Multimedia Review

Gr 7 Up—Sharyn Pak, craft expert and TV personality, demonstrates the basics of creating handmade greeting cards for birthdays, invitations, graduations, thank you notes, and more. The DVD includes segments on single-panel, single- and multi-fold, and window cards, as well as a variety of specialty cards and envelopes, moving from basic to more complex projects. Pak lists over 30 different types of tools and materials needed to create the cards. Garish color combinations and lack of attention to basic design principles make several of the sample cards unappealing. Though not specifically designed for children or teens, the projects are simple enough for crafters in middle and high school. Beginners may find this program helpful, but lackluster production elements and repetitive instructions make watching a chore. An additional purchase for libraries where there is a great deal of interest in crafting and card making.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

PreS-Gr 3—Cute artwork and simple animation illustrate 11 original songs in Morgan Taylor's third DVD/CD set about Gustafer Yellowgold, a cone-headed native of the sun who travels to Earth in a sunpod and lands in Minnesota. The illustrations are in wood-style frames, with the words to each song displayed underneath. Taylor's songs are mostly in a soft, mellow rock style, and are formatted for both normal and karaoke play. "Sunpod" tells the story of Gustafer's arrival on Earth. In "Melter Swelter," Gustafer easily melts the winter snow and warms up his friends. Forest Applecrumbie, a pterodactyl who is one of his friends, mourns the loss of his fancy bellbottoms in "Panther Stamps Pants." Gustafer's pet eel, Slim, introduces him to her ocean home in "Underwater Stars." Among the other songs are "Getting in a Treetop," "Sugar Boat," and "Quite Easily Lost" (featuring guest artist Lisa Loeb). A bonus feature, "Looking for Gustafer Yellowgold," documents several sightings of the sun creature in the Minnesota woods and even at a birthday party. An enjoyable musical experience for young children.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 3–8—Hosted by a group of diverse students from across America, this series explores five important aspects of character building education: courage, empathy, perseverance, respect, and responsibility. Each title begins with age-appropriate students sharing, in their own words, what the character trait means to them. Three captivating live-action "portraits" of young people who serve as positive role models are featured on each film. For example, Victor talks about how he saved his father from drowning, and Benjamin, a teenager who lost his sight to cancer at the age of two, explains how he uses "echo location" in order to be responsible for himself and not have to rely on others. Jenessa, 12, made thousands of bracelets for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and April works in the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum. Chapter selection is available. A valuable resource to supplement character education, team building, and citizenship units.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Gr 7 Up—Performing community service is a requirement in a growing number of middle and high schools. Many young people have trepidations about volunteering in intergenerational situations. Through teen testimonials and live-action footage in three different settings, viewers learn that working with senior citizens can be fun, rewarding, and contribute to meaningful relationships between different age groups. In the first scenario, teens and seniors create mosaic tables for a community park. Next, older adults act as surrogate grandparents to autistic teens. The last setting features teens and seniors working on a theatrical production. The testimonials of teens doing volunteer work with senior citizen groups are clearly heartfelt and unrehearsed. Although this program is not intended to help schools wanting to design a community service program, it will be informative for teens who are interested in volunteering to work with senior citizens.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

K-Gr 4—The book that the late author Bette Margolis (Bette's Books, 1999) had been using in her workshops with young children is brought to life with soft crayon-like illustrations. Through the diary and reminiscences of puppy-child Allison, we experience the year that follows her parents' divorce. At first, Allison hopes that her parents will reunite, but after her mother meets Chuck, she concentrates on her new relationship with the man in her mother's life. The six chapters document the development of their relationship through the seasons of the year—Chuck camps out with Allison and her mother, makes costumes for Halloween, goes skiing, and helps celebrate Allison's eighth birthday. Although Allison thinks that Chuck is nice, when she finds him sitting in her Dad's chair at breakfast, she rebels. Soon her Dad has a new love interest, and Allison must deal with even more intrusion in her family. Eventually both parents remarry, and Allison realizes that she has a "heart full of love" for them all. While the book has workshop materials appended, there is no support material with the DVD. This predictable and saccharine production must be supplemented with additional input from adults, especially for older viewers.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—The five fastest growing job sectors for skilled employees in the 21st century—health care, financial management, technology, service, and environment—are explored in this program that is narrated by a teen. Jobs are profiled to show a career path in each area. Among the jobs highlighted are home health aid, x-ray technician, chiropractor, surgeon, web specialist, programmer, and IT manager. The skills and education necessary to enter these fields are discussed; some of the careers do not require a college degree. This down-to-earth production will help teens plan for the future and would be a good tool for career and counseling units.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

PreS-K—Frances, Russell Hoban's bouncy, song-singing badger, her parents, and her little sister Gloria come to life in CGI (computer-generated imagery) animation in fun stories as well as Hoban's 1960 classic, Bedtime for Frances. In "A Whiney Sister for Frances," Gloria gets the flu, ruining a family trip to Lizardland. A disappointed Frances resents the attention Gloria is receiving, but makes the day fun by playing with her sister. "A Cupcake for Frances" offers temptation to the young badger as she eyes the cupcakes her mother has prepared for the piano recital. Frances eats Albert's cupcake and then lies about it. Her conscience gets the better of her, however, and she ends up doing the right thing. In "Bedtime for Frances," the precocious badger uses the best delaying tactics to avoid going to sleep. Frances's trademark singing is featured in each adventure. The 3D animation has soft rounded lines and flowing movement. Among the bonus features are a character gallery and a read-along version of Bedtime for Frances. An entertaining romp for young children.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-Gr 1—In this Special Appearance Video, Mary Ann Rodman introduces her book (Peachtree, 2006) by recalling her excitement at the prospect of starting kindergarten and first grade. Haley shows a similar enthusiasm as she begins first grade, and she and her friends are thrilled by their new independence. Her exuberance is short-lived, however, as she learns that her new teacher is not exactly like her beloved kindergarten teacher, her classroom is positively stark compared to her former room, and the students don't get to enjoy any of the fun activities that delighted them last year like picture books and sharing time. As the disappointments mount, the little girl privately repeats that "first grade stinks." The day is especially hard on Haley because Ms. Gray doesn't appreciate her creative coloring, criticizes her writing, and corrects her behavior. Finally, Haley explodes and screams her mantra to the class. When the teacher gently explains that first graders need to work harder so that they can learn to read chapter books, "happiness whooshes inside" Haley, and she regains her enthusiasm for school. Beth Spiegel's lively watercolor-and-ink illustrations, which aptly convey the mood of a primary classroom and its students, are scanned iconographically. Youngsters will identify with Haley and her school experience, making this a terrific introduction to first grade, and a good discussion starter.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 3—This nostalgic Christmas story based on the book by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2007) is about a young girl eagerly anticipating her performance in the local church Christmas pageant. As Frances prepares at home—practicing her one line, getting measured for her costume—she notices the organ grinder and his monkey on the corner—"the songs sounded sad and far away, like the music from a dream." She worries about them out in the cold, with nowhere to sleep and nothing to eat. When Frances wants to invite them in, her mother impatiently replies, "No, they can't come for dinner…They're strangers, that's why." On the evening of the pageant, the little girl impulsively approaches the stranger—"You can come. It's just down the street. You can both come." When she forgets her lines onstage, the organ grinder and his monkey miraculously appear, just in time to save the day. Jane Curtin's expert narration captures the compassion of the innocent child as well as the cold indifference of her mother. The sepia-toned illustrations in acrylic gouache are reminiscent of an old-time movie with costumes, hairstyles, home furnishings, and automobiles from the Depression era. The engaging interview with the author, a bonus feature, is highly recommended for all DiCamillo fans. Show this sweet story during the holidays or to enrich units on city life or homelessness.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

K-Gr 2—Using just grunts, groans, sound effects, and gestures to tell story, the amusing adventures of Shaun the Sheep are highlighted in eight episodes. These British stop-motion animation/claymation children's television shorts can be seen in the U.S. on the Disney Channel. In "Shape Up with Shaun," Shaun puts Shirley the Sheep on an exercise regimen, only to have her gain all the weight back. "Bathtime" features Shaun and the flock on a mission to get hot water for their dip in the pool. In "Fetching," Bitzer is distracted by a female dog and misses the flock of sheep trashing the house. Among the other episodes are "Take Away" (the flock order take-out pizza), "Scrumping" (the flock and the pigs battle over some apples), and "Stick with Me" (the flock gets hold of a tube of glue). The slapstick comedy is right on-target for children. The video quality is excellent, and the wide variety of sounds and the music add to the appeal and pacing of each episode. As additional shorts become available in the U.S., Shaun will attract lots of fans who appreciate his loyalty, leadership, and love for his flock.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 7 Up—Based on the concepts introduced in Tom Shachtman's Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold (Houghton Mifflin, 1999), these two episodes trace the historical, cultural, and scientific impact that the exploration of "coldness" has had on modern civilization. The narrative covers a spectrum that ranges from early speculations about the nature of cold to the invention of thermometers, through the Industrial Revolution, when ice manufacturing and distribution became a booming industry, to a contemporary quest for "absolute zero" and the Nobel Prize. "The Conquest of Cold" explicates the history of this field through dramatic re-creations and archival materials. "The Race for Absolute Zero" provides information from the late 19th century forward, when researchers began experiments that eventually liquefied elements like oxygen and nitrogen. Drawing heavily from interviews with key scientists and researchers, the film explains how things like household refrigeration, air-conditioning, and superconductivity has improved everyday life. This resource is recommended for middle and high school science programs and/or media centers where science is a pronounced aspect of the curriculum.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

K-Gr 3—Author Dick King-Smith, a former farmer who kept pigs, explains everything you want to know about these creatures in this book (Candlewick, 1993) and engaging read-along CD, with sound effects, narrated enthusiastically by Alan Marriott. The author describes his favorite pigs and those he has known throughout his life. Basic facts about pig care and types of pigs and their characteristics are provided in witty, easy-to-understand language that young children will enjoy. An "All About Pigs" track with interesting pig facts is included. Anita Jeram's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are charming. Page-turn signals are optional.—Jill Altman, Saluda Primary School, SC

Gr 7–10—Incorporating photos, models, ultrasound images, and live-action footage, this film offers information about the human skeleton by examining why we have bones, what a skeleton look like, movement and joints, the breaking and healing of bones, and preventive and dietary measures to help maintain healthy bones. Each chapter ends with a summary and review of the information covered. Staged in a crypt-like atmosphere and narrated by the "bone-a-fide" crypt keeper, "Z-Man," this humorous presentation is sure to hold viewers' attention. Music and props enhance the production. Shown in segments or in its entirety, this information-packed, well-done film will be enjoyed by students.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Gr 9 Up—This program seeks to educate viewers about five energy alternatives: wind generators, solar energy, ethanol, biodiesel, and hybrid and electric cars. While the producer overwhelmingly supports these energy alternatives over traditional fossil fuels, the film also covers the pros and cons of the five sources. Each energy option is presented in a stand-alone section. The information is presented at a good pace, relying mostly on interviews with the sellers and consumers of each energy source. Onscreen text reviews key points between each brief segment. Overall, this is a good introduction to the emergent technologies that may serve as the power sources of the future.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 6 Up—The lifecycle of the Pacific Treefrog is portrayed in this video portrait which is sure to be of significant value in science classrooms. Warren Hatch created a study center in his backyard which these frogs could inhabit, and he observed them over a period of years. A variety of video techniques, including crisp and clear microphotography, illustrate the sequence of events in this creature's lifecycle. The first of the individually accessible 13 tracks which compose the main body of the program presents a brief summary of this endangered species' lifecycle. The remaining segments expand upon the elements of that process and are wonderfully composed, employing a minimum of distracting narration. The video glossary illustrates many of the frog's physical characteristics, which is a helpful summary for viewers. The bonus section includes 13 minutes of a variety of frog calls. A printed summary and selective print bibliography complete this useful production.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up—This documentary sheds light on NASA's experiments with chimpanzees to prepare the space program for human flight. Interviews with retired NASA employees and scientists who study primates (including Jane Goodall) educate viewers about the physical and psychological hardships experienced by the chimps both before and after the flights. Archival footage shows many tests conducted with the chimps—some with disastrous results. The film does an outstanding job of framing the subject in its historical context: viewers can hear the Cold War era news reports delivered to a frightened nation that was losing the space race to the Soviets and the speeches that exhibit President John F. Kennedy's determination to explore space. One Small Step's themes are ultimately bigger than the space program itself, leading to interesting classroom discussions.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 3–5—This clear, informative program teaches young viewers about plate tectonics, including the geologic processes of mountain building, seafloor spreading, and volcanoes. Using a combination of live-action footage, animation, graphics, and photos, the concept of Pangaea as well as the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics are presented. The program gives the background behind these theories and shows how they build on one another. The three different types of plate boundaries—divergent, convergent, and transform—and their impacts on the planet as plates separate, collide, and slide are presented. The formation of geographic features is briefly discussed. Viewers are encouraged to decide, compare, and predict at three places where the film can be paused. The compare question is least effective because it is impossible to see the graphic through the words. The program ends with a five-question fill-in-the-blank assessment. DVD extras include English subtitles, a glossary, and labeled slides from the film. Blackline masters and extension activities are provided. A good introduction to enhance a geology unit in the classroom.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 5 Up—This enthralling guide to the 52 amphibians and reptiles that breed in New England is divided into two adventures—amphibian and reptile—with each chapter featuring six and nine segments respectively. Information about identification, habitat, natural history, migration, conservation, and more is provided by experts, and current research projects are highlighted. Photography and sound are very good. Among the extras are fact sheets and quizzes. Although these critters are specific to a certain region of the U.S., the production will educate and entertain viewers from all across the country. An interesting choice to introduce or wrap up a unit or for individual research.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

PreS-Gr 3—Steven Jenkins and Robin Page's outstanding Caldecott Honor Book (Houghton, 2003) has been transformed into a superb animated production that explores the strange appendages that animals sometimes use to eat, hunt, and defend themselves. First, specific animal body parts are presented, and then each animal's use of its eyes, mouth, tail, ears, or nose is shown and explained in animated sequences. Accompanied by David Mansfield's delightful music that changes tempo to suit the mood, fascinating animals leap, blink, twitch, and wiggle on clean white backgrounds as Jenkins's fabulous cut-paper illustrations come to life. Viewers learn how the monkey grasps a branch with its tail, the archer fish shoots and eats an insect, a lizard squirts blood from its eyes or breaks off its tail and runs off no worse for the experience, and so much more. We can hear the crickets and birds chirp, the chimpanzee chatter, and a mountain goat bleat. Among the other animals presented are the elephant, hippo, skunk, platypus, bush baby, and many others. Narration is ably performed by James Naughton, and optional subtitles change color as they are read. The story is followed by animal facts that are grouped by body part. Viewers can click on noses, ears, tails, eyes, feet, or mouths, and then select an animal to hear about how the particular body part makes the creature special. An interview with the authors reveals their inspiration for the book and how they selected the featured animals, and features a peek into Jenkins's studio. This animated version of the story, with sound effects, has made this fascinating study of curious animals even more accessible and interesting. A stand-out.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Intended to teach young children about Chinese culture and language, these two animated episodes present basic vocabulary, history, and customs. In the first part, Walker has just moved to Hong Kong with his family. He meets Ping Ping, a young Chinese girl, who is visiting the park with her parents. Walker learns how to say some basic words in Chinese and is invited to join the girl and her Grandpa Joss on an adventure to The Great Wall of China. In order to complete the journey, the youngsters must collect water from the Bohai Sea where the Great Wall begins, sand from the Gobi Desert, and a chop (a stamp with a person's name). Historical information is integrated into the quest. In The Chinese Market, the children learn about food, calligraphy, and shadow puppetry and must collect three artifacts. More basic vocabulary is taught as Ping Ping and Walker make dumplings and get a lesson in writing Chinese characters. Although the quality of the animation is poor—the characters are flat, movement is choppy, and lip sync is off—young children will learn a great deal about Chinese culture and history. Audience participation is encouraged, and many extended activities could be used in the classroom during a unit on China or the Chinese New Years, such as making shadow puppets.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary School, Laramie, WY

Gr 7 Up—Viewers are introduced to the country and people of Myanmar, formerly Burma, in this film that opens with a map that shows the country's location and major regions, and then briefly discusses its British colonial history, post-World War efforts to establish a democratic government, and the tyrannical rule the country has endured since military leaders seized power in the late 1940s. The remainder of the film focuses on Myanmar's geography and culture, with segments on religion, commerce, the women of the Pa Dong Karen tribe who use brass rings to stretch their necks, the British colonial capital of Mandalay, and more. The dignity and culture of the Burmese people are praised, but the producers are critical of the country's dictatorship. The plight of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent years under house arrest, is discussed, but the dictatorship's brutal repression of protestors in 2007 is not mentioned. Technical quality is good, with a combination of live-action footage, maps, and graphics. The production provides a glimpse into the closed society of Myanmar, and is a good choice for secondary geography or current affairs classes.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up—Colonial America from the first settlement at Jamestown through the Declaration of Independence is covered in this production. The film's main theme is that the growth and success of the colonies was fueled by the colonists' desire for economic and/or religious freedom. The colonists' motivations for migration to the New World; the rapid population and economic growth of the colonies; the colonists' troubled relations with Native Americans; the development of slavery and racism; the evolution of religious tolerance; and the ways colonists were educated, governed, and communicated with each other are discussed. The film also describes how the freedoms of colonial life led the colonists, who initially thought of themselves as British, to begin to see themselves as Americans who were capable of and entitled to self government, and traces the development of the conflict that resulted in the American Revolution. The narration is objective, praising the religious tolerance and economic freedom in the colonies and criticizing the racism that poisoned relations with Native Americans and supported slavery. Technical quality is average, and audio levels are occasionally uneven. Visuals include period illustrations and paintings, many of which are magnified until they are fuzzy. Although the film does not provide in depth coverage, it does review the most important topics of American colonial history and could be used to introduce or review a unit, making it a supplemental purchase.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School MO

Gr 9 Up—Three Carlton College students vow to unplug their computers for between three and five weeks as an experiment to determine how their academic, social, and work lives are affected. Their experiment is chronicled as a project by a documentary film production class at the college. Overall, the challenge is more appealing than the result as the message becomes overshadowed by just too much artificial drama on the part of the subjects. They are too aware of the camera's presence to lend much credibility to the situation; eventually, only one of the participants is able to complete the study without falling victim to the electronic addiction common to many of us, but especially to young adults. Older viewers will take particular delight in seeing college students tangle with handwritten notes and using typewriters. The program features a number of clever film and graphic techniques, a useful teacher's guide, and two engaging bonus sections on the making of the documentary. Yet, the disingenuousness of the central subjects bogs down the conclusions concerning our reliance on technology. The final track is a splashy infomercial for Carleton College. The film's most meritorious feature is the intriguing question which it raises for discussion and perhaps replication of the project in other school settings.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 6 Up—Heartwarming and inspiring, this award-winning documentary illustrates J.R.R. Tolkien's concept: "Such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." Hannah Taylor was five years old when she first saw a homeless person on the streets of Winnipeg, Canada. After asking questions and thinking about it, she decided that she would start talking to people about the homeless who were, after all, individuals who needed love and help. Her efforts led to numerous speaking engagements across Canada—at schools, where she cheerfully answers questions about missing school, and at "Big Boss" luncheons with powerful community leaders and the Prime Minister of Canada. Two of Hannah's greatest achievements are the establishment of the Ladybug Foundation, which has raised over one million dollars for the homeless so far, and Hannah's Place, an emergency shelter for the homeless in Winnipeg. Eleven years old at the time of filming, Hannah's clearly articulated hope is that the Ladybug Foundation will raise not only money, but awareness of the homeless problem. This inspiring, absorbing film is suitable for school and public libraries.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Gr 6 Up—Adapted from Teaching for Thinking's CD-ROM series, World History: A Comparative Civilizations Perspective, this film is narrated by a computer animated statue of Confucius who describes the cultures and achievements of China, India, Japan, and the Americas during the Middle Ages (500–1500). The first two segments on China and the Silk Road are the strongest, with Confucius explaining how medieval China's relatively open society allowed advancements in science and the arts and the production of goods and spices, which resulted in increased trade throughout Asia and with Europe. The sections on Japan, India, and the Americas are much shorter and offer brief overviews of their economic systems and social orders. Confucius also comments on the morality of the Chinese treatment of women, the rigid Indian caste system, and the practice of human sacrifice in the Americas. The film ends abruptly, without sufficient explanation of how all of these societies would begin to interact and change when Europe's age of exploration and conquest began. Technical quality is very good, with a combination of live-action footage of ancient structures, ruins, and artifacts combined with photos of period art and illustrations. Most history classes focus on the Medieval Period in Europe, and this broader perspective is a welcome change. However, while the film provides an overview of non-European countries, it does not offer enough information about the connections between Europe, Asia, and the Americas, which limits its effectiveness and makes it an additional choice for middle and high school collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—The history of religion and human society is reviewed from ancient times to our modern world. The film is divided into two parts: "The Origins of Religion and Democracy" and "Religion and Democracy in the Modern World." The spread of Christianity is traced through the Roman Empire after Constantine made it the State religion. In the 7th century A.D., the Muslim/Islamic religion was founded in the Middle East. In medieval times, the Muslim states were more tolerant of religious diversity than were the Christian states. Through movements such as the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment, Western Christian civilization began to develop democratic practices by separating affairs of the state from those of religion, a practice not embraced by the Islamic religion. Live-action video from countries throughout the world, photos, maps, and artwork illustrate the concepts. Guided questions and mastery quizzes are available on the DVD and in print. This program will enhance social science and religion classes.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Gr 7 Up—This global view of the buildup to World War II begins by showing a peaceful America, where the Jazz Age, Wall Street wealth, and isolationism kept the country self-absorbed. Fascinating archival film segments reveal a brief idyllic period soon shattered by the stock market crash and the Great Depression. Showing soup kitchens in cities and drought in the farmlands, the hard times are explained as particularly rough for African Americans. Transitioning to the same time period in Europe, the narrator describes Germany's activities, specifically Hitler and his "Brown shirts" who acted as his private army to terrorize any political competition. The program's chronological approach pivots the action to other totalitarian regimes in Russia, Japan, and Italy that were simultaneously instigating acts of aggression. Vocabulary appears as captions and colorful maps show Hitler's invasion of the Rhineback and Mussolini's occupation of Ethiopia. The film keeps viewers abreast of the big picture by revisiting the actions of each key player to the point of Germany's attack on Poland in 1939. Students will relate to the attention paid to youth military brigades in Europe, Russia, and Japan, and the comparisons to American children who were not forced into such service. The clear, sharp archival newsreel and military footage and concise narration brings history alive.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

PreS-Gr 3—The 12 songs on this low-key bilingual album effortlessly mingle Spanish and English lyrics. Whether dealing with breakfast, fear of bugs, birthdays, or the days of the week, the tunes are catchy and the concerns are absolutely spot-on for the early elementary grades. The Spanish words vary from song to song, from constituting only the chorus (or part of the chorus) to comprising nearly half the lyrics, but in all cases the meaning is clear. Such consistent repetition helps in language acquisition, whether English to Spanish or Spanish to English. Singer Will Thomas employs a laid back, bluesy style that melds with his humorous lyrics to create appealing songs such as "Broccoli," "Cucaracha," and "Gator & Bee." Spanglish Wrangler also provides a contrast musically to more traditional Latin CDs, such as Jose Anaya's A bailar! Lets Dance (Nov. 2008, p. 70). A worthwhile addition to classroom collections where Hispanic students are served or second language instruction is a priority.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 5 Up—Set in 16th-century Bohemia, Petra's father, who was commissioned to build a clock for Prince Rodolfo, returns home blind. The prince gouged out his eyes so that the metalworker would never be able to create a more beautiful clock. Determined to retrieve her inventor father's eyes, the 12-year-old girl travels to Prague with Astrophil, a tin spider created by her father, to locate them. Marie Rutkoski's fantasy (Farrar Straus, 2008) is narrated by Lorelei King who gives distinct and appropriate voices to all the characters. However, while the text states that the people in Prague sound quite different, this is not reflected in the reading. Also, King sometimes replaces "want to" and "going to" with "wanna" and "gonna." Although Rutkowski takes some pains to introduce Roma (Gypsy) culture to readers, it is shocking that she perpetuates the negative stereotype of Gypsies as a culture of liars and thieves, an image Carla Stevens decried in a 1974 article, "The Image of Gypsies in Children's Literature" (Interracial Books for Children, Vol. 5), and the kind of negative stereotype that would not be acceptable about any other minority group today. Although the story is exciting and involving, this audiobook cannot be recommended for that reason.—Louise L. Sherman, formerly at Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ

Gr 3–5—Donald Sobol's 10-year-old savvy sleuth Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown solves 10 cases in this collection (Dutton, 1970). Son of the local police chief, Encyclopedia has a knack for zeroing in on the most minor details, and this, plus his very reasonable charge of 25¢ per day, has the neighborhood kids lining up for his help. Aided by his junior partner, Sally, the prettiest and toughest girl in the fifth grade, Encyclopedia takes on cases of kidnapped pigs, stolen bike wheels, and buried treasure maps. Listeners can try to solve each case during a convenient pause before the solution is announced. Greg Steinbruner's narration is fairly effective as the thoughtful boy detective, but there is little vocal differentiation between the other characters. Some vocabulary and situations are a bit dated, but young fans may still enjoy these mini-mysteries.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

Gr 5–8—Kyle's excitement at vacationing with his family on the Oregon coast turns to dismay when Daren, the school bully and Kyle's nemesis, turns up in the same hotel. When Kyle is left to baby-sit his little sister Bebe while his parents embark on a dinner cruise, an earthquake and then a tsunami strike, starting a fire in the hotel. Kyle and Bebe must outrun the tsunami and save themselves and Daren from this force of nature. Through this experience, Kyle is finally able to stand up to his tormenter. Peg Kehret's novel (S & S, 2003) is blandly narrated by Terry Bregy who deflates much of the tension and drama of the story. Nevertheless, middle school boys might enjoy the survivor aspects of the tale.—Lisa Hubler, Memorial Junior High School, South Euclid, OH

Gr 5–8—Troy White is every football team's dream…even if they don't know it yet. Although he's in middle school, he is a great quarterback on his rec team, and he's got a secret talent—he can watch any football game and, after a few plays, he can call the subsequent plays before they happen. When Troy's mom, Tessa, gets a job as PR assistant for the Atlanta Falcons, Troy thinks he'll get the chance to use his gift and help his favorite team to a winning season. The boy finally manages to convince the star player of his hidden talent, but when it rubs the team's defensive coordinator the wrong way, Tessa's job is threatened. The race is on to try to save the Falcons' season as well as Tessa's job. Written by Tim Green, a former linebacker for the Falcons, this exciting story (HarperCollins, 2007) will immediately draw in sports fans. Narration is performed well by a full cast, including Green. Since so many different voices are used, there is sometimes a choppiness to the narrative. On occasion, overly melodramatic music overshadows the ending of a chapter or the beginning of the next one. A good addition for large libraries and those seeking to attract tween/teen boys.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 8 Up—Concerned about their overweight, depressed, and suicidal teenager, Amy Bloom's parents pack her off to a juvenile treatment facility where they hope that she can get the help she needs to become a more "normal" young adult in this novel (Feiwel & Friends, 2007) by Julie Halpern. Amy's problems pale in comparison to those of her fellow patients, who include a supposedly pregnant teen with a plastic baby doll, a rage-filled devil worshipper, a sarcastic Goth girl, and a very shy, cute boy whose attention to Amy might mean that she isn't as unattractive as she thinks she is. Narrator Mandy Siegfried captures Amy's constantly changing emotional state and her swings between aggressive anger at her situation and her tentative attempts at developing new friendships. Resistant at first to any attempts to help her, Amy blossoms over a short period into a young woman beginning to believe in her own self-worth. Amy's voice emerges via letters to her best friends, making the story even more believable.—Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH

Gr 1–3—This collection of short stories (HarperCollins, 1984) retold by Alvin Schwartz are just creepy enough to give youngsters shivers without causing nightmares. The seven tales were collected from a variety of sources and include some classics such as "The Green Ribbon" (holding on a severed head) and "The Night It Rained" (a man discovers that his hitchhiker was a ghost). Dirk Zimmer performs the stories in a sepulchral tone with a measured pace and different voices for the characters. Background music is light and seems deliberately designed to lessen the scary mood. This Level 2 I Can Read book is perfect for younger children who are constantly pestering the librarian for "something scary."—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 7 Up—The impudent Jacky Faber, on whose head the King of England has put a price for piracy, is back in L. A. Meyer's fourth Bloody Jack adventure (Harcourt, 2006). This time, Jacky and her classmates at the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls are kidnapped and forced onto a slave ship, the Bloodhound. The slavers intend to sell the girls into the harems of North Africa. Of course, Jacky refuses to go quietly and soon has hatched a daring escape plan. It's wonderful to see the girls rise to the challenge and use their brains to outwit their male captors. The relationship between Jacky and her arch-nemesis Clarissa Howe is a hoot. Narrator Katherine Kellgren is perfect, juggling American, French, and British accents with ease. Her vivid delivery of Meyer's top-notch dialogue brings the tale to life. Listeners should be familiar with Jacky's previous exploits to follow the action here. All libraries serving teens will want this excellent addition to audiobook collections.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–9—Charlie Fletcher's sequel (2008) to Stoneheart (2007, both Hyperion) is another fast-paced saga of warring statues in an alternate London. George, 13, and his sidekick Edie, with the help of the statue, The Gunner, fight to establish peace among the warring statues and the humans. The evil Walker kidnaps The Gunner and imprisons him under the city, where he has buried the bodies of several girls and women from whom he has stolen heart stones. The Gunner must fight his way to the surface and return to his plinth before midnight or suffer death as a statue. Meanwhile, George must fight and win three "duels" or die. While all this is transpiring, Edie is captured by The Walker and is forced to "glint" or see the past for him. Actor Jim Dale does a fabulous job of narrating the story, giving it an immediacy that is arresting. He seamlessly slips between characters' voices, giving each one a unique persona. Suspenseful music opens and closes the story, adding a nice touch to an extremely well-done performance. Listeners will be able to more fully understand the action taking place in this volume after reading/listening to the first book. A fine purchase, especially for libraries that circulate the print version.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, Baldwin City, KS

K-Gr 5—These terrific scripts cover the lives of three American heroes: Johnny Appleseed, Sacagawea, and John Muir. Johnny Appleseed's roots in Massachusetts and his travels and planting of apple trees in Ohio are described in detail. Kidnapped during a warrior raid of her village, Sacagawea's life proceeds as if it was a charmed adventure that leads her to be guide to Lewis and Clark in their quest to reach the Pacific Ocean. A deep love of nature drives John Muir in his life's work to maintain the pristine state of wild areas in our country. The stories are retold by Melody Warnick using fictionalized dialogue and words and phrases that make listeners feel connected to the time period. Tavia Gilbert reads Sacagawea's segment with excitement and compassion, and Stephen McLaughlin skillfully presents the men's stories. Useful for units on tall tales and American history, these tales offer a different spin by putting listeners in that place in time.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Four stories, told first in English and then in Spanish, explore the imaginative lives of children. The first two tales by Max Tell were originally written in English and have been translated into Spanish by Silvana Goldemberg. The other stories were written by Goldemberg and "interpreted" by Tell, rendering the English and Spanish versions subtly different. "Johnny Small" concerns friendship built on an act of kindness between a very small boy and an enormous boy. "Rodney Scribble" is reminiscent of Louis Sachar's Wayside School in the wackiness of a society built around the idea that legible writing is a menace. "Martin, the Brave Prince" shows his aunt what he wants to be when he grows up. In "The Smile Plant," a little girl copes creatively with the loss of a tooth. The narration by Tell (English) and Goldemberg (Spanish) adds a magical quality to these somewhat lackluster tales. The pacing and variation of tone is excellent. The paperback book includes the English and Spanish versions of the tales. These stories could be used in elementary classes, especially in areas where there is a large bilingual population, or at home.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 4–7—Growing up in the middle of Nebraska, storms are a way of life—unless you suddenly have to deal with a whole night of twisters. Dan Hatch, his family, and his friends have practiced tornado drills, but that doesn't help much when one literally sucks their house out of the ground. No one would have expected for the family to be separated, leaving 12-year-old Dan and his best friend alone with Dan's baby brother. On a night where survival is all that counts, the boys prove their bravery and determination as they get caught in two tornados and make their way to reuniting their families. Ivy Ruchman's exciting novel (HarperTrophy, 1986) is read by Riley Dugan from Dan's point of view. The excellent narration combined with sound effects and dramatic music help listeners visualize the action. A fine purchase for school and public libraries, especially for reluctant readers.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 5–8—Diana and her younger brother Georgie know the rules and obey them at all costs. They are not allowed to talk or show themselves to anyone and they can't leave the grounds surrounding the old Willis place. For as long as they can remember these rules have been clear, but when a new caretaker and his daughter, Lissa, move in, Diana challenges the rules so that she can finally have a friend. The siblings have been scared of the Willis place and Ms. Lillian for a long time and for a good reason—"the bad thing" happened there. Mary Downing Hahn's ghost story (Clarion, 2004) is suspenseful and full of plot twists. Narrator Ellen Grafton's cheerful, child-like tone portrays the innocence and playful nature of the main characters. She gives each character a unique voice, and her upbeat tone masks the true horror of the story. Clues will lead listeners to realize that the siblings are ghosts before the fact is actually established, but the sense of foreboding will keep their attention throughout.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Gr 6–8—Sarah Mlynowski's "Magic in Manhattan" series just keeps getting better and better. In the fourth book in the series (Delacorte, 2008), teenage witch Rachel is gearing up for sophomore year at high school. She has a perfect A-list boyfriend in Raf and feels confident that this will be her year to shine. Rachel and her sister Miri are planning for their Samsorta—a debutante witch ball. As the girls meet other witches and warlocks, they realize how much they have in common with them. They begin popping off to Canada for skiing and Paris for dancing. Rachel can't share her magical life with Rafe, and Adam, a cute warlock, is definitely interested in her. Add to this mix Wendaline, a new girl in school who doesn't understand that magical powers should be left in the closet. She blithely informs her new classmates that she is a witch and Rachel fears she will also be outed. Narrator Airadne Meyers skillfully differentiates each character with a unique voice. Those new to the series will have no trouble catching up, and fans will be enchanted by the growth and change the sisters experience.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 3–5—Piper Reed, a spunky fourth grader, is back with another series of adventures (Holt, 2008) by Kimberly Willis Holt. Pipers dad, a Navy Chief, is called up on active duty for six months, but imaginative Piper finds plenty of ways to keep busy. The excitement of new neighbors, spending Christmas in a spaceship beach house, taking Uncle Leo to school for show-and-tell, and planning and performing in the first ever "Gypsy Club Pet Show" keep the youngster and her sisters occupied. Emily Janice Card does a fabulous job of bringing this dynamic nine-year-old to life. Fans of Piper Reed, Navy Brat (Holt, 2007; Listening Library, 2007) as well as Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones tales and Paula Danziger's stories about Amber Brown will be delighted with this chapter book.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Equestrian Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst had the will to overcome challenges and the courage to follow her dreams. In Pam Muñoz Ryan's fictionalized biography (Scholastic, 1998) set in the mid 1800s, Charlotte was raised in an orphanage, loved tending and riding the horses, and yearned for a ranch of her own one day. Banned from the stables, the 12-year-old ran away from the orphanage, disguised herself as a man, became a skilled stagecoach driver, and eventually was the first woman to cast a vote in the California presidential election. Listeners will admire Charley's grit and determination, refusing to give up her dream, even when she was seriously injured and blinded in one eye. Melissa Hughes's narration is superb. She uses her mellifluous voice well, switching easily from raspy Charley to several other male and female characters and employing different regional accents. After the story, Ryan provides additional historical information about Parkhurst's interesting life. Horse aficionados will appreciate the author's attention to detail in recreating the bustling activity of stable and ranch life, while others will enjoy the well-paced adventure and respect Charlotte's determination to meet life head on. A gem.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

Gr 5–8—Nick and Marta live in dread of Bunny Starch, the biology teacher. When Smoke, the class loner, gets on her bad side, Mrs. Starch makes him write "five hundred words on the history of the pimple." During a field trip to Black Vine Swamp, where illegal oil-drilling is taking place, the teachers disappears and all fingers point to Smoke. Although an unsigned note is found explaining that the teacher had a family emergency, Nick and Marta suspect foul play and work with Smoke to solve the mystery. Along the way they encounter crooked oilmen, an eccentric millionaire ecologist, and get a glimpse of an endangered panther and her cub. This eco-mystery (Knopf, 2009), set in Florida, is permeated with Carl Hiaasen's wonderfully quirky characters, and Ed Asner's raspy narration plays each of them to the hilt. He voices the crisp harshness of Mrs. Starch, the lazy drawl of the adults, and the voices of the youngsters with ease. His performance is marvelous and his perfect pacing plays up the story's humor while the ecological message is incorporated as a subtle part of the tale. A real gem.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–8—When Meg Falconer is kidnapped, she uses a trick from her father's detective novels to alert her family of her whereabouts. Older brother Aiden quickly links a news story about a string of clogged toilets at rural gas stations to Meg's disappearance. However, his fugitive parents, and the FBI agent assigned to protect them, dismiss Aiden's appeals to follow the trail. Frustrated, the boy borrows his best friend's identity and sets out to find his sister. Meanwhile, Meg constantly attempts to escape from her captors. Meg and Aiden are presented as bright, resourceful teens who take their destinies into their own hands in Gordon Korman's novel (Scholastic, 2006). Each sibling tells his or her side of the story. Christie Moreau reads Meg's part with a determined voice, emphasizing verbs such as "blasted" to underscore the action-driven nature of the story. Andrew Rannells effectively expresses Aiden's frustration and resolve with a firm, brisk tone. Both readers modulate their tone and pitch to introduce different characters into the narrative. None of the narration is over-dramatized, permitting the book's powerful narrative to speak for itself. A strong choice for public libraries where Korman's works are popular.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 8 Up—The Martin clan is an unusually eccentric family, even by New York City standards. Scarlett's parents own and run the Hopewell, a small, rundown, historic hotel in the heart of the city in this novel by Maureen Johnson (Scholastic, pap. 2009). According to family "rules," upon turning 15, each sibling is given a hotel suite to care for, along with any guests booked into that particular room. By the luck of the draw, Scarlett's first "client" is Mrs. Amberson—a former actress and world traveler with a penchant for running other peoples' lives and an amazingly egocentric view of the universe. By the time the woman is finished with the Martins, every member of the family will have experienced a life changing and positive event. Jennie Stith's little girl voice seems a tad young for Scarlett, and her breathy delivery becomes wearing after a while. This, coupled with the book's implausible plot and minimally developed characters makes it a marginal purchase.—Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH

Gr 5–8—Geraldine McCaughrean's accessible retelling of the tale (Cricket, 2005) about Theseus brings to life the handsome, talented son of King Aegeus of Athens who slays the Minotaur (among his many accomplishments), is loved by Ariadne and the Amazon Queen Hippolyte, and finally gets his recompense from the curse that he asks the gods to place upon his beloved son. Cynthia Bishop narrates, and the full cast makes each of the characters unique with their own flaws and agendas. It is only when the narrators try to make the thoughts of each character distinct from their conversations that their voices seem artificial and tend to suspend the dramatic impact.—Edie Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 7–10—Fans of Ann Brashares's The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series will enjoy the author's latest offering (Delacorte, 2009). In the third grade, Polly, Jo, and Ama planted three willows in the woods near their school. The resilient little seedlings grew to symbolize the three girl's friendship. However, by the summer before high school, that friendship becomes strained. The girls have grown apart as they head off for three very different summer experiences. Ama has won a scholarship for a summer study program from the Student Leader Foundation. Polly wants to try the alluring life of a model, while Jo takes a job at the beach. Much like the little trees, the three young women struggle, grow apart, and head in their own directions—but, ultimately, they find that they are joined at the roots. Narrator Kimberly Farr gives a unique personality to each character by varying inflection and tone. This engaging story will appeal to those who enjoyed the previous books as well as listeners new to the sisterhood.—Lisa Hubler, Memorial Junior High School, South Euclid, OH

Gr 8–11—Curing the summer following her sophomore year of high school, Natalie and her friends innocently spend their time between pool hopping and playing a game called "Would You," which poses questions such as: "Would you rather lose all your hair or all your teeth?" and "Would you rather know what's going to happen or not know?" When Natalie's popular 18-year-old sister Claire is tragically struck by an car, Natalie's life is changed forever. Claire remains comatose, and Natalie watches her mother fall apart and her father become consumed with anger. When Claire is declared brain dead, the family must make some difficult decisions. Marthe Jocelyn's story (Wendy Lamb Bks., 2008) is told from Natalie's point of view. Drawing on her own experiences, the author skillfully portrays a totally believable Natalie and has created a story that will make listeners laugh and cry. Renee Raudman does an extraordinary job of clearly conveying Natalie's pain, confusion, and anger, while maintaining her youthful naiveté. Raudman appropriately modifies her tone to create unique characters. A superb interpretation of an poignant, emotionally honest, and powerful novel.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

PreS-Gr 2—Abby and the Pipsqueaks deliver 13 songs featuring jazzy, bluesy. and rockabilly styles, among others. Songs such as "Don't Play with Fire," "Be Yourself," and "Don't Be a Litterbug" convey positive messages in a fun manner. Additional songs with great preschool appeal include "When You Go to the Zoo" and "Chugga Chugga Choo Choo." Children will also enjoy "I Like Monsters" which begins with the description of monsters under the bed and in the closet followed by the surprise twist. While the vocals don't vary much, the instrumentation is top-notch throughout. The repetition in all the songs make them easily accessible for younger children. What makes Abby and the Pipsqueaks truly unique is that they are a green band traveling in a veggie oil mobile. The CD is made from recycled water bottles, and its case from recycled cardboard and vegetable inks. This information along with "Don't Be a Litterbug" would make a nice introduction to a lesson on ecology or recycling. A solid addition to collections for young children.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

K-Gr 4—A musical celebration of nature's genius and biomimicry (man imitating nature to solve human problems), these 16 new-age slanted songs were written and composed by Amy Martin. A variety of musical styles are employed including rock, Western, folk, blues, and a cappella. Bill Harley and Ani DiFranco are guest artists on a couple of songs. The primary vocals on most pieces are performed by the Missoula Coyote Choir, a children's group. The youngsters are enthusiastic, but sing flat on several songs. "The Great TV Rebellion," the best song, is a rollicking Western tune in which kids turn off the TV and go outside. "School of the Wild," another outstanding piece, is accompanied by jungle drums and animal sound effects. Among the other songs are "Be Like a Tree," "Keep Our Cool" (global warming), and "What's Biomimicry." An acceptable choice for school and public libraries.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Chicago-based singer/songwriter "Little Miss Ann" Torralba returns with a follow-up to her first CD, Music for Tots (AV Café, 2006). She covers territory for preschoolers this time around, showcasing her wide vocal range from rich, edgy alto to light, airy soprano. These 10 tunes were either composed by or are traditional tunes arranged by Torralba. Several songs carry messages such as "Good Morning" (a ballad about love growing), "Stand Up" (an upbeat song encouraging youngsters to stand up for themselves), and "Mockingbird" (a soft-rock tune celebrating everyone's individuality). Traditional songs include "Over in the Meadow" (an upbeat toe-tapper) and "This Little Light of Mine" (a ballad). There are activity songs in the mix ("Clap for Love" and "Siyahamba") to get listeners up and moving. The backup band helps fill out the sound, contributing to a very enjoyable listening experience.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-K—Multi-award-winning recording artist John Boydston, one of the best rock and roll performers for kids, has re-released 15 songs (12 of which are his own compositions) from six of his previous albums. Performed with drums and guitars, the songs include "Come On, Get Happy" (theme from The Partridge Family TV show), "Brush Your Teeth," "A Dog Named Boomer," "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" (the TV show theme), "I Caught My Daddy Watching Cartoons," "Nana Nana Boo Boo," "Do the Chores," "The ABC Song," "Pink Floyd Saves Hugh Manatee," "Best Friend" (theme from The Courtship of Eddie's Father TV show), and "Daddy's Diaper Blues," among others. An excellent introduction to those unfamiliar with the previously released Daddy A Go Go CDs.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Tessa Pfeiffer wrote these 15 mostly pop rock songs intended to get children up and dancing. Six of the selections have lyrics about dancing or different dances. The other rousing songs deal with being a new kid at school, safety issues, temper tantrums, belly buttons, pig manners, favorite things, American history, and a lost shoe. "Let's Sign the ABC's" does not provide any instructions for forming the individual letter signs. The songs are bouncy and inspire movement. Pfeiffer is a terrific singer and the other musicians on piano and guitar perform excellent instrumental background music. Overall, this is a very good album and worthy of consideration for purchase.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—Singer/songwriter Carole Peterson's delightful CD features 18 songs filled with movement and fun. Included are traditional songs such as "Shoo Fly," Skip to My Lou," and "The Mulberry Bush," as well as originals by Peterson such as "Dancing Scarf Blues" and "Hush Your Feet." The liner notes include a key to assist teachers, librarians, and parents in using the songs with a group of children. Each dance style—individual within a group, circle dancing, partner dancing, and dancing with props or manipulatives—is given a number to identify the corresponding song. Also included in the notes are instructions for each dance. Peterson's performance is always energetic and enthusiastic, and she includes children in her performances. These action songs will be perfect for story times, classrooms, and children's parties.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 2—With a voice similar to Pete Seeger's, Dennis Caraher sings 13 original tunes backed up by terrific musicians on guitars, keyboards, percussion, violin, fiddle, and mandolin. Written in rock, country, and folk musical styles, the songs include "Chasin' After Chickens," "Walk Like a Dinosaur," "Goldilocks," "I Miss the Mud," "Baby Beethoven," "Unusual Zoo," and others. In "Little Blue Bug," Caraher has his audience of children mimic the many silly ways he sings the chorus. A fun album.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Hailing from Massachusetts, Terry Hall, better known as Terry A La Berry, steps out of his role as percussionist for David Grover and the Big Bear Band in this solo effort of original tunes and pop standards for kids. Hall composed or co-wrote most of these selections on topics ranging from the questions that kids have about life and growing up ("Questions") to a tribute to Winnie the Pooh's friend ("Tigger") to the concept of popularity ("Never Be as Big as Hannah Montana") to a Beach Boys-inspired celebration of the beach ("I Really Like the Beach"). Standards include covers of Sam the Sham's "Wooly Bully" and Sheb Wooley's "Purple People Eater." Hall's original songs rely primarily on ballad and soft pop rock styles; "Lobster Dance" has a Caribbean beat. A group of children singing background vocals adds interest to several numbers, as does Janelle Herring singing lead on "I Really Like the Beach" and "Girl Who Cut My Hair." Hall continues to grow as a solo performer and will build on his fan base with this offering.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Pennsylvania-based singer/songwriter Steven Courtney is a chameleon on this disc of family friendly music, with a vocal style that shifts on each song as he channels Bob Dylan ("Rolling Home"), Bruce Springsteen ("Sail Away Lady, Sail Away"), and the Barenaked Ladies ("Elmer's Electric Tricycle"), among others. "Strange Old Cat" is a bluesy toe-tapper that features a muted trumpet. "Happy Anniversary" is full of country-flavored joie de vivre. "Big Boatload of Bananas" varies its tempo in the refrain and verses to sustain interest. "Walk with the Wise" is a reflective ballad, while "Three Monkey Pirates" tells a whimsical tale of piracy. These 12 selections include both original tunes by Courtney and traditional songs with additional verses added. Courtney's band provides the perfect accompaniment for the package.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—Charles Darwin was committed to his theory that it was "evolution that drove the creation of species." He spent 20 years secretly writing in his journals, constantly refining and polishing his shocking and revolutionary ideas that transformed the world. For Darwin, his belief in natural selection, which essentially eliminated God from the picture, was constantly "percolating and demanding his attention." He praised Emma, his wife, as open-minded, unflappable, and his anchor, yet she was his religious opposite, holding firm to a belief of God as creator of all things, arguing that it was "feeling and not reasoning that drove one to prayer." Deborah Heiligman's book (Holt, 2009) is not your typical heavy-handed biography of Darwin's controversial legacy. Rather, it is a fascinating journey that features excerpts from the couple's diaries, letters, and notebooks as well as the writings of friends, relatives, and critics. It is also the story of Darwin's love of science and his love for his wife. Heiligman brilliantly explores the relationships that influenced Darwin—from his father who encouraged free thinking to his wife's strict religious pleas. Narrator Rosalyn Landor's crisp British accent and polished reading complements the author's fabulous biography. A must-have to celebrate Darwin's 200th birthday.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 7 Up—This engrossing YA adaptation (Scholastic, 2009) of James L. Swanson's adult title, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer (Morrow, 2006), describes the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln and members of his cabinet, the events of the assassination, and the resulting manhunt for John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators. The author includes considerable information about the vainglorious Booth, who believed he would gain fame and glory for killing Lincoln, and uses a chronological approach that switches between various locations and persons to describe how Booth put his conspiracy into motion when he learned that Lincoln would be at Ford's Theater, and to detail Lincoln's dramatic death and the violent stabbing attack on Secretary of State William H. Seward. Swanson also provides an account of Booth's escape from Ford's Theater, his rendezvous with his co-conspirators, their less-than-glorious efforts to elude the massive manhunt searching for them, and Booth's death in a tobacco barn in Virginia. A discussion of the assassination's aftermath concludes this fast-paced, action-packed account. The sense of urgency that surrounded the assassination and manhunt is effectively captured by the author, and actor Will Patton interprets the text well, using differing tones and accents not just for quotes, but also for Swanson's descriptions of Booth's thoughts and actions and those of the men who searched for and found him. Sure to hold student interest.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 6 Up—In this collection of five true stories, Kate Dudding brings to light some of recent history's real-life heroes. She emphasizes that these were ordinary people who, by their courage and determination, accomplished extraordinary things. Among those featured are a holocaust survivor determined to tell the world about the man who rescued him; a United States Army nurse who served in three wars; a 12-year-old Pakistani boy who, after gaining freedom from a factory where he was held as a bonded worker, told other children how to gain their freedom; individuals who worked to integrate baseball; and the rescuers in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City federal building bombing. Recorded live, Dudding's performance is compelling. This CD will be particularly effective in classrooms or as a resource for projects focusing on 20th-century events.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 3 Up—A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players. The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century. There were scores of ballplayers who never became as famous as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb and were almost lost in obscurity because of segregation—and Nelson recreates their history here. The narrative is divided into nine innings, beginning with Rube Foster and his formation of the first Negro League in 1920 and closing with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier into white major league baseball. In between are fascinating snippets of the events and men who formed the Negro Leagues. Listeners glimpse the pain black Americans endured because of bigotry and segregation, but the true center of this story is the joy of baseball and the joy men felt at being able to play the game. Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who began playing with the Negro Leagues, provides the foreword. Eloquent narration is performed by actor Dion Graham, and a bluesy guitar introduction and conclusion is reminiscent of the time period. Nelson's stunning oil paintings are included on a CD—but make sure to have the book available as well. Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK


Distributors List

AV Café, 6201 S. 58th St., Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68516; 877/228-2233
Abby and the Pipsqueaks, abbymusic.com
Audio Bookshelf, 44 Ocean View Dr., Middletown, RI 02842; 800/234-1713
Biomimicry Institute, AskThePlanetCD.org 
Brilliance Audio, Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417; 800/648-2312
Candlewick Press, 99 Dover St., Somerville, MA 02144; 617/661-3330
Carleton College, Dept. of Cinema & Media Studies, One North College St., Northfield, MN 55057; 507/222-5567
Castle Works, castleworks.com; 800/597-9448
CDBaby, CDBaby.com 
Daddy A Go Go, daddyagogo.com 
Dancercise, 17418 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345; 952/925-3922
Full Cast Audio, Box 6110, Syracuse, NY 13217; 800/871-6152
Gustafer Yellowgold, GustaferYellowgold.com 
HarperChildren's Audio, 10 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022; 212/207-7000
Hawkhill Associates, 125 E. Gilman St., Madison, WI 53703; 800/422-4295
Heart Full of Love, 445 Sunset St., Santa Fe, NM 87501; 505/583-7812
Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Dr., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800/431-2050
Kate Dudding, Storyteller, 8 Sandalwood Dr., Clifton Park, NY 12065; 518/383-4620
Knowledge Unlimited, Box 52, Madison, WI 53701; 800/356-2303
Lionsgate, hitentertainment.com 
Listen & Live Audio, Box 817, Roseland, NJ 07068; 800/653-9400
Listening Library/Books on Tape, Box 25122, Santa Ana, CA 92799; 800/243-4504
Little Emperor, 118 Spring St., 3rd floor, New York, NY 10012; 646/471-5340
Macmillan Audio, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010; macmillanaudio.com 
Max Tell Publications, #214—14990 N. Bluff Rd., White Rock, BC V4B 3E6; maxtell.ca 
National Film Board of Canada, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4820, New York, NY 10118; 800/542-2164
New Dimension Media, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601; 312/642-9400
On Air Video, 8203 Westminster Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027; 215/885-2828
Peregrine Productions, rpsdvd.com 
Plain Tales, 3521 Jefferson Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310; 515/255-8211
Recorded Books, 270 Skipjack Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678; 800/638-1304
Scholastic Audio, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; 800/724-6527
Spoken Arts Media, 195 S. White Rock Rd., Holmes, NY 12531; 800/326-4090
SyndiKast, Box 1125, Mayer, AZ 86333; 888/488-8665
Teaching for Thinking, 3016 Waterloo St., Vancouver, BC V6R 3J6; 604/602-6606
VEA, 10 Mitchell Place, Suite 103, White Plains, NY 10601; 866/727-0840
Victory Multimedia, 460 Hindry Ave., Unit D, Inglewood, CA 90301; 301/590-1388
Visual Learning Company, 25 Union St., Brandon, VT 05733; 800/453-8481
WGBH Boston, 125 Western Ave., Boston, MA 02134; 800/949-8670
Warren Hatch Productions, Box 9224, Portland, OR 97207; 503/238-8737
Weston Woods, 143 Main St., Norwalk, CT 06851; 800/243-5020