. Gilda manages to support and protect her friend, indulge her love of British slang, snog a cute British boy in a graveyard, and solve the mystery with ease and humor. Jessica Almasy effortlessly carries the British accents adding charm to this already enchanting tale.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 3–6—Twins Jake and Jenna live in a small, sleepy village where nothing exciting happens in Mary Hooper's ghost story (Scholastic, pap. 2003). Making up names for all the locals becomes their favorite game. When they learn that a rundown house across from their Mum's shop is supposed to be haunted, they decide to become ghost hunters. A 100-year-old legend about a blacksmith and his French bride lead the young investigators on a quest to discover the truth about the house. British narrator Tom Lawrence does a fine job of portraying the various characters. This ghost story/mystery will appeal to readers who enjoy spine-tingling tales.—Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL

Gr 3–6—Finn loves spiders and is overjoyed when he finds out that his hero, Dr. Clinton, a famous spider psychologist, lives next door to his new house in this novel by Susan Gates (Puffin, pap. 2002). Finn can't believe it when he sees Dr. Clinton killing spiders as he cleans. His sister Phoebe searches the attic and discovers that their house used to be a servants' school where orphaned girls learned to dust and clean. She finds old copies of a newsletter for servants with a harsh advice column. Things start to get weird when Phoebe writes to the advice column on a whim and she actually gets a nasty letter back. As Finn and Phoebe's parallel plots come together, they must seek the help of a resourceful retired school teacher with the strength of a sheep wrestler. Mix in a warren of underground caves, a mind-controlling ghost, and a hidden hoard of giant prehistoric spiders, and you get a rollicking tale full of adventure and resourceful characters as well as unbelievable situations. Russell Boulter narrates all the voices, giving each character a distinct personality. Students who enjoy mystery and adventure with odd situations will like this book, although they may have to become accustomed to the British vocabulary and accent.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 5–8—In this British import by Elly Brewer, Jerry takes a nap on the bus on the way to school and wakes up to discover that he's on Planet Pastinare and has become the exotic pet for a family of aliens. His dragon-like owners, the Jannans, are green and scaly. Harchi and his son are thrilled with their new pet, but Rashila, the mother, is less than pleased. When Jerry is targeted by Rashila's boss as a subject for a secret research program, he urgently tries to find a way back home. The Jannan's care about Jerry but realize that their new pet is willful and independent. The story is told form the perspectives of different characters, which may be confusing at the beginning of the novel. The personalities of the main characters are well developed. Filled with humor and adventure, the story raises questions about tolerance and learning to live in harmony with strangers. Glen McCready provides clear and well-paced narration for this fast-paced tale.—Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Learning Center, Astor Home for Children, Rhinebeck, NY

Gr 2–4—Katie Kazoo is not your average third grader. After having a series of embarrassing experiences, she wishes on a shooting star to be someone—anyone—else. She never expects that a magic wind will appear at random and transport her into someone else's body at a moments notice in these stories by Nancy Krulik. In Any Way You Slice It (Grosset, 2003), Katie feels bad that the chef at her favorite pizza shop may be forced to close because a new chain pizza restaurant is opening around the corner. She helps out by suggesting a pizza-eating contest. Everything is going as planned until Katie is magically turned into the pizza chef seconds before the contest begins. In Quiet on the Set!(Grosset, 2003), Katie and her friends learn a movie is being filmed in their town and child star Rosie Moran will be the lead. They think that Rosie's life is glamorous, but the young actress really yearns for a "normal" life. When the magic wind appears, Katie finds out what it's like to be Rosie. Actress Anne Bobby brings Katie and her friends to life for an entertaining and delightful listening experience.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—In Jerry Spinelli's sequel (Knopf, 2007) to Stargirl (Knopf, 2000), Stargirl and her family have moved from Arizona and are living in Pennsylvania. Listeners join Stargirl a year after she was dumped by her boyfriend, Leo. Stargirl shares her life through her self-proclaimed "world's longest letter" to Leo, introducing several eccentric people: Dootsie, a precocious six-year-old girl; Betty Lou, an agoraphobic divorcee; Alvina, a lively 11-year-old girl with an occasional temper; and the mysterious Perry, a boy who often evokes unsettling emotions in Stargirl. With experiences that bring alternating happiness and sadness, Stargirl begins to find acceptance. On occasion, parts of the letter drag a bit. Mandy Siegfried gives each character a unique voice, and her perfectly pitched and well-timed narration brings listeners into Stargirl's world. While a familiarity with the first novel would be helpful, this sequel does stand on its own.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 1–3—Jack and Annie and their magic tree house are back in two tales written and narrated by Mary Pope Osborne. In Blizzard of the Blue Moon (Random, 2006), they travel to depression-era New York to rescue a Unicorn. Dragon of the Red Dawn (Random, 2007) takes them to samurai ruled Edo, Japan, in the 1600s where they search for the secret to happiness with a poet. Although fans of the series will gobble up these adventures, the spare prose, short sentences, and dialogue intended for early chapter book readers does not always translate well to audio. Osborne uses subtle voices for the characters and reads slowly enough for young listeners to easily follow along.—Kelly Vikstrom, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD

Gr 9 Up—When Naomi loses a fateful coin toss and has to go back into the school to get the yearbook camera, she falls and hits her head on the step in this novel by Gabrielle Zevin (Farrar, 2007). She wakes up with amnesia and no memory of her boyfriend, estranged mother, and her dad's engagement. All she knows is that mysterious James was at the accident and rode with her in the ambulance. She decides to abandon her former life and embark on a new path with James. But James has secrets of his own. As they are revealed and Naomi begins to recover her memory, the relationship turns and each has to search for their own reality. Naomi's voice is believably rendered by Caitlin Greer in this engrossing novel that will keep teens spellbound.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, CT

K-Gr 2—Minnie's jelly donut mysteriously disappears and Moo takes solving the crime very seriously in Denys Cazet's humorous and charming mystery (HarperCollins, 2005). After they find a blue feather at the scene of the crime, the bovine pals decide to dress up as chickens and search the chicken coop. They meet Elvis, the rooster, who is coming back late from a party. A fox sneaks in the chicken coop, but the cows and Elvis scare him away. Minnie and Moo decide to try another direction in an attempt to catch the thief before a more serious crime occurs. Barbara Caruso gives all the characters unique voices, and background music and sounds effects are used occasionally for emphasis. The first track is narrated with page-turn signals. A great choice for youngsters who are reading very easy chapter books on their own.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 4–6—In prolific British author Jean Ure's tale (HarperCollins, pap. 2006), 12-year-old Scarlett is a boy crazy daddy's girl who is preoccupied with fashion and her image. She butts heads with her mom, who wants her to be less self-obsessed, and is coddled by her dad, who praises her good looks and believes smarts are overrated. Scarlett's best pal, Hattie, is patient with Scarlett's behavior and attitudes, and is quite sensible for her age. Forced by her mother to ride the train to school, Scarlett spots a handsome boy, and quickly falls head over heels. She's not deterred by the fact that she doesn't even know his name, and dubs him the Sun God. In an effort to get to know the young man, Scarlett befriends h his best mate, Simon, a sensitive and insightful young man who walks with a limp. Her friendship with Simon leads her to re-examine her self image. Narrator Clare Corbett performs vocal acrobatics, convincingly voicing each character distinctly. This fun listen will be a real winner with tween girls.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

PreS-Gr 2—Patches, a shelter dog, is well-cared for by the doctors and shelter staff where he lives but longs to be adopted. On Pet Adoption Day, the canine watches as other animals are adopted, but no one appears interested in taking him home. After an agonizing wait, Henry spots and quickly bonds with Patches. The boy and his family adopt the eager black-and-tan mutt and give him a loving home. This story was created in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association to teach children responsible pet ownership. While the story by Vanessa Giancamilli is routine, it evokes empathy for Patches without becoming too cloying. The narrative and endnotes, including a glossary and pet care tips, are read at a rapid pace by narrator Wendy Long. Adding fullness to the storytelling are pleasant background sound effects such as barking dogs, talking people, and crashing ocean waves. Dan Hatala's illustrations detract from the mildly endearing story by giving Patches and the rest of the cast a somewhat damp and greasy appearance. This read-along can be used with or without page-turn signals.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

Gr 6 Up—Roland Smith's adventure novel (Harcourt, 2007) is told in the first person by 14-year-old Peak Marcello, so named by his rock climber parents. Peak writes about his adventure as a school assignment. He loves to climb, but lives in Manhattan with his mom, stepfather, and twin sisters, so he attends climbing camp and climbs skyscrapers. When Peak is arrested for climbing the Woolworth take him to Thailand where has a climbing expedition company. When teenager arrives in Katmandu, he is whisked off to a Tibetan base camp where he soon discovers his father's plan to make him the youngest person to summit Mt. Everest. He is aided by a diverse cast of characters—a monk, a Nepalese boy, Sherpa's, porters, and a TV crew. Listeners are carried along as Peak experiences acclimatization, below freezing temperatures, harrowing crevasses, lack of oxygen, and the deaths of fellow climbers. Ramón de Ocampo creates age, gender, and ethnic appropriate voices for all of the varied characters, augmenting the suspense that is inherent in the story. Although not an essential purchase, it will be a hit with patrons who love adventure.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 4 Up—These 14 poems from the 19th and 20th centuries are set to music with harmonious vocals. Among the poets featured are Rose Fyleman, Walter de la Mare, Sara Teasdale, Ella Young, and others. Most of the tracks are upbeat with original music in rock, jazz, and other styles, and feature a variety of instruments including bass, drums, keys, organ, electric guitars, and saxophone. Each poem is sung by Ellen Kjelgaard Godula in a clear, appealing voice, but at times the music overtakes the vocals and makes it difficult to understand the words. The booklet contains the poem text and vintage illustrations that could be useful for classroom use. An additional purchase.—Kathryn Tvaruzka, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Gr 1–3—This collection of seven short stories by Judy Blume features first grader Jacob, "The Pain," and his older sister, Abigail, "The Great One." First brought to life in her picture book, The Pain and the Great One (Bradbury Press, 1974), Blume reintroduces these lovable siblings with a series of humorous and insightful tales about growing up. From getting a first haircut to having a birthday sleepover to learning to ride a bicycle for the first time, the two youngsters try to deal with growing up in a variety of familiar situations. Narrators Kathleen McInerney and Fred Berman bring Abigail and Jacob to life by portraying them with age-appropriate voices. An entertaining and fun recording that will delight young listeners.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—In Karen McCombie's sequel to Stella Etc.: Frankie, Peaches and Me (both Scholastic, pap. 2007), Stella begins to adjust to her move from London to the boring seaside town of Portbay. Frequent details referred to from the first volume prevent this title from standing completely on its own. The story follows Stella as she makes her first acquaintance, a very short but seemingly likable boy a bit younger than herself. Stella muses and questions, trying to figure out TJ's attraction to a group of older and decidedly undesirable boys. Jennifer Bryce has a nice vocal range, using pitch, tone, and pacing very effectively to provide a unique identity for each character. Depending on the circumstances, her tone for Stella wavers between maturity and naiveté. This simple story is made a bit more intriguing by a cat, a seagull, and some problematic locals who all have a touch of the mysterious or otherworldly about them. This title delivers a positive message for preteens.—Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY

Gr 2–4—Tilly and her mother have been "turned out" of their house in their small village in Scotland in this book (Orchard, pap. 2005) by Joan Lingard. When Tilly and her friend William learn that there are plans to build a golf course on the goats' grazing pastures, they circulate a petition to stop Mr. Barr and Mr. Sheridan from selling the land and evicting the goats. Mr. Sheridan is unaware of the plan to sell his land and is just as surprised as the youngsters. It takes two determined kids to foil Mr. Barr's plan and save the goats. Jane MacFarlane is a fine narrator, but some of the Briticisms may be difficult for young American listeners to understand. Educators may want to prepare a glossary of these terms with American English definitions to help listeners. A supplementary purchase for youngsters learning about endangered species and wildlife preservation.—Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL

PreS-Gr 5—Buck Howdy, a cowboy farmer who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the White House, adds another terrific album to his award-winning discography (Skidaddle! and Giddyup), this time accompanied by BB, a vocalist and actress who has been a part of Howdy's shows and recordings for a few years. Blending Western swing, big band sounds, and cowboy jazz, Howdy presents both his own compositions ("Wiggle, Waggle, Wave," "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda," "Chickens," "Can't Imagine," "Friends," and more) and covers for some well-known tunes ("Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," "You Are My Sunshine," "Yakety Yak," and others). The vocals (with some great harmonizing) and instrumentals are fantastic. A wonderful album for all ages.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—The award-winning Battersby Duo returns with another concept recording, this time an album about family matters. Opening with "The Teacher" (a tribute to their not-so-lazy days of summer) and closing with "The Vegetable Crowd" (a tune about tolerance and inclusion), these 14 songs celebrate everything from waiting for a turn in the bathroom ("Waiting in Line") to locating smelly socks ("Mr. Sackett the Sock Man") to going to bed ("Bedtime Bug"). Other standouts include "Just the Six of Us" (about sextuplets waiting to be born), "Going to Preschool" (with its funky opening and funny interludes), and "Modern Girl" (about all the possibilities available to girls in the future). All songs were written by Tim and Laura Battersby. The range of styles is somewhat limited, as they channel 1960s folk singers in most of these songs. Instrumentation is simple—usually not much more than a guitar. Laura's voice is eerily reminiscent of Cass Elliott, while Tim's solos have a sound similar to that of John Denver. Singing together, their tight harmonies are reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary or The Mamas & The Papas. This album will attract new followers and be a hit with those who are already fans.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—These 14 songs were written by world class songwriters that may not have originally targeted them for an audience of children. However, they work surprisingly well as a collection of lullabies. All of the featured artists—John Gorka, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucy Kaplansky, Guy Davis, Lynn Miles, and The Wailin' Jennys—perform on the title song, "Down at the Sea Hotel," as well as the closing piece, "Nothing But a Child." Among the other offerings are songs such as "Midnight Lullaby" written by Tom Waits and performed by Guy Davis, "Dreamland" written by Mary Chapin Carpenter and performed by Lucy Kaplansky, "Barefoot Floors" written by Neil Young and performed by The Wailin' Jennys, and "Child of Mine" written by Carole King and Gerald Goffin and performed by Eliza Gilkyson. The songs in this expertly performed collection range from pop to country to folk and feature an array of instruments. The delightful picture book version of the title song was written by acclaimed songwriter Greg Brown, with whimsical illustrations by Mireille Levert featuring a cute pig in plaid shorts and his friends from the sea. Children will enjoy the soothing songs while parents will enjoy the repurposing of pieces with which they are already familiar. A welcome addition to all collections.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 4—Lanny Sherwin's outstanding album is fresh and on target for young audiences. He uses varied musical styles, including country, reggae, rock, do-wop, a cappella, and swing to complement his original songs. Accompanied by a variety of musical instruments, Sherwin's voice is easy and relaxing. Songs address everyday events in a child's life. Tunes such as "Everyone Is Different," "Litter-Quitter," and "Dad Said a Bad Word" blend lyrics that a child will understand with confidence-building concepts. Each song has a moral, but is never didactic. Perfect for family listening, the combination of flawless music and clever lyrics render this album essential for general listening collections.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-K—These 18 original and traditional songs for babies and toddlers are fully orchestrated and performed by female vocalist Sukey Molloy. Gentle and inviting, the action-based songs invite movement and encourage participation. Traditional tunes include "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Five Little Ducks," "Jump Down Turn Around," "We Are the Children," and others. Among the 11 original songs are "Where Does the River Go" and "Puppet Dance." A welcome addition to parent-child story times. Consider purchasing a professional copy for presenters who prefer backup to singing alone.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—From the opening note to the closing one, this disc is full of hot music for youngsters. Producer Danny Brooks Dalby has successfully gathered a collection of familiar children's songs and original works set in styles of jazz and swing greats. "Hey Diddle, Diddle" pops as the big band "Diddle Diddle Swing." "Itsy Bitsy Spider" rocks as the Little Richard-inspired boogie-woogie tune "Here Comes the Rain Itsy." "Old MacDonald Jazz Remix" sizzles when singer Abby Burke scats, a la Ella Fitzgerald. New life crackles in this jazzy version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Swingin' Star." The original "Popcorn Pip Pop" skips along as a Scott Joplin-inspired rag, and Scat Springs shines in his rendition of Lead Belly's "Skip to My Lou." Polished professional musicians deliver performances with perfection. Excellent arrangements mix up the solo rides of saxophone, clarinet, horns, or piano. A great introduction to both forms of music.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS—The brainchild of award-winning Dutch composer Raimond Lap, this new entry in the series features songs with lyrics (in English), sung by a man with a lovely, soothing voice. These 10 original songs are written in a slow contemporary pop style, with excellent instrumental accompaniment provided by piano, xylophone, woodwinds, brass, and bass. In addition, listeners can hear baby voices, squeaky toys, ocean waves, and chirping birds. The songs celebrate motherhood, mother's relationship with baby, and the sharing of nature experiences. According to Lap, the shared experience of listening to music is an essential part of a musical education. Parents and babies will appreciate these soft, slow melodies. Librarians may also be able to use the music in lapsit story time sessions—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—This debut CD features 12 silly songs performed by Robbie Schaefer, who is also the singer/songwriter for the folk-pop band, Eddie from Ohio. The folk-pop style is a nice fit for the songs. Schaeffer is joined by a full cast of performers and musicians, as well as a children's chorus. Many of the pieces are renditions of traditional children's tunes, including two different versions of "Chicken Lips," "There's a Hole in the Bucket," and There Ain't No Bugs on Me." Toddlers will especially appreciate "No! No! No!" There are also a number of original pieces, including "There's a Carp in the Tub," about a fish in the bathtub who eats everything, and "Cowboy Bob," about a cowboy who can only speak backwards. The songs are silly and fun in this enjoyable additio for public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

K-Gr 5—This sensational female African-American ensemble uses their signature a capella style to perform 18 original songs utilizing folk, gospel, jazz, blues, and rap. Tight harmonies with parts weaving in and out characterize the group's musical style. A few of the songs have percussion instruments in the background, but most of the percussion is provided by vocals and hand clapping. The songs focus on things that are important to children as they are growing up—education, an appreciation of nature, learning kindness and gratitude, being a part of the community, and more. Among the songs are "Education Is the Key," "Trust," "Chinese Proverb," "The Soul of Nature," "Member of the World Community," and "Me Is We." Each song in the lyric booklet is given an "Adrinka" symbol from Ghana, West Africa. These symbols have different meanings, such as wisdom, unity, and faith, making it easy for teachers to choose songs by category. Although some songs would have benefited from being shorter, this excellent album belongs in every library's music collection.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Saving the environment is a topic that has gained considerably more attention in the past few years. Singer/songwriter Maria Sangiolo dedicates almost every one of the 18 songs in this collection to showing children the beauty of various animals that are found in a variety of settings from the sea to the ocean to the aquarium. She celebrates the magnificence and importance of dolphins in "No Dolphins Here," the need to preserve sharks in "Save the Sharks!," the whimsical life of penguind in the story time ready "Rock Penguin Hop," and the spring time awakening of the hibernating polar bears in "It's Too Hot!" Sangiolo employs a variety of musical genres from blues to rap to rock to folk to keep the songs fresh and lively. Her beautiful, clear voice is occasionally joined by a children's chorus which adds to the kid appeal. Four of the tracks are repeated at the end without vocals so that they may be used as sing-alongs. This delightful compilation should find a home in every collection.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 3—This collection from John Michael Maddock features ten original songs designed to motivate children to become "the best that you can be!" All of the pieces feature positive messages for youngsters and their families. "We Need to Read" features humorous rhymes to encourage the value of reading: "I went to the zoo with a friend of mine who thought reading was too hefty. He couldn't read the sign, 'Don't Feed the Bears!' Now we call him 'Lefty.'" And he concedes, "We need to read!" "Be the Best of You" encourages children to be the best that they can be. Oh, Debbie!" warns listeners about what might happen if they aren't responsible. The songs include a variety of instruments, such as percussion and keyboard, that combine to create a full sound. At times, Maddock is joined by backup singers. An additional purchase for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS—These 22 songs by Dr. Pam Schiller are designed to promote math literacy. They introduce a variety of basic math concepts, such as order and sequence, adding on one, numeral recognition, counting, and subtraction. The CD concludes with two sections of bonus tracks on math vocabulary and math foundations. The catchy, upbeat songs encourage participation, and many are based on popular children's tunes. "Numeral Dance" is sung to the tune of "Do Your Ears Hang Low?," and "One Wiggly Dog" is sung to "Ram Sam Sam." A group of children are the backup singers. The liner notes offer activity and literature suggestions for each song as well as the lyrics. A fun way to introduce young children to some basic math concepts.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Capstone's Pebble Plus books offer easy non-fiction for beginning readers, with crisp color photographs facing a page of simple text. In the Pebble Plus Bilingual books, this text is shown in both Spanish and English. This CD-ROM is basically a computer presentation of the book (Capstone, 2007) by Terry DeGezelle. Just pop it in the drive and youngsters can follow along as words are highlighted and a male voice reads the text in either Spanish or English. Specific words may be clicked on to access the glossary definition. This book teaches some basics about tooth care, including information about teeth in general as well as the importance of flossing, brushing, and regular dental visits. This would make an excellent learning center for hygiene units, and also provide a nice listening center for beginning readers or ELL students.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 2–6—Charlie Brown wants to play baseball, but he needs to recruit players for his team. With Snoopy by his side, he searches the neighborhood for friends, and convinces each to join the game, but only after completing some mini-games. The game features 10 mini-games based on each character's personality. First, a social problem must be solved in a particular order before each character will interact with Charlie Brown. For example, Schroeder will only play after Lucy leaves his piano. Each character will then test his or her managerial abilities with a game of skill: Linus and Charlie Brown need to catch falling objects in the ubiquitous blanket, Lucy tests Charlie's knowledge of his players, and Pigpen needs a clock's gears repaired before he can move to the next step. Then each character teaches a baseball skill, which Charlie Brown must master before he can get to the Big Game, where players can select from six or nine innings and test their skills. The characters' voices are not the ones we have come to enjoy on those great TV specials. Games can be saved and reloaded, and challenges can be played on easy, mildly challenging, and difficult levels. Players can skip the recruitment phase and go straight to the Big Game from the main menu, but can't repeat the challenges of the mini-games once they are solved without starting a new game. Although the game is not strictly educational, it does require mouse skills, and it teaches the rules and mechanics of baseball. Fans of baseball and the Peanuts gang will have hours of fun.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—In addition to the podcasting software itself, this product includes a bound guide with CD-ROM appendix, and a Web subscription to both Clipart Station, and Webpage Station (these sites collectively create a substantive sound and music library with full copyright permissions). The guide uses simple language and demonstrative step-by-step imagery which make the product very accessible for novices and intermediate users. The descriptive information demystifies the process of creating podcasts and provides a concise history of this popular new medium. Tool Factory bundled scripting, sound, uploading, and broadcasting functions into a single program with one seamless interface. As a result, the software applications are effectively streamlined for ease of use and are aptly aided by the assistive materials provided. Although the program runs only on Windows, the products created can be played back on any Windows (XP or Vista), Mac, iPod, or MP3 player. Classrooms are one of the central audiences for this product, but the guide does not address student readers. Overall, the software and accompanying materials are well constructed and user friendly. A fine tool for any technology-related or teacher-training course for the integration of podcasting within a school curriculum.—Vincent M. Livoti, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA