Multimedia Review

Gr 10 Up—This Australian-made film assumes its audience is permitted to drink in bars or clubs, since the drinking age in that country is 18. While that makes this production slightly less relevant for American audiences, high school alcohol and drug abuse is still a big problem in this country. The film defines drink spiking as adding alcohol or illicit or prescription drugs to non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages. The narrator introduces the facts and two specialists—a female forensic physician and the Australian Drug Foundation's Director of Community Alcohol Action Network—provide more detailed information. Bar scenes and close-ups of drink tampering are repeated throughout. There are many dark scenes of young people dancing, highlighted with neon washes of color and pans of crowds of intoxicated individuals. Shots of the same few distressed individuals make the film seem amateurish. Statistics pertaining to drink spiking and date rape are given primarily from the U.K., Australia, and Europe. Three narratives by victims are presented. Drugs typically used for drink spiking and their effects are identified, and prevention tips are offered. This film provides adequate coverage of the topic.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library, OH

PreS-K—When Jingles the Jester asks Barney and his friends for help in finding a story to tell at a party for Princess Rosey, Barney and a cast of talented children re-enact several folk and fairy tales. The stories Barney chooses include "Alice in Wonderland," "The Fisherman and His Wife," "Cinderella," "The Emperor's Contest," and "The Lion and the Mouse." Throughout, songs about the importance of sharing, honesty, friendship, and imagination are performed. Barney and his multicultural cast of friends are always entertaining. Young children will enjoy the stories and parents may want to borrow the original versions of these tales to read to their children. A fun, entertaining production that will have children clamoring for repeat performances.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS—Featuring songs, games, and exercises for children ages two to five, Buster Loves Music teaches youngsters about musical instruments, notes, and sounds, while Head to Toe with Buster explores our bodies. Buster the dog, a puppet, introduces the theme of each program, and then a diverse group of children dance to a song. Both films contain counting segments that introduce Buster's friend, Gato the cat, who repeats numbers in Spanish, and an easy-to-learn alphabet song. On the music-themed DVD, musical terms and instruments are pictured for each letter of the alphabet and snippets of music are provided. Head to Toe focuses on the parts of the body, beginning with the "Your Face" song showing footage of diverse children's faces and identifying their expressions. The DVDs also feature a variety of games. The professional quality background music for each segment is a perfect accompaniment to the action, from the disco-like dancing skeleton bones to the folksy color song. There is much to engage viewers such as counting, identifying colors, remembering where an item is hiding, singing sequences with Buster, and more. Scenes are visually appealing, and the language and concepts are on target for the intended audience. These are exceptional tools for early learning collections.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—Tugger, a jeep used during World War II, is the main character in this computer-animated film based on the short story "The Little Tractor That Wanted to Fly" by George B. Parson. Injured during the war, Tugger's engine fan was replaced by an airplane propeller which made him powerful enough to spend the years since the war towing airplanes at a small airfield. Tugger's dream is to fly, but no matter what he tries, he remains a worn out jeep who can't get airborne. When a fleet of new Tugs are delivered, Tugger is relegated to the shed where he remains until a military man arrives, restores the jeep, and loads Tugger onto a cargo plane. The jeep finally gets to fly while helping out the Blue Angels. The forlorn yet hopeful Tugger is voiced by Jim Belushi while his faithful sidekick Shorty, the radio, is subtly voiced by Carrot Top. The friendship between these two characters is heartwarming, and the cast of supporting characters at the airport add depth to the story. A nice tale about friendship and holding onto your dreams.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—This documentary follows three ethnically diverse transgender young people in the New York area over four years. Tot lives in Brooklyn with her loving but not always supportive mother, and then moves to Michigan to work in her more conservative father's restaurant. David left home after a fight with his father and lives in a shelter for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) youth. Naomi, who grew up with her grandmother in the Bronx, does sex work to pay for an apartment of her own and a medical transition. The three teens are portrayed sympathetically—each comes off as smart, funny, and likeable—and the filmmakers consistently use the subjects' preferred names and personal gender pronouns. Family, friendship, health, and street violence all receive some attention, but the film's disproportionate emphasis on the young people's bodies borders on exploitation. We watch Naomi shave before genital surgery and urinate afterwards, but an incident where a group of young men throw bottles at her while she's being filmed passes almost without comment. The filmmakers remain perplexingly invisible and anonymous, offering no indication of how these three subjects were chosen. Nevertheless, educators hoping to introduce the "T" (transgender) in LGBT have relatively few other options and may select this film for its positive portrayal of the subjects. Local transgender or LGBT resource centers may be able to provide resources and discussion suggestions to supplement this engaging but flawed film.—Megan Honig, The New York Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Defining prejudice as "taking one aspect of a person and using it to define their whole being," this program examines the nature of prejudice around the world. Offering the notion that it is human nature to be suspicious of others and to make assumptions about those who are different, a female Australian-accented narrator describes how all societies form opinions based on skin color, gender, religion, mental health, and fashion. Film footage from around the world shows people at work, play, and school, highlighting the obvious visual differences. A clinical psychologist weighs in about inherited prejudices and those based on fear of outsiders, a tribal mentality still active today. A wheelchair-bound teen candidly describes how she is treated by her peers and caregivers, who often assume she is fragile and helpless. To cope, she takes control of the situation by telling them what she does or doesn't need. The film is divided into chapters: "What's in and What Isn't?," "Ask the Question: Why?," "What It Means to Be Different," "The Impact of Prejudice," and "What Can We Do About Prejudice?" The narrator makes references to historical examples of oppression such as apartheid, examples of reinforced prejudice such as the media portrayal of "nerds" and "blondes," and other forms of discrimination. This film will elicit thoughtful follow-up discussions in a variety of high school classes.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Young adults interview professionals in their respective workplaces in these new titles in this vocational guidance series. In each DVD, three professionals describe their careers, giving viewers a glimpse of realistic expectations for each specialty. Women feature prominently in all the professions, except for the Creative Design segment, which, ironically, is the least visually engaging. African-American professionals are represented only in aviation careers. The interviews begin with straightforward questions: "What exactly do you do?" "What would an average day be like?" "How did you prepare for your job?" A teen moderator details specific academic requirements to prepare for each job. The professionals talk to the interviewers, rather than in the direction of the camera, offering the audience facial profiles most of the time. The most interesting segments feature equipment and technology related to a job, as in the aviation, nursing, and surgery career clusters. In the Newspaper Editor segment, professionals discuss the future of news gathering as electronic news outpaces conventional newspapers. An emphasis on practical experience by volunteering or apprenticing is reinforced throughout the series. The young reporters model extremely casual attire, something a facilitator will want to warn against in an actual job interview situation. In addition to these titles, there are more than two dozen previously released films on job clusters ranging from Teachers to Banking to Cars to The Zoo. Purchase as needed.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

K-Gr 4—While this animated Mexican fairy tale will be new to most viewers, the story contains familiar elements from such popular tales as "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," and "Puss in Boots." One day a poor woodcutter encounters an angry bear in the forest. Furious that the man presumed to cut his trees without permission, the beast agrees to spare his life if he can marry one of the cutter's three daughters. The youngest, Rosa, agrees to the match. Once married, she discovers that the bear is actually bewitched by an evil spirit. Each evening he chants and turns into a handsome prince; each morning, he must chant again and assume his bear form. Rosa promises never to tell his secret, but when she visits her family, her sisters' teasing causes her to break her word. Upon hearing of the spell, her oldest sister suggests she tie her husband to his bed at night so he will be unable to chant in the morning, and thus break the spell. The sorrowful prince explains that as she has broken both her promise and the spell, he must disappear. After searching for years, the Sun and the Wind direct her to the Castle of Faith, where she finds the prince, about to marry the evil spirit who first cast the spell. After a series of magical transformations, Rosa is able to defeat the spirit. She and her prince live happily ever after. The father and eldest sister are comical characters, one fat, the other ugly, both with exaggerated accents. The animation has humor, drama, and magic enough to enchant young viewers and also introduce bit of Mexican culture.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

K-Gr 1—In this Special Appearance Video, Margery Cuyler introduces her story (S & S, 2008) about Jessica the worrier who is dreading Reading Theater Day at school. The first grader sometimes has trouble sounding out words, which embarrasses her and makes her the target of her classmates' laughter. When her teacher announces that the class will be dressed in costumes and read in front of the parents, Jessica is sure that she will fail. With a little help and encouragement from her dog, the young girl learns that practice makes perfect and overcomes her insecurity. Arthur Howard's colorful, light-hearted cartoon illustrations come to life with tail wags and head bobs, accompanied by lively music created by Bruce Zimmerman. Randye Kaye gives voice to Jessica's troubles, and charmingly becomes teacher, parent, and child with slight but obvious voice changes. Many students will identify with Jessica, and will find the solution to her troubles humorous and reassuring.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

PreS-K—Sam McBratney's picture book (Candlewick, 2004) about unconditional parental love translates seamlessly into an animated short. The DVD/CD dual disk features an animated version of the story on one side and two versions of the audio narration—one with page-turn prompts—on the other. Anita Jeram's beautiful watercolor and pencil illustrations are animated, and some of the pixel layers are visible on the close-ups of the bears whose movements sometimes seem choppy and wooden. However, the incidental features in the illustrations, such as dragonflies and frogs, move fluidly in their respective buzzes and hops. Despite these minor flaws, the animated version of the story is charming and heartwarming. Cheerful background music adds to the charm of the narration. A delightful package for young audiences—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Galaxie Library, Apple Valley, MN

Gr 7 Up—Designed to show students the correct way to access information online, this Australian-made program covers the history of the Internet in seven chapters: "Introduction," "How Searching Was Able to Replace Surfing" (history of the Internet), "What Is Really Relevant" (how Google works), What Is Really Real (search techniques), "The Risks Involved with Searching" (viruses, commercial incursions, inappropriate content), "Getting Smart About Searching" (interpreting search results), "Web. 2.0 and Challenges for the Future" (how the search engine will change), "Conclusion." The most important segments of the film teach students critical researching and evaluation skills. Each screen looks like or is a Web page. Many of the scenes feature talking heads (all white males) which may make students tune out. Overall, however, this is a good program to introduce and reinforce good Internet research skills.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

Gr 3–5—This State Standards-based series introduces the basic concepts of arithmetic. Each DVD features a multiethnic eight-member cast who clearly and sequentially explain math principles, accompanied by graphics and occasional simple animation that illustrate their points. New vocabulary is introduced and clearly explained. Both numbers and key words are shown on the screen to enhance comprehension. Topics build sequentially, and all explanations are simple and direct, not flashy. Each DVD begins with an overview of the topics to be covered and ends with a review. Concepts are explained and then examples and applications are given. Users have the option of accessing individual chapters. Number lines, charts, graphs, basic properties, and story problems are included. Students learn about estimation, rounding, place value, stacking, carrying, regrouping, calculator use, factors, remainders, prime numbers, and more. In the measurement unit, both imperial and metric measurements are used. There is some necessary overlapping of information among the DVDs as similar concepts are taught with a different focus. Each DVD is accompanied by a CD-ROM containing a complete lesson plan with pre- and post-viewing activities and extensions, including student handouts and assessment tools. While there are no bells and whistles, the series offers a clear, well-organized introduction to arithmetic concepts. Teachers might find it useful for individual learning centers or whole-class instruction and homeschoolers will appreciate its clear, sequential format.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 1–4—This classic program that provides a fantastic multisensory resource for learning and reviewing multiplication facts has been revised and features new characters and video. The first segment has rap songs, sung by an animated hamster and other characters, with a strong rhythmic beat to review multiplication facts for numbers 0 to 12. Each multiplication sequence is repeated twice; the second repetition provides a two second pause to test student recall before the answer is given. This is interspersed with other animated scenes. The updated video also features a lesson explaining what multiplication is; easy tips for completing the 0, 1, 9 and 10 times tables; and advice on how to practice. This segment is set in park where Marko, a pencil, teaches an animated boy. Another new feature is a practice session on skip counting by 2 through 12 and 25. The top half of the screen shows the concept with animated items, while the bottom portion of the screen features a ruler with numbers that are highlighted as they are spoken. The items are clever and relevant, such as using packages of crayons to represent counting by 8s and cartons of eggs to count by 12s. Clear visuals, fun songs, and plenty of repetition provides a positive learning experience.—Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

PreS-Gr 3—The images of two dog puppets are cleverly superimposed on NASA footage as they blast off into space to explore our universe. The AstroPuppies wonder what they will encounter on their voyage, and an adult narrator answers their questions and describes what they are seeing. Interspersed in the lively narration are several catchy songs. At the International Space Station, the puppies accompany the astronauts on a space walk, making repairs, eating a no-gravity lunch, and more. Next they learn about the planets and the sun, and discover fascinating facts about astronomy and space. The questions asked and the comments made by the AstroPuppies are humorous and childlike. The production quality is excellent, the transitions between segments are seamless, and the pacing is perfect for young viewers. Among the 50 minutes of bonus features are an original NASA newsreel of the Apollo 11 moon landing and a Mars Rover landing animation—both best suited for a much older audience—as well as a segment from Activity TV on how to make sock puppy puppets and selections of children's drawings about space. This entertaining and educational program teaches basic concepts of astronomy and space exploration to young children.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 7 Up—Just minutes before it was scheduled to land on February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas, killing seven astronauts. This film focuses on that disaster and, in the process, summarizes much of the history of NASA's shuttle program. The causes of the tragedy are attributed to the scaling back of the space exploration budget, a relaxation of safety protocol, and general mismanagement of NASA. After a brief introduction to the seven astronauts and their scientific research mission, the program turns its attention to the crash investigation. The interviews with retired astronauts, members of the news media, NASA ground staff, and members of the crash investigation team provide a telling portrait of the close of the space shuttle era. The male narrator is engaging, and the sound and picture quality are excellent. This program would make intriguing viewing for those interested in the space program, while the deeper story—the human effects of bureaucratic mismanagement and budget cuts—would be a great springboard for classroom discussion.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 3–5—This well-organized unit of study explores a variety of environmental issues featuring rural and urban film footage. While the focus is on global warming and pollution, other topics covered include wind and solar energy, resource conservation, and recycling. A large number of unfamiliar vocabulary words are presented and should be taught when introducing the unit. The teacher's guide includes pre- and post-tests, a video review for students, a writing activity, and several experiments involving water conservation, wind power, and acid rain. A useful classroom tool to introduce and raise awareness about environmental issues.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary School, Laramie, WY

Gr 7 Up—This program traces the annual migration of millions of Monarch butterflies from Canada and the United States to their winter home in the mountains of Mexico. How the butterflies survive the grueling 2000 mile trek and arrive with pinpoint accuracy to a specific mountain slope are questions that continue to befuddle scientists. At their destination, the butterflies' arrival is seen with religious significance and helps to buoy the economy of a small village. However, illegal logging threatens to destroy the butterflies' single winter habitat. Actress Stockard Channing delivers an excellent narration. A soaring orchestral score and vibrant cinematography are a feast for the senses. Interviews with scientists and enthusiasts from both the United States and Mexico shed some light on the Monarch's journey. This program will be intriguing viewing for those interested in insect behavior and can have value in classrooms studying animals' survival instincts.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 7–10—The basic concepts of electricity are explained in five chapters: "What Is Electricity," "Static Electricity" (how electricity is generated), "Using Electricity" (an explanation of circuits), "Measuring Electricity," and "Sources of Electricity" (renewable and non-renewable). Information is presented via live-action footage and animation. Most segments include interviews with electricians and demonstrations at the Scienceworks Museum in Melbourne, Australia, which offer real-life examples of how electricity works. These demonstrations are the most powerful and entertaining aspect of the film. Although this is an Australian-made production, the accents are not difficult to understand. Production values are high. The program would be most effective shown in chapters to reinforce concepts.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

Gr 7 Up—NASA's most recent exploration of Mars is detailed in this documentary. The primary goal of this expedition is to locate proof of life or the conditions that could sustain life on our neighboring planet. For over four years, two robotic data collectors, the Spirit and the Opportunity, have been gathering physical samples and recording other geographic information. In 2008, the rovers were joined by the Phoenix—a probe to test the planet's ice deposits. Through animation, interviews with scientists, and graphic representations, this film explicates the scientific results recovered through these missions. The evidence gathered supports many possible speculations about the presence of water and even small organisms on the planet. The production concludes with the preparations of NASA's next robotic innovation—a self-contained Mars Science Laboratory. There are many curricular applications in science and technology classes at the middle and high school levels for this film.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 3–5—This presentation introduces the characteristics of a wide variety of the Earth's major landforms. Live-action footage and photographs from the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the Interior Plains, and other areas illustrate plains, plateaus, mountains, canyons, sea cliffs, coastal plains, and more. The narrator describes important terminology. A quiz follows the summary at the end of the film. including plain, relief, interior plain, coastal plain, plateau, mountain, hill, valley, canyon, beach, dune, sea cliff, sea stack, lake, bay, river, and creek. Pictures are labeled as the terminology is introduced. Concepts are organized by location. A video quiz follows the summary at the end of the video. Questions posed throughout the production allow teachers to stop the film for student input. The photography is good, and the narration and aural quality is clear. The DVD includes a video index, labeled slides, subtitles, and an iMovie project. A useful supplement.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 3–5—Excellent diagrams, photos, animation, and live-action video introduce the life cycles of living organisms. The eight chapters define life cycle and cover the life cycles of flowering plants, insects, amphibians, and mammals. A clear- speaking female narrator introduces the brief segments, and photographs give students the opportunity to observe and compare. The plant segment is detailed and the insect and amphibian sections are adequate, but the chapter on mammals is very abbreviated. Important terms appear on-screen. A five question quiz concludes the film. Bonus features on the DVD include an index, 20 slides of captioned photographs, a glossary, and an option for English subtitles. The 25-page teacher's guide includes National Standards correlations, a full video script, student activities, and assessments.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

Gr 3–5—This program is arranged in eight brief chapters covering the basics of muscles and bones. The skeletal system is introduced and the three types of muscles are explained. The last segment briefly covers how to take care of muscles and bones with basic tips about proper diet, exercise, sleep, and avoiding injuries. Each concept is explained using video segments of adults and children at work and play, anatomical animations, and cutaway illustrations of different parts of the body. There are several interactive questions posed throughout film, and it ends with a five question fill-in-the-blank quiz. The narration is clear and slow enough for youngsters to grasp the concepts being presented. Some of the same video footage of people are used in multiple segments. A helpful supplementary resource to introduce the topic.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 7 Up—This well-made production, divided into three segments, provides an introduction to life in the United States during the post-World War II years. "Truman" describes the challenges that Harry Truman faced when he became President, including his responsibilities as Commander in Chief and his decision to drop the atomic bomb, the difficulties of the country's conversion to a peace-time economy, and his dramatic 1948 reelection. "I Like Ike" discusses President Dwight Eisenhower's moderate Republican views on domestic issues, support of public works projects, reluctant enforcement of civil rights, and Cold War policies. "Boom Times" looks at how the prosperity of the era led to increased consumerism, widespread migration to the suburbs, and the development of the car culture, and discusses how the baby boom, television, and the birth of rock and roll changed American culture. Technical quality is very good. Visuals include period stills as well as excerpts from newsreels, television commercials, and public service messages. Although topics are not covered in depth, this film will give students a "big picture" overview of the post-war social and political changes and the technological innovations that became the foundation upon which much of our modern world rests. It is more comprehensive in scope than NBC News Time Capsule: The 1950s, (Human Relations Media, 2005), and it could be used for either introduction or review, making it a very good choice for middle level and secondary collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—This informative film was released in 2008 as a non-traditional travelogue for visitors attending the Summer Olympics. The six cities featured that hosted games are Shanghai, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Tianjin, Shenyang, and Hong Kong. The pleasant voice of narrator Chris Verrill, scenic video footage, and the unique viewpoint of producer Bill Einreinhofer all combine to make this film a good choice for schools as well as for travelers. Rather than focusing on China's history and famous places, the director shows the many ways in which Western culture blends into the past and present China. Viewers learn that thousands of Jews were welcomed to Shanghai after World War II, German immigrants gave Quindao its best known product—beer; and an Italian architect directed the restoration of Italian concession buildings in Tianjin. It is no surprise that sports received major coverage. Reference to events scheduled in each of the six cities and interviews with coaches and athletes will be of less interest now that the Olympics are over. Teachers can select specific chapters from the menu to facilitate classroom use.—Sally Ray, Plano Senior High School, Plano, TX

Gr 10 Up—With timely film clips, photos, and smooth-voiced narration, this succinct program on the Cold War effectively covers major issues between World War II and the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Each DVD has about a dozen chapters on topics such as the origins of the Cold War, the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, the Hungarian Uprising, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis and Détente, Perestroika and Glasnot, and more. In slightly more than an hour, the films provide surprisingly complete coverage. Conflicts and issues including the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, the Space Race, and the Vietnam War are illustrated with maps, photos, and video. Although the chapters flow together effortlessly, each segment can stand alone to supplement units in world and U.S. history courses. An invaluable resource.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Gr 6 Up—Darius, 15, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a typically fatal degenerative disease which has confined him to a wheelchair. In a different twist on the classic "road movie" theme, he and his friends set out on a cross-country trip from Georgia to California with the hope of persuading the MTV program Pimp My Ride to customize Darius's wheelchair. The producers have created a wonderful documentary which follows Darius and his cadre composed of sympathetic students plus a scruffy group of drivers/mechanics and makes viewers aware of the daily plight of handicapped individuals. Included throughout Darius's saga are commentaries by other individuals and families who have suffered similar afflictions. These detract from the continuity of the professed purpose of the trip. The film is specifically aimed at school audiences in the hope that they will be moved enough by the heartbreaking circumstances of Darius and the other sick children to organize fund-raisers to fight DMD. References are made to the work of Jerry Lewis, whose Labor Day telethons have been very successful in raising funds for MD research. This film has won more than two dozen awards, and $17 of the $20 purchase price is being donated to DMD research. The Web site dariusgoeswest.org offers lesson plans and other resources. Preview prior to purchase.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 10 Up—A diamond's beauty belies the often grim path it takes from mining in some of the world's most remote locations through the complex network of processing and marketing to its final destination. The producers of this detailed saga illustrate this route with intermixed segments focusing on the subsistence workers who search for the rough diamond in Sierra Leone, a fascinating young East Indian boy who becomes a diamond cutter, and a colorful mix of New York City and international brokers. In one particularly interesting section, an abrasive broker attempts to establish a fair trade policy which would insure more quality-of-life issues for those in the more gritty aspects of the diamond trade industry. Chapter selection, on-screen translation, a closed-captioning option, and the inclusion of bonus footage enhance the DVD's usefulness. Cameras discretely follow the players as their commentaries convey the elements of this worldwide story which brings wealth and beautiful objects to some, but lives of indenture and poverty to many others. This documentary has potential value in a number of curricular areas such as African studies, economics, globalization, and human rights, but will be too costly for all but the wealthiest libraries.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 3–8—Adventurer California Jones (Jeff Layton) and a group of children introduce the California Gold Rush as well as silver mining in Nevada; the Klondike Stampede to the Yukon; and mining in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. Featuring skits and demonstrations, the film introduces mining techniques, the daily life of miners, boomtowns, ghost towns, Anti-Chinese laws, and more. A visit to an abandoned mine at a museum warns children of the danger of going into one. Primary documents such as photos, newspaper articles, maps, and black-and-white drawings enrich the presentation. Demonstrations of panning for gold and using rocker boxes add interest. Some exaggerated skits add humor to the presentation. Extras include "bloopers" and still images from the Library of Congress and others sources with descriptions. An interesting way to introduce the era of Western expansion.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—This film attempts to discuss the religion, empiric expansion, military, social structure, punitive system, engineering, agriculture, clothing, trades, art, technology, and educational practices of a very important culture in just over a half an hour. Each topic is touched upon very briefly, and while some like engineering (stonework) are covered well, others such as the Spanish Invasion are only glossed over. Reenactments, maps, drawings, carvings, and contemporary images present information about the Incan society and its accomplishments. The maps and other images are often blurry. The audio is good with excellent background music, but the video quality greatly detracts from the value of the production.—Jessica Miller. New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 7 Up—The 1815 Battle of Waterloo, the decisive engagement between Napoleon and the soldiers of the French Empire and the forces of the Seventh Coalition, including the English army under the Duke of Wellington, is brought to life in this excellent production. Outstanding photography and digitally enhanced battle scenes that transition to close-up real action make the battle depiction magnetic. Historians have long debated this battle as they try to understand why Napoleon acted out of character—was he ill, did he make strategic mistakes, or was it because the Prussians came to Wellington's defense? The final battle scene shows Napoleon's uncharacteristic disregard for his troops by ordering cannon fire to cut down the retreating soldiers to cover his own escape. Hoping to turn himself in and be treated well by the English, he was instead banished to St. Helena, a barren island where he lived out his life. This well-made documentary featuring excellent animation, historical re-creations, and fine acting will engage students.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

Gr 10 Up—Pompeii, an ancient city whose past is preserved in a flow of lava, ash, and rock, fascinates students of history. Herculaneum, which was also destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius's eruption in 79 A. D., is not yet fully excavated. This film provides information on the geography, economy, and architecture of Pompeii and Herculaneum and insight into the inhabitants' social structure, political life, religion, and everyday life. Also included are segments on the influence of Greek and Egyptian culture on the development of the two cities and on the Roman Forum in Pompeii which was central to their culture. A final segment, "Destruction and Discovery," introduces 21st-century concerns about the conservation of the ruins and ethical issues related to the display of human bodies. While Australian narrator Jake Downs's accent may distract from the flow of the video, the scenic footage should hold viewers' attention. Visuals include video of tourists milling about the ruins, sepia tinted photographs, and archival movie clips of toga clad Romans. A supplemental purchase.—Sally Ray, Plano Senior High School Library, TX

Gr 8 Up—This moving documentary traces the 2005 season of the cross-country running team at York Public High School in Elmhurst, IL, but it is about far more than long-distance running. Ultimately, it is the inspiring story of Joe Newton, a coach whose 50 plus years of experience has established one of the most winning high school teams in America. Despite the fact that only the top seven athletes on a given team compete, York's program has over 200 participants. Each of these students commit to the sport for the chance to work with Newton. The coach teaches the boys that they should do their best, be on time and "it's nice to be great but far greater to be nice." The 2005 season was of particular importance because it marked the team's 25th state title in 50 years. The film follows the team as they prepare for the state finals. Along the way, they persevere through many obstacles, including the mid-season expulsion of two of the team's top seven runners after they caused over one million dollars in arson damage. The director effectively incorporates graphics to demonstrate the team's organizational structure and how scores are tallied and tracked. This documentary will have wonderful applications for middle and high school athletic programs, as well as for any program where team and community building is a central goal.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors' Web sites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

PreS-Gr 3—Pennie Sempell, a health professional, and Gerald Mitchell, a nutrition and fitness specialist, present 21 Broadway, Hollywood, and vaudeville classics in a call-in radio show format. In between the songs, they offer advice to youngsters' questions about health, relationship, and happiness topics. Sempell sings in a clear soprano, backed up by piano, guitar, drums, bongos, claves, maracas, and other percussion instruments. A children's chorus sings along on some of the tunes. Among the songs are "Carousel," "Danny Boy," "Grandma's Feather Bed," "Pennies from Heaven," "Pretty Baby," "Sonny Boy," "What a Wonderful World," and others. Fun Time Relax Time focuses on the relationship of fun and relaxation to health and reducing stress. Best Things in Life Are Free emphasizes that the best things in life can't be purchased, including mental and emotional well-being. Love Songs for Our Children presents the importance of community, friends, and family. the standards-based teacher's guide includes additional information about each song, lesson plans, and related activities. This series will enhance the health and music curriculum.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—Published more than 25 years ago, Nancy Garden's moving and poignant love story (Farrar, 1982) still rings true today. Liza and Annie, both 17 and attending different high schools, meet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and fall in love. Narrator Rebecca Lowman touchingly brings their story to life as they discover each other and the harsh and confusing realities that surround them. The teens face uncertain feelings and questions about their emotional and physical relationship. Told in the third person and through letters Liza is trying to write to Annie after they both are at college, Lowman does a fine job portraying the girls' emotions as well as the stark reactions that the other characters have toward them when their relationship is discovered. With quietly distinct voices and subtle pacing that matches perfectly the unfolding of the young romance, this audiobook will stand the test of time. Listeners will be swept up by and find themselves fully immersed in the story. Margaret Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award winner Nancy Garden is featured in an interview at the end of the book. A must-have for all GLBTQ collections.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Three precocious youngsters, a couple of meddlesome ravens, and a blizzard make for a fun mystery that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. While on vacation, brothers Jeff and David and their cousin Claire are earning their keep and season ski passes by working in the chalet cafeteria. When things are stolen, the trio become suspects. Determined to prove their innocence and save their reputations, they set out to solve the mystery. They can't imagine any possible connection between a missing brownie, an open lunch bag, and two missing keys. There are several viable suspects. After dangling on the snow lift, surviving a night snowbound, and racing a couple of ladies down the hill, the plucky children finally solve the mystery. This new addition (Scholastic, pap. 2009) to the series by Kristiana Gregory is narrated by a variety of voices. A fun listen.—Terri Crowe, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

K-Gr 2—British actor Daniel Hill enthusiastically reads Vivian French's collection of stories behind the nursery rhymes. Twelve well-known Mother Goose rhymes, including "Hickory Dickory Dock," "Three Blind Mice," and "Humpty Dumpty" are brought to life with accompanying stories that explain or describe the background of each rhyme. The author envisions fanciful and sometimes humorous tales that she attributes to Daddy Goose. First the rhyme is read, and then the story behind the rhyme is presented. Some of the tales are too lengthy and ramble along. At times they are confusing with new characters added that are not part of the rhyme. Hill's narration is strong as he desperately tries to bring a sense of excitement and wonder to the stories. The stories are not up to the quality of the production.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 5–8—In N.D. Wilson's first book in this planned trilogy, 100 Cupboards (May 2008, p. 78), Henry York came to Henry, Kansas to live with his aunt and uncle and discovered a secret wall with 99 cupboards, each a portal which led to a different world. In this second story (Random, 2009), the boy discovers that he was born in one of the worlds of the cupboard. But which one? Henry disappears into the magical realm to discover his heritage. Along the way he battles an evil witch and a wizard. His cousin Henrietta follows into another world, and Uncle Henry, Aunt Dotty, and the younger cousins are forced to explore yet another world. The language is lyrical and Russell Horton provides terrific narration. Each of the numerous characters speaks with a distinct voice and provides much of the humor of the story. However, those looking for an action-packed plot will be disappointed as they meander through the multiple story lines waiting for something to happen. The adventure seems to come to a satisfying conclusion for Henry and his Kansas family, but a third book is still planned.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–8—Bruce Coville's long-awaited sequel (2008) to Song of the Wanderer (1999, both Scholastic) continues the suspenseful adventures of Cara Dianna Hunter, the unicorns of Luster, and Beloved, the enemy of all unicorns. Coville juggles a number of plot strands and keeps the pace nerve-racking throughout. The main stories concerns Cara's quest to discover why Beloved's delvers (hunters) hate unicorns, Meanwhile, Cara's delver father must rescue his wife from the Rainbow Prison. Many fantasy elements and figures are entwined in the tale. Coville and a full-cast of narrators do a splendid job, giving each character just the right voice, and sound effects and music add to the atmosphere of the tale. Listeners will eagerly await the fourth book in the series.—B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, Santa Barbara, CA

Gr 5–9—In Gail Carson Levine's action-packed fantasy (HarperCollins, 2008), Olus, the Akkan god of the wind, spies Kezi, a mortal girl who is gifted in dancing and weaving, and falls madly in love with her. When Kezi's father decides that her life must be sacrificed to the omnipotent god Admat, Olus tries to save Kezi by making her immortal. Thus begins a harrowing trial of courage and compassion for Olus and a journey to the Underworld for Kezi. This beautifully written tale is told in the alternative voices of Kezi and Olus. Jenna Lamia and Oliver Wyman convincingly portray their emotions, and make the secondary characters easily identifiable. This well-paced, intriguing love story/fantasy is a solid choice for middle school and public libraries.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 6–9—Everything is just fine with protagonist Mazzy in this bleak novel (Little Brown, 2009) by Ann Dee Ellis. It's fine that her mother lies in bed in a near vegetative state after the tragic accident that killed Mazzy's young sister. It's fine that her father is more concerned about his budding career as a sportscaster than helping to heal his broken family. It's fine that the neighbors want to interfere—some are kind, some are curiously brutal. What is not so fine is Mazzy as she struggles under the weight of this family tragedy. Short chapters and spare language are well-narrated by Carrington Macduffie. While the cover pictures Mazzy as a young adult and her age is never stated, she acts like a much younger child. She karate chops the air if someone displeases her, stuffs oranges into her bikini top before going out in public, and obsesses over boobs and her overweight neighbor. Listeners expecting a YA story may be disappointed. An abrupt end leads to a satisfying resolution of the story with an optimistic outcome for Mazzy.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 2–4—R. L. Stine's tale (Scholastic, pap. 2008) opens with Billy and his sister Sheena spending time with their uncle on his hi-tech research boat where they discover that they are near the wreckage of a long-lost pirate ship. The three wedge themselves into their uncle's deep-sea submarine to search for the ruins. No sooner do they discover the ship than things start to go horribly awry. Narrated by Jeff Woodman, continuous eerie background music and simple, but copious sound effects give the production the feel of an old-time radio play. Distractingly loud mood music interferes with the narration of the opening sequence, but then quiets down. The undead skeletons' chant is unnerving and spine-chilling, and a suggested beheading (only in a character's imagination) seems excessively violent. This creepy, ghostly adventure is not for the faint of heart.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Galaxie Branch, Apple Valley, MN

Gr 4–7—As the youngest of five brothers in a military/ranching family, Ignatius, a sixth grader, worries about what the future holds for him. Brother, as he is often called, faces an enormous challenge when his father is deployed to Iraq, leaving him alone with his grandparents and one hired hand to care for their enormous ranch in Oregon. With his older siblings off to school and involved in military training, Brother promises his father that he will take care of the ranch. It becomes an enormous challenge as the family faces injuries, lost animals, and a fire. There are some fascinating insights into ranch life here, and faith plays a key role as Brother strengthens his own Catholic beliefs and learns from his Quaker grandfather. Narrator Kirby Heyborne does a nice job of capturing the quiet undertones of Rosanne Parry's story ((Random, 2009) as well as the excitement of birthing a cow and the danger of facing a wildfire. Each character is given a unique, recognizable voice, and listeners will be caught up in this intriguing story of a young man's struggle to find his own way.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 5 Up—Jonathan Stroud's fantasy (Hyperion, 2009) tells of young Halli Sveinsson who longs for the heroic life he hears about in sagas. Short, homely, and a misfit in his well-ordered society, Halli takes revenge for his uncle's murder. Then, with the help of Aud, a girl who is equally out of place but who doubts the old legends, tests and ultimately confronts the truth about the heroic exploits of his ancestor, Sven, who defeated the flesh-eating Trows. British narrator David Thorn makes clear the distinction between the introductory passages which recount the ancient saga of Sven and Halli's story by using distinct pitch, cadence, and tone. However, Thorn does not clearly distinguish the voices of Halli and Aud as well as those of some of the minor characters so that it is often difficult to know who is speaking. There are a few sentences in the audiobook version that differ slightly from the print version. Stroud's many fans will enjoy this tale.—Louise L. Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ

Gr 4–6—When Andi's father is transferred, the family must stay with a fussy great aunt who is allergic to dogs and Andi resents having to leave her beloved pooch with neighbors. Andi finds a stray dog, and she and her older brother Bruce try to hide it from the family. Eventually, Andi comes up with the idea of using the empty house next door as a residence for homeless dogs. Several stray dogs, a neighborhood bully who abuses his dog, ghostly attacks, and new friends are all part of this light but entertaining story. Katherine Kellgren's voice is well-suited to Lois Duncan's story (Houghton Mifflin, 1972; Scholastic, pap. 2008). In the major motion picture based on the book, Andi is the younger sibling, which may confuse listeners who have seen the movie. This fun listen is sure to please dog lovers.—B. Allison Gray, Goleta Branch Library, Santa Barbara, CA

Gr 9 Up—Mother-daughter writing team P.C. and Kristin Cast open up a whole new chapter in Zoey Redbird's complicated life with their fifth "House of Night" novel (St. Martin's Press, 2009). Zoey is a powerful fledging who is training for her conversion to vampyrism at a private boarding school. Zoey and her circle are currently battling evil high priestess Neferet and fallen angel Kalona, who have taken over the Oklahoma House of Night. She is also dealing with power struggles among the other fledglings along with the usual teenage angst that accompanies multiple boyfriends. The plot is zingy and so, for the most part, is the dialogue. The authors go out of their way to recap previous events, which is great for listeners new to the series, but may be annoying to those who already know the back story. They also unnecessarily emphasize gay characters by attaching the adjective "gay" to all of their actions. Narrator Jenna Lamia does a good job, giving each character a distinctive voice and personality, especially Stevie Rae's Oklahoma twang and Aphrodite's very bored delivery. Teens who like vampire stories, romantic triangles, and the backbiting of Gossip Girl will find this title very satisfying.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

PreS-Gr 2—A child tests the limits of his mother's love—and puts off bedtime—by asking how she would react if he were a variety of creatures, such as a smelly skunk, a scary ape, a meat-eating dinosaur, or a bug-eating Martian. The mother responds reassuringly, describing to her child how she would care for and love him despite his being a seemingly unlovable beast. This audio treatment of the first title in Lisa McCourt's "Stinky Face" series (Scholastic, 2004) benefits from an affectionate and playful reading by Kristen Krohn, portraying the mother's amusement at her son's vivid imagination. Lively background instrumental music alternates between dramatic horn and percussion tones for each creature described by the boy, and airy piano and string lilts for the mother's responses. Subtle sound effects accentuate the telling. The book's pastel illustrations by Cyd Moore make the creatures non-threatening and appealing. Page-turn signals are optional. A fun story for bedtime or story time.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Galaxie Library, Apple Valley, MN

Gr 7 Up—In Nancy Werlin's psychological thriller (Delacorte, 1998), a young man who was acquitted of the accidental killing of his girlfriend travels to his somewhat distant (in all respects) relatives to repeat his senior year and "escape" his past. The tale takes on an even more sinister aspect in this well-orchestrated audiobook. David's "new" life begins in Cambridge, MA, which Werlin knows well, and it comes alive in references to row houses, Harvard Square, and the Brattle theatre. David's life is tormented by the open hostility of his 11-year-old cousin Lily and the aloofness and lack of sympathy from his Aunt Julia, still recovering from the suicide of her daughter. Narrator Nick Podehl masterfully catches the emotion of each of the characters without elaborately changing each voice, so the flow of the story is uninterrupted and listeners seem to be in David's head most of the time, hearing Aunt Julia's reluctance to have him be a part of her family and the tension between her and her husband. Throughout, David is dealing with his own sense of quilt and the loss of his parents whose self absorption leave him without support. When he discovers that he and Lily have a great deal in common, his anxiety to "save her" is almost palpable, and their reunion in a hospital room adds comfort to what has been a tension-filled listen-.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 6–9—Keladry of Mindelan's story concludes in the final book (Random, 2002) in Tamara Pierce's "Protector of the Small Quartet" series. Kel, the first Lady Knight in Tortall and thankful to have survived the Chamber of the Ordeal, is now ready to set out and confront the evil mage and killing devices that she was shown during her knighthood initiation. Unfortunately, though war has been officially declared with neighboring Scanran, Kel is denied her chance to fight, and is placed in charge of a refugee camp. She sets out to create a safe haven for those in her charge. When it becomes apparent that the camp is likely to become a target for Scanran's forces, Kel sets out to make sure that the refugees will be able to defend themselves. With strength, compassion, and often humor, Kel endears herself to the refugees and comes to care for them. She becomes conflicted, remembering the Chamber's charge to her to destroy the killing devices by defeating the "Nothing Man," but refuses to leave her people. Her hand is forced when they are captured, and Kel must go behind enemy lines on a suicidal mission to save them and turn the tide of the war. Bernadette Dunne's voice sounds a little mature for a young woman of 18, and the secondary characters' voices are rarely distinguished from one another by accent or tone. The story itself carries this audio version along. For fans of the previous titles in the series.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 6–10—Using the persona of "the Sorceress," 16-year-old Marnie Skydottor, the orphaned child of the famous but mysterious gospel singer/guru Skye, is a loner and an avid role-playing gamer. She spends most of her time at her elite boarding school in her room battling with "the Elf" for dominion over the online kingdom of Paliopolis. But fantasy and reality clash unexpectedly and violently when Marnie is kidnapped by Leah Straight, her unbalanced chemistry teacher, held prisoner, and forced to listen to the woman's fantasy about being related to Skye. When "the Elf" arrives to rescue her, he too is captured and the pair must pit their problem-solving skills against the increasingly twisted logic and paranoia of their jailor. Emily Durante narrates Nancy Werlin's tale (Delacorte, 2000), capturing the essence of Marnie's passive-aggressive personality—self-confident and cocky, yet achingly alienated from those who reach out to her. However, even the excellent narration fails to rescue the story from its unbelievable plot, lack of consistent character development, and stereotypical relationships. Too many threads remain tangled at the end of the story to provide a satisfying listening experience.—Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH

K-Gr 3—When Minneapolis Simpkin and her mother disagree on the importance of a pet, the girl storms out of the house. She finds a baby monster in some bushes and takes it home, where it eats more and more and grows larger and larger—making it difficult to keep it hidden from her mother. Peggy Parish's simple text (HarperCollins, 1981), accompanied by Marc Simont's delightful illustrations, makes this an intriguing early reader. The narration is paced slowly enough so that listeners can follow along in the book. Page-turn signals are optional. Perfect for use in the classroom at a reading station or during a story time program.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Gr 6–9—In the third book (Delacorte, 2007) in Sarah Mlynowski's "Magic in Manhattan" series, sisters (and witches) Rachel and Miri are attending Camp Wood Lake for the summer. Rachel's long-time crush, Raf, is also at camp, and she hopes she will be able to help correct the mess she previously created with a spell gone awry that had Raf's brother falling for her instead. While things start smoothly, with Rachel and Raf growing closer and Rachel making friends, each day brings bizarre occurrences, like her step-mother sending intimate hygiene products and swarms of bees attacking just as she and Raf are about to kiss. Rachel is also having some serious issues with Liana, who turns out to be her long-lost cousin. Ariadne Meyers's narration is spot-on, giving each character a unique personality. Rachel's transition from a hopeful girl to a desperate witch whose skills don't quite match her rival's is perfectly presented. Swiftly paced and convincingly narrated with doses of humor and familial poignancy, listeners will be thoroughly engaged as the summer comes to a surprising end. This fun listen that will leave fans wanting more of Rachel.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Mary Downing Hahn's haunting tale (Clarion, 1986) is the story of 12-year-old Molly, her 10-year-old brother Michael, and stepsister Heather, a 5-year-old brat. Molly and her family move to the country to live in a converted church in the middle of nowhere. Their home comes with its own graveyard (complete with a grave the caretaker has never noticed before) as well as an old burned-down husk of a house. Even worse, tales and sightings of unexplained beings have been told behind closed doors for years by the residents. Helen, a sinister ghost, lures Heather from her family with claims of eternal friendship and happiness, and it's up to Heather to rescue her. Ellen Grafton's voicing of Molly and the other characters is spot-on. This eerie, sinister, powerful tale will entrance listeners.—Amy Olson, formerly Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 8 Up—Julie Marillier's fantasy (Knopf, 2007) involves five sisters who live in the Transylvanian woods of Romania on the estate, Piscul Dracului. For the past nine years, at the time of each month's full moon, they cross over to the Dancing Glade, the world of faerie folk, and dance away the evening. But their idyllic life comes to an end when their father must journey away because of ill health, their power crazed cousin Cezar tries to control their lives, and their eldest sister falls hopelessly in love with someone from the Other Side, perhaps one of the dreaded Night People, whose sharpened teeth and other habits suggest they are vampires. Narrator Kim Mai Guest tells the story from practical second sister Jena's point of view, capturing the girl's desperation as "control" is wrestled from her by her heartless cousin and her despair about not being able to keep her sisters or even her pet frog safe. She is particularly adept at voicing the witch Draguta's cleverness and the menace in Cezar's tone. The power of the story and Guest's ability to reveal the characters' underlying personalities in their voices make this an enjoyable listening experience.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 8 Up—Stephanie Hemphill's book (Knopf, 2007) provides a moving portrait of Sylvia Plath's life and work through poems written from the perspective of her family members, husband, friends, colleagues, and even her doctor. Many of the poems are created "in the style of" Plath's own poems. Hemphill begins by explaining how her interest in Plath began, and then her poems are read by a full cast who take on the role of the people in her life. For example, her college roommate describes her as "the campus Lazarus, come back from the dead" when Sylvia returns to Smith College after a suicide attempt. Hemphill manages to include a great deal of straightforward biographical information about this talented but very troubled young woman in this collection. Each CD covers one aspect of the poet's life, from her early years through her marriage and her death by suicide at age 30. Reflected in these poems is the bewilderment of those who knew her but couldn't help save her from herself as well as Plath's own confusion and despair. An intense listening experience that brings this gifted poet to life.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 2–4—Popular children's recording artist Hap Palmer has written and performs 13 songs about the times tables, from the twos through the twelves, as well as a "Shake Up The Tables" song. These bouncy tunes, in styles from country to classical to jazz to rock, help youngsters memorize basic multiplication facts and teach some of the basic rules. All songs are available in two versions—one with the answers and one without—so that children who have learned the songs can start inserting their own answers without prompting. A children's chorus provides backup and helps make the presentation even more kid-friendly. The easier facts—twos, tens, fives, and elevens—come first. Later songs concentrate on more difficult concepts. This is a fun, interactive way to encourage students to learn and memorize the basic facts that are essential for math success.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Scott Wheatley has penned or collaborated on the writing of these 11 original tunes. Backed up by a lively combo band, Wheatley sings lead throughout. Each song focuses on issues that touches the lives of elementary school children. "Skateboard" is an upbeat beach tune full of melodrama and angst about being cool and riding skateboards. "Knuckles" is a funky rap tribute to fist bumping. "Germs, Germs Everywhere" lists the reasons why hands and homes must be cleaned. "Ribbit, Ribbit" is a musical retelling of "The Frog Prince." "Open Your Arms" and "Kangaroo" urge listeners to get up and move to the song. "After School Garage Band" rocks as the lyrics tell about an afternoon rehearsal of the band. Country-flavored "Watermelon" describes things that are yummy and some that are not. "Kitten Crazy" melds verses sung as ballads with a wild, less musical refrain as it describes some playful kittens. Wheatley closes the recording with the lullaby/ballad "Wondertrain," a song about going to sleep. Fun, current music for youngsters.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 3—Peter Weiss, a researcher in atmospheric chemistry, sings 14 songs—10 original compositions, three covers, and a traditional melody—in a very pleasant baritone, accompanied by excellent background instruments such as guitar, bass, mandolin, piano, drums, banjo, and saxophone. These songs about environmentalism, global warming, littering, and recycling are sung in folk, folk-rock, blues, and country styles. Sound effects of animals and nature can be heard on some tunes. Among the songs are "Do As You Otter," "Own Backyard," "Happy Earth Day," "Dumpster Blues," and "Live Simply." The songs are well-written and have a pleasant sound, and some warn of catastrophic global warming. Teachers can use this album to enhance environmental studies units.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Billy Jonas dishes funky, folksy music for families on his seventh recording. For these 13 original songs and 5 adaptations of traditional tunes, Jonas used more than 40 musicians. The result is a tight, well-rehearsed musical experience with emphasis on percussion instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Among the highlights are "Eyes Wide Open" (with vocal harmonies so tight that it delightfully includes dissonance), "Who's Gonna Make Our Music?" (a joyful call-response game), "One Tutu Too Many" (a tongue-twister), "Cabeza" (a Caribbean-flavored tribute about hair, sung in both Spanish and English), and "Happy Accident" (a ballad about some accidents that became worthwhile inventions). The final songs describe the early morning process that kids follow: "Gotta Get Up" (to the tune of the "William Tell Overture"), "Two Minute Shower" (a dirge), "Eat Something" (a funky guessing game), "Brush Your Teeth" (a hip-hop adaptation of the Raffi song), and "Totally Ready to Go" (a toe-tapping checklist of things to do before leaving home for the day). Clever lyrics and pitch-perfect harmonies are enhanced with minimal use of instrumentation throughout the recording.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 2—The award-winning musical Jersey Boys inspired this collection of 12 songs for young children. Danielle Gaudio-Lalehzer, daughter of original Four Seasons songster Bob Gaudio, conceived and produced the recording, rearranging the group's greatest hits into child-friendly play music and lullabies. No humor is lost in the irony of the songs' titles such as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," and "Silence Is Golden." The highly synthesized music is reminiscent of an old-fashioned calliope, and vocals are appropriately absent. Classic, fun, and appropriate for the youngest of listeners, this title lends itself to an intergenerational audience. A must for general listening collections.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

PreS-Gr 3—Jeanie B! (Jeanne Bonansinga) and the Jelly Beans enthusiastically perform 14 songs ranging from rock to country to folk written by the award-winning performer that will have young listeners rockin' along. "Hey Daddio," "Joy," "Dog's Life," "Hot Summer," and "Bubble Wrap" are just some of the songs backed up by excellent vocals, guitar, drums, bass, conga, mandolin, violin, and tuba. Other tunes cover topics such as growing up, playing, family, and dreams. A welcome addition.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—In this collection of over 20 spoken word rhymes and songs, singer/storyteller/children's librarian Theo Heras recreates a day at the beach. The album opens with the rhyme "Red Sky at Night" and progresses through such songs as "Ten Thousand Miles Away," "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor," "Hullabaloobalay," and "Bobby Shaftoe," and rhymes such as "She Sells Seashells" and "Down at the Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea." Heras's voice sounds classically trained and is well-suited to these traditional songs and rhymes. A few of the offerings such as "The Allee-Allee-O," "Two in a Boat," and "Charlie Over the Ocean" would make nice sing-alongs. This unique collection would best be used in family situations or in the classroom where background information about the songs can be given and the songs can be repeated several times. An additional purchase for larger collections.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—The lyrics of 11 familiar songs have been revised to help youngsters learn the alphabet and early literacy skills. Retaining the first verse of each song, the letters of the alphabet are then sung to the remainder of the song, often a couple of times for good measure. Among the songs featuring a rock and roll arrangement are "Frère Jacques ABC Rock," "Old Rock Donald Had Short Vowels," "Yankee Doodle's ABCs," "Twinkle, Twinkle ZYX" (a lullaby that rocks)," among others. "Those Funky ABC Jingle Bells" featured a jazzy tempo. (in a jazzy tempo). "ABCamptown Reggae" has a reggae beat. "Bingo" is a sound discrimination game that can be played as it is sung. The accompanying music has almost a canned sound throughout, lacking zest in the instrumentation and vocals. Used in small doses, though, the songs could be useful tools for teaching early literacy skills.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Gr 4–6—This biography (PowerPlus Books, 2002) by Ryan P. Randolph, a title in "The Library of American Lives and Times" series, examines Betsy Ross's Quaker beginnings and education, her decision to leave her church to marry an outsider, her work as a businesswoman, the possibility that she was asked by George Washington to sew the first American Flag, and the times in which she lived. The author clearly distinguishes between fact, fiction, and conjecture. Narrator Suzy Myers' delivery of the textbook-style material is adequate, but the information is dry and it will be difficult to maintain the interest of young listeners.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

PreS-K—In this captivating game, the animals have been delivered to the site where the Bobland Bay Zoo is to be built. There are monkeys in the playground, elephants in the opera house, alligators in the pool, and a lion in the mayor's office. With Bob's help, players can plan and build habitats for the animals while developing classification, sequencing, pattern, size, color, and shape recognition skills. The program relies on audio instructions; players choose a character rather than typing a name. There are three levels of difficulty, and players can choose to either follow the story, play any of the activities in free play, or create pictures with more than 100 stickers that can be earned for advancing through the story. Bob and his friends guide players through seven learning games as they put blueprint drawings in order, choose the right signs for the zoo, deliver animals to the correct areas, and put the tools away after the work is done. Help is easily accessed, instructions can be repeated by clicking the help button, and corrections are gentle and helpful. Graphics are bright and clear and cheerful voices and music make the "work" fun. English and Spanish dialogue is available, and the "Yes We Can" song can be turned on or off. Although the games are a bit repetitious, players will feel a sense of accomplishment as they advance to more challenging levels. Youngsters are encouraged to solve problems and follow instructions while learning basic computer skills.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 3—These attractive, clearly presented ebooks will satisfy youngsters' curiosity about insects while providing enough factual material for simple reports. The volumes (all Rourke, 2006) on ants, dragonflies, and butterflies pair lovely full-color photographs with basic text. Covering body structure, life cycle, habitat, and sustenance, the books answer basic questions. The CD-ROMs load quickly and are easy to use. The facsimile of the book appears on the upper two-thirds of the computer screen, with buttons for play, pause, stop, back and next at the bottom. Narration can be turned on or off. The bilingual version places selection buttons for English, Spanish, or both languages on the left of the control panel. In the main text, words are highlighted in yellow as they are read. The pacing is excellent for emergent readers. The pronunciation is clear in both English and the well-translated Spanish. Words that appear in the glossary are highlighted in green in the text. Individual chapters, the glossary, and a minimal index can be accessed. This series provides opportunities for emergent English readers to hone their research skills while learning to read, while more proficient readers can mute the sound and use the "next" button to move through the text more rapidly. An excellent tool for ELL programs or classroom stations, this series is a solid purchase.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA