Multimedia Review

Gr 7 Up—Artist Peggy Flores provides step-by-step demonstrations of the basics of making books with different binding materials and techniques. Using cardboard as the foundation for making a book cover and then covering it with different materials, she shows how to overlap the edges and tape them down. This is the beginning point for all the books. She then proceeds to show different bindings and inside pages. She demonstrates the techniques to make simple stitch binding books, accordion books, and pop-up books. Bookmaking novices will learn the basics here.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

PreS-Gr 2—This rousing outdoor family concert in Forest Lake, MN, features a group called Teddy Bear Band—Richard Erickson, Don Paulson, Ros Gustafson, and Scott Bolin—who have great rapport with their audience from 24 years of experience in performing for young and old. Children are encouraged to dance, cavort, balance, throw teddy bears in the air, wiggle, and perform many other participatory actions to these 16 songs. A person dressed in a panda costume interacts with the youngsters in the audience. The award-winning band performs equally well in rock, bluegrass, folk, and calypso musical styles while playing on guitars and keyboards. "Clap and Stop," "Land and Sea," "Teddy Bears Balancing," "Rockabye," and "Hokey Pokey," are all based on traditional songs. The original compositions include "Wanna Have Fun," "Teddy Bear Twist," "Teddy Bear Turn Around," "Washboard Boogie," "Down at the Beach "Playin' Guitar," "Bear in the Air," and others. Bonus features include "For Parents & Teachers," and "Picture Show" (photos from concerts with a song in the background). Parents and children will enjoy singing along with and moving to these fun, bouncy tunes.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—Learning to cope with angry feelings and find solutions for conflicts are life skills that all children need to acquire. This series addresses the issue of anger management in a clear, organized way. Live-action vignettes show children in a variety of situations where anger may become an issue. Anger is defined, and its physical symptoms explored. Then a variety of coping skills are introduced. Children are told that getting angry is normal, but there are appropriate ways to handle it. The 8 Ways to Handle Anger (without Hitting) offers safe and appropriate strategies to manage anger. In 5 Ways to Work Things Out (without Fighting), children learn to keep their hands down, use words, avoid blaming others, ask questions, and try different ideas to resolve a problem. In We All Get Mad (Sometimes), viewers learn to stop and think of options, as well as relax and breathe. Each program has a female host who introduces and reviews concepts. Live-action scenarios are supplemented with very brief animated monster cartoons and songs to reinforce key concepts. Both audio and video quality are excellent. While the concepts may seem obvious to adults, many children are unfamiliar with or still learning to identify and apply these coping mechanisms. This series is a good way to teach and reinforce these skills in the classroom.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—This honest, powerful examination of teenage depression and suicide presents the intimate perspectives of young adults from differing ethnic backgrounds. Interviews are skillfully woven together into a concise but effective presentation of personal insights into the experiences of those with feeling of depression and suicidal thoughts. Subjects range from preteens living with their parents to young women caring for children of their own, and also include parents of young adults who have committed suicide. The interviews are framed by two reenactments depicting exchanges between crisis-line volunteers and a young man and a woman, each at the end of their rope. The subjects share what led to their desperate situations, as well as how they were ultimately able to cope with their feelings. What is most striking is the variation in experiences surrounding this affliction—while one young man reports no "special reason" behind his depression, others cite causes such as childhood sexual abuse, bullying, hypersensitivity, and body-image problems. Likewise, some chose to cope via isolation, while others sought refuge in destructive social activities including alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity. Despite the complex emotions surrounding teen suicide, the experiences featured here allow even those viewers who have not encountered depression multiple windows to better understand this widespread problem. The discussion guide/curriculum, prepared by the CONTACT Crisis Line and Media Projects, is helpful, thorough, and an important component of the program. Young adults facing their own battles will find reassurance, encouragement, and suggestions for seeking help.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark, D

Gr 10 Up—Ben, a teenager, is a movie aficionado planning to look for a job. He's taken through the process of preparing written documents including a cover letter, resume, and responses to an employer's questions. The film also provides strategies for identifying personal skills, choosing the top five dream jobs, and searching out available positions. The protagonist will appeal to young adults who might share his passion for movies and friends. The written aspects of the job search are detailed in their structure, scope, and thoroughness. However, the need to list the most recent job experiences first is not mentioned. A clear review reinforces the details after each chapter. There are a few problems with this Australian-made production, including clever fly-over camera work on the written pages, compromising legibility; a glaring omission of multicultural participants; and a sometimes difficult-to-understand Australian accent. Still, students will find this program useful in preparing work application documents.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 7 Up—This fast-paced film about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle features a young host with an infectious smile and commentary by a charming doctor, making the production particularly appealing to a teen audience. It opens with a creatively animated segment about health in general and how good habits are developed. The five essential habits that promote health are explored: eating healthy foods, starting each day with breakfast, exercising daily, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs. The hip, young experts make this commonsense information more palatable to teens. The film explains the scientific basis for these recommendations. The visuals are clever and sometimes humorous. For example, the doctor queries teens at a shopping center about the number of soft drinks they consume in a day, and then hoists a huge bag of sugar that represents the yearly sugar consumption of an average teen. An excellent addition to the middle and high school health curriculum.—Barbara Fecteau, Beverly High School, MA

Gr 9 Up—This informative film shows the many ways that people who suffer from food allergies have to factor those allergies into their lives. Anaphylactic food allergies are becoming more common, and many schools have had to made accommodations for afflicted youngsters. This production provides an excellent look at why it is such a serious issue. Interviews with diverse, articulate families offer information about food allergies' causes and impact, their experiences with an allergic family member, and preventative measures. Several medical professionals discuss the possible causes of food allergies and their effect on children and parents. While the production quality is excellent, the film is too lengthy. While the subject matter is appropriate for all ages, it would have little interest for viewers below the high school level where segments would be relevant for food sciences and child development courses. It would be most useful for professional development or community education in schools that are implementing peanut-free measures.—Barbara Fecteau, Beverly High School, MA

Gr 7 Up—Focusing on five contributors to lifestyle diseases—smoking, alcohol, obesity, sleep, and stress—this film emphasizes that the choices teens make about the way they live can impact them now. The dangers of smoking are emphasized, including cancer, stroke, and vascular and lung disease. Ominous visuals underscore the seriousness of the message. Information is presented by a physician, and a male and female host help transition between these segments and candid teen interviews. One boy reveals that his mother and grandmother smoke and nothing bad ever happened to them. Another teen smoker admits that she frequently feels out of breath. Short-term consequences are described for alcohol abuse, such as the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted disease after unprotected sex, or the development of high blood pressure or depression. In the segments about obesity, sleep, and stress, the message is clear that teens are being impacted by serious health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The final segment takes a lighter tone, and suggests healthy options for teens, such as exercise, proper nutrition, yoga, meditation, and adequate rest to lessen stress. Viewers learn that they can control their own health, and that poor lifestyle choices can cause serious illnesses.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

K-Gr 3—Jane Ray's delightful fairy tale (Candlewick, 2007) and charming artwork are faithfully recreated in this production. A once prosperous kingdom has fallen upon hard times since the death of their queen, and the king is ready to hand over the reins of power to one of his three daughters. He charges each to make her mark on the kingdom in the next seven days and nights, proving why she is the best choice to be queen. Suzanna decides to build a tower to the moon and enlists the poor townspeople to bring anything made of wood to add to her monument, under penalty of imprisonment. Miranda builds a metal tower to the stars, stripping the countryside of anything metallic. Little Serenity, who kept the box of magical things her mother had collected, quietly forms "the seed of an idea," using the apple pip, sunshine, rain, and other contents of the box. She plants and tends the apple seed, then more seeds from her table and, with help from the neighbors, methodically turns the barren, brown countryside into a lush, green orchard filled with birdsong. For Serenity's generous contribution, she is named the next ruler. Ray's lively collage illustrations, shown in panoramic and close-up views, fairly dance on the screen, while Naomi Cassidy expressively reads the richly descriptive text. While adults may predict the happy conclusion to this story, and it may seem unrealistic that the kingdom could enjoy the fruits of Serenity's labors after only seven days, this is a heart-warming story of unselfish love and care for the environment.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 1–3—A young girl wants to write a story for the library contest, but how can she write the "best" story? She takes a family poll and gets conflicting advice. Should it be an adventure? A tragedy? A comedy? A romance? As she tries to please everyone, the story takes on a life of its own and becomes increasingly convoluted. Her mother finally offers the perfect advice—the best story comes from the heart. Once the young author begins to write what she cares about, things fall naturally into place. Eileen Spinelli introduces her book (Dial, 2008) in this "Special Appearance" video, offering some insights into how she became an author and where she got the idea for this story. Anne Wilsdorf's detail-filled, humorous watercolor-and-ink illustrations are scanned iconographically, with minor animation added, as a female narrator reads the tale with energy and unique voices for each character. Sprightly music accompanies the narration. This is a story that all young authors should appreciate with its underlying message of being true to yourself, and writing about what you know. A perfect introduction to creative writing units.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 5–7—A teen explores the multiple services a public library has to offer. The information desk, public workstations, and the book and media collections are featured. Flashes of video game tournaments, various programs, and an online ask-a-librarian service keep the attention of viewers. There's a brief introduction of the Dewey decimal system. Beyond that, this production is customized for Baltimore County Library patrons and generalizing check out procedures, catalog browsing, and policies to patrons using other library systems is inaccurate. Chapter titles create easy access to key points of instruction in this fast-paced presentation. Although intergenerational, multicultural, and sensitive to the needs of patrons, the role-plays are slightly overdone. While the intent of the film is to show that librarians are ready to answer all types of information requests, we witness instead an odd scene of a boy waking up in the middle of the night to use remote library access. The cover art shows a young child reaching for a picture book in the stacks, but the only transaction noted in the film is between a librarian and a teen. The film is already somewhat outdated, failing to include information on many new formats such as ebooks and blu-ray disks.—Ann Crewdson, Issaquah Library, KCLS, WA

Gr 1–4—Do Lane Smith and Jon Scieszka make a whacky team? Do four quarts equal a gallon? Do 12 inches equal a foot? Yes, yes, and yes! Their wild and crazy homage to the story problem (Viking, 1995) is well-treated here. A young girl's math teacher, Mrs. Fibonacci, tells the class that you can think of almost everything as a math problem. Thus the week begins and soon every aspect of the youngsters' lives is dominated by the story problems that gave us all nightmares at one time or another. Measurement, fractions, probability…it's all here. Things start simply but degenerate in a surreal manner nicely reflected in Lane Smith's imaginative, bizarre, eye-catching illustrations that combine drawings with collage. They are scanned iconographically as well as animated for maximum effect while Nancy Wu's high-energy narration bounces from problem to problem. Original music enhances the text. The DVD includes a humorous interview with both Smith and Scieszka lobbing comments back and forth like a high-speed tennis match. Viewers may choose to watch the story with or without read-along subtitles. The CD includes Wu's narration and the original music, as well as a track for the "Math Curse" song. This is a zany presentation that pokes gentle fun at math, while pointing out how much it impacts our daily lives.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—Elected in April 2005, the life of Pope Benedict XVI is traced from his birth to the present day. The Pontiff's brother, Fr. Georg Ratzinger, and several childhood and adult friends talk about Joseph Ratzinger's early life. The bucolic villages and communities in Bavaria where he was born and grew up are shown. The Pope talks about his youth and his years at the seminary, but does not mention that while a seminarian during World War II he was required to join the Hitler Youth movement and was drafted into the German army before the end of the War. The architecture of the towns has not changed in hundreds of years, and the churches and cathedrals are magnificent. Various speakers explain their connection to the Pope. Some interviews are translated into English so that the lip synch is off and is sometimes disconcerting. Despite this minor annoyance, the information presented is fascinating and this biography offers revealing insight into the Pope's background.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Gr 6–8—Strategies to safely navigate cyberspace, protect online identity and personal safety, and recognize dangerous online "neighborhoods" are offered in seven brief chapters that cover bad neighborhood Web sites; social network sites; the dangers of sharing personal information on chat rooms, blogs, etc; online shopping; phishing; cyberbullying, and a program review. The fundamentals of safe Internet usage are stressed using simulations and dramatizations featuring an eclectic mix of actors. While most of the advice is commonsense based, there is some valuable information that may be new to viewers, such as knowing the difference between "http" and "https" prefixes, disguising a user name to reveal nothing personal, and realizing that cyberspace posts one's photos or information far into the future. The program does have a few minor shortcomings such as the menacing electronic music undergirding the narration, and the initial scenes of "nice" and "threatening" neighborhoods (some of our schools and homes are located in those so-called bad neighborhoods). Overall, the film does an excellent job of sharing cautionary strategies related to Internet usage safety—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 5 Up—The three segments of this program utilize stunning visuals to explain the workings of a landfill in Vernon County, Wisconsin. The site manager explains that landfills are storage areas for all of society's waste: "a ten acre plastic bag that will be there forever." Powerful words and even more powerful images of all types of trash being dumped on the floor of the facility, sorted and bailed, and carted off to the landfill will make viewers think about all their garbage and what happens to it. This facility offers a variety of services such as the collection of hazardous wastes, old drugs, and florescent bulbs, and the recycling of materials such as plastics and tin cans, which are sold to help fund the state-of-the-art landfill. The film concludes with scenes of the step-by-step process involved in the building of a new landfill. One acre will be filled with garbage 60 feet deep within three years. Classes across the curriculum can utilize this film for its informational aspects and also to inspire local action to reduce, reuse, and recycle. An important addition for environmental collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 9 Up—This first-rate film, produced in Australia, offers a tremendous amount of information in a winning format. It begins with beautifully photographed scenes from nature. Many of the animals pictured are native to Australia, adding an exotic element for North American viewers. The film is divided into five chapters: "What is natural selection?," "Is natural selection still operating today?," "Does natural selection work on humans?," "How does genetic engineering influence natural selection?," and "How will natural selection affect our future?" Articulate experts in zoology and genetics answer these questions. At the conclusion of each segment, which is rich with content, there is an excellent summary allows for note taking and offers a perfect place to stop for classroom discussion. The overarching premise of the film is articulated by one of the presenters: "Knowingly or unknowingly we are affecting the course of evolution every day." This perspective, along with the information about the impact of climate change on natural selection, gives this film an immediacy and connection to students that is sure to maintain their interest. A wonderful addition to high school science collections.—Barbara Fecteau, Beverly High School, MA

Gr 7 Up—The producer of this program maintains that a "level playing field" will always result in "the truth" being discovered when there is a disagreement on substantive topics such as the age-old question of evolution vs. creation of mankind. The film is the first in a series that will address similar differences of opinion; hopefully, subsequent films will focus more on providing content and less on attempting a humorous, trendy presentation. The first segment explains that the series will utilize critical thinking skills and the scientific method to present both sides of an argument and allow viewers to develop their own position on the topic. A cursory summary of what the scientific method entails follows. The second part centers on the question of evolution/creation. Throughout the program, the narrator (also the series producer) clouds the message with his delivery technique. He speaks much too quickly and on occasion can't be understood, and his countless attempts at puns and humor fall flat. Unfamiliar terms are mentioned in context without clarification, and some explanations are superficial and confusing (e.g., radio isotope dating covered in ten seconds plus a screen filled with a written summary). Movement from one point to another is often disjointed, and the "debate" between supporters of both sides of the question is sophomoric. Overly loud background music is distracting. At the conclusion of part two, an on-screen summary of the major points which support each perspective is presented, but many of them are of secondary importance and have not been explored to any significant degree. Pass on this one.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up—Naturalist Sir David Attenborough hosts this documentary that explores the precipitators, conditions, and projections related to the impact of global warming. Are We Changing Planet Earth? examines potential indicators of climate change—ranging from the polar ice melts to record heat waves in Europe, from Hurricane Katrina to drought in Australia. By placing these major global events in context with one another, Attenborough actively seeks answers to how the role of human consumption has contributed to these unprecedented phenomena. In addition to providing examples of how minor changes in the way humanity consumes natural resources can curb these devastating occurrences, Can We Save Planet Earth depicts some of the potential trajectories of global warming. Through vivid animations and dramatic enactments, the long-term impact of current trends are demonstrated in a futuristic dystopia. This two-part series is especially recommended for science and ecology curricula at the high school and community college level.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 9 Up—This program features the effects of climate change around the world, in locations as diverse as the Canadian Arctic, China, Kenya, India, and the United States. The melting of Arctic ice threatens Inuit society, topsoil turns to dust in Montana, and hundreds die in the flooded streets of Mumbai. Weather Report captures the human elements of these hardships through interviews with men and women from around the globe, including experts and common people. The picture quality is very good, but the soundtrack features occasional distracting electronic synthesizer phrases. Sometimes annoying background noise or muffled interview segments mar the production. However, the film's biggest flaw is its lack of any scientific explanation of how people are contributing to climate change and how climate change is directly responsible for the conditions described throughout the production, other than a simple statement that "this must be climate change." As an impetus to encourage students to become more active in environmental causes by showing hardships faced by individuals in developing countries, Weather Report may succeed on an emotional level, but there is little educational value here.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

PreS-Gr 3—The Zula Patrol crew is back with another adventure in space, this time in the amazing world of plants and animals. Their planet, Zula, is about to be invaded, but the enemy needs help from the planet's inhabitants. Each of the five adventures builds on information presented in the previous one as the Zula Patrol learns about metamorphosis, ecosystems, habitats, and the cooperation between living and non-living things. For example, when the villain Deliria kidnaps frog eggs, the Zula Patrol learns about the stages of metamorphosis while they recover and return the creatures to their homes. A visit to a canyon ecosystem allows the crew to explore different habitats. when the villains upset the balance of nature, the Patrol is called upon to find a missing caterpillar, attend worm boot camp, and settle an argument among flowers, bees, and beetles so they can all work together to make honey. While some fairly complex concepts are discussed, they are repeated, presented in songs, and explained in terms that even the youngest viewers can understand. Songs are repeated in a sing-along portion at the end of the film with subtitles. Related games and teacher support materials can be accessed on the Zula.com Web site. The Zula Patrol adventures are based on the TV show which airs Saturday mornings on NBC. The colorful, cheerful, and humorous graphics and lively dialogue and music make the study of ecology fun, while providing an amazing amount of information.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—In the panoply of Holocaust biographies, Hannah Senesh stands as an enduring icon of strength, determination, talent, and courage, renowned for poetry included in Israel's folksong tradition ("Eli, Eli" and "Blessed Is the Match"). Born into a privileged and secular Hungarian family, Hannah and her brother confronted encroaching anti-Semitism from neighbors, educators, officials, and society at large. Her diary entries, poetry, and letters explain how this philosophical young lady set out to defend her integrity as a free, Jewish member of a country not yet overrun by the Nazis. But, the storm was imminent. Hannah's Zionist activities led her to Palestine at the age of 17 and life on a kibbutz. She wrote home often, but when Hungary joined Hitler's Third Reich in 1940, her letters were censored or confiscated. In 1944, she was trained as an undercover agent to infiltrate Hungary and rescue Jews by parachuting into (neutral) Yugoslavia and crossing the border. Hannah was arrested and imprisoned, and endured brutal interrogations. Her mother was imprisoned to persuade Hannah to cooperate, but Hannah was ultimately executed by the Nazis. Hannah's enduring legacy is a beacon for Israeli pride and Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. This documentary is rich in detail and includes outstanding film footage, photographs, primary source materials, and interviews. Her diary entries and poems and the letters written between Hannah and her mother help recreate this "modern day Joan of Arc's" life and mission. Narrated by actress Joan Allen, Hannah's voice rings true throughout the film. A valuable teacher's guide is available online. This excellent film can also be used by classes reading books about the Holocaust such as Elie Wiesel's Night.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 9 Up—This moving documentary retraces the path that attempted to identify Hispanics as a distinct group in post-World War II America, an era in which one was either black or white. If Supreme Court cases such as Brown v. Board of Education can stand out as a pivotal moment in the African-American equality movement, its Hispanic counterpart is Hernandez v. Texas. Pete Hernandez killed tenant farmer Joe Espinosa and attorneys argued that he could not get a fair trial in Texas with an all-white jury and not a jury of his peers. This landmark 1954 civil rights case argued successfully that Mexican Americans were "a class apart." Narrated by actor Edward James Olmos, this film summarizes the plight of Hispanics in our country into the post-World War II period utilizing a rich variety of vintage images ranging from home movies to news photographs. The bulk of the program follows the appeal process, funded by individual and small group donations from around the country, up to the U.S. Supreme Court. Included in the program are options for chapter selection, Spanish language subtitles and/or audio, a "Making of" section, useful classroom material, and a photo gallery of scenes of postwar Mexican-American life. This well-crafted film will be a valuable addition to collections of materials on American culture and the civil rights movement.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—The burial beliefs and practices related to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt are explored in this concise film through dramatic re-creations and animation. These rulers were meticulously prepared for immortality through a painstaking process. While time, grave robbers, and devastation has greatly diminished the individual identities of the most prominent rulers from this era, archeological discoveries are able to provide insight into a few of the more controversial Pharaohs. Tutankhamen's father, Akhenaton, is the most salient example. Pharaohs were believed to be the representation of a god or gods on Earth and their image, in both life and death, was treated with reverence. However, a regent-priest and his followers, who rejected Akhenaton's notion of a monotheistic religion, consciously attempted to annihilate his legacy after death. Ironically, Akhenaton's tomb was uncovered in pristine condition and has served as one of the most comprehensive collections of writings and artifacts emanating from ancient Egypt. Through this unfolding story, a paradox about the intent of preservation and the notion of a constructed history is revealed. The teacher's guide provides questions and activities that effectively frame the film's content. Recommended for middle and high school history departments and media centers.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 2–5—One of the most interesting stories from the Underground Railroad is that of Henry "Box" Brown. Raised a slave, he found a unique way to escape after his wife and children were sold away from him. With the help of friends, he mailed himself to Philadelphia and freedom in a small wooden crate. The 350 mile journey was rife with risk. Ellen Levine tells his tale (Scholastic, 2007) with well-crafted, evocative text, beautifully paired with Kadir Nelson's heart-touching illustrations. These are scanned iconographically, giving viewers the chance to appreciate the finer details of the powerful art, and are brighter and more clearly defined in the film than on the pages of the book. An interview with the author provides additional insight into her research, the Fugitive Slave Law, and her motivation for telling the story. Nicely narrated by Jerry Dixon, with original music and sound effects that help bring the story to life, this Caldecott Honor book is well-served by this presentation. When text, narration, and music combine in a joyous celebration at the end of Henry's journey, viewers will hopefully gain a greater understanding of the value of freedom.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 2–6—Based on the book by Nikki Giovanni (Holt, 2008), this production explores the little-known friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Giovanni examines the similarities and differences in events in both their lives that led them to become important historical figures and great American leaders, and shows the commonalities that might have led to their friendship. Slavery, the abolition movement, Harper's Ferry, other famous abolitionists, and a foreshadowing of Lincoln's untimely death are presented. As Danny Glover reads the evocative text, Bryan Collier's exquisite multimedia illustrations are iconographically scanned with minor animation and some archival photographs added. Collier's often haunting work merits close examination, adding an additional poignant layer to the text. Original music also helps create a production that touches both heart and mind. There is also a somewhat rambling interview with Giovanni that provides interesting tidbits into the research for and motivation for writing the book. Optional read-along subtitles are available. This nicely done production has a variety of classroom uses and curriculum applications.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 7 Up—This production briefly introduces two of the wonders of the ancient world, once part of the ancient Persian empire, but now in Turkey. The first segment examines the huge structure begun by King Mausolus of Halicarnassus (hence the word "mausoleum" for elaborate burial structures), and the second part explores the massive marble Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Both segments use maps to help viewers locate where the structures were built and then provide some limited background about the societies and rulers who started their construction. The architects who designed the massive buildings are identified, and the way in which Egyptian and other ancient architecture influenced their designs are described. Also explained are the innovative architectural and construction techniques used to build the huge structures and how they created lasting change in architecture. Visuals include contemporary video of ruins, re-enactment footage of building methods, and well-executed computer-generated animated graphics that show three-dimensional blueprints of architectural designs, construction techniques, and artistic renderings of the buildings as they would have looked when they were in use. Architectural and historical terms are defined in onscreen graphics. This film could be used in both history and art classes, making it a good choice for secondary school collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up—The policies and programs developed under the presidential administrations of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Baines Johnson are the focus of this film. Beginning with the Nixon-Kennedy presidential campaign, a male narrator describes the affect of these first-ever televised debates, as fascinating black-and-white film snippets appear of a grim-faced Nixon responding to his fresh-faced opponent. Kennedy's close-call win began with promise, and the stimulation of economic development with a focus on service, such as the creation of the Peace Corps. Foreign and domestic problems, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin wall, the space race, and civil rights marches challenged the administration, and viewers hear Kennedy's speeches and news clips from that time. The most dramatic segments cover Kennedy's assassination and the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald. The second part of the program continues, chronologically, with Johnson taking the oath of office as president. Determined to create a "Great Society," he passed much legislation during his tenure such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Economic Opportunity Act—and all are briefly described. Captioned vocabulary appears at the bottom of the screen for key terms such as "Freedom Riders" and "Limited Test Ban Treaty 1963." This may be the first time some students get to see this historical footage, and the film quality is crisp and clear. Recommended for U.S. history classes.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 7 Up—The long and complex history of Vietnam is presented in 10 chapters: "Indochina," "Two Vietnams," "Quagmire," "America's War," "In Country," "Home Front," "Tet 1968," "Peace with Honor," "Fall of Saigon," and "Ghosts of Vietnam." The film documents Vietnam from the time it was explored and then conquered, through war, to its position today as an independent, united country. Actual film footage of the French and then American commitment is shown along with historic clips of the many American presidents speaking out about U.S. involvement there. This comprehensive study of a determined people to free themselves from foreign powers asks viewers to look at the facts that divided Americans more powerfully than any event since the American Civil War. It also shows how the news media began to become more powerful by bringing the gruesome facts of the war into America's homes. Rich in graphics and told with an honesty that is sometimes painful, this thought-provoking and powerful production will give students the opportunity to view history through the eyes of those that lived it.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

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.

K-Gr 2—Andy Shane hates school. He has the misfortune to be in the same class as bossy, know-it-all Dolores Starbuckle. She's the kind of child who delights in topping everyone's best answer and loves to inform the teacher that someone is acting inappropriately. Using inference rather than didactic tactics, Jennifer Jacobson does a fine job of developing characters in this beginning chapter book (Candlewick, 2005) while helping Andy overcome a common problem. He studies his grandmother's assertive behavior and follows her lead, capitalizing on his knowledge of bugs and his stubbornness, and finally is able to end the bullying. Abby Carter's watercolor-washed pen-and-ink illustrations deftly illustrate the humorous scenes. Rachel Lillis does a marvelous job of capturing the characters' personalities. She screeches appropriately for obnoxious Dolores and deftly pronounces the Latin names for bugs. Music and sound effects add to the telling. One track of the CD has page-turn signals. Beginning readers and Junie B. fans will love Andy Shane.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 3–5—Allie Finkle is anxious to return to school after a rather boring winter break. Her spirits perk up when she hears about a new girl from Canada who will be joining their fourth grade class. However, Cheyenne is not what Allie and her best friends expected: she's a bully and thinks all the girls are immature. Cheyenne forms a new clique and institutes a new game which involves chasing boys on the playground and kissing them when caught. She orders all girls to "go with" a boy, even though most of Allie's classmates don't have a clue what they means. In this third book (Scholastic, 2009) in Meg Cabot's series, Allie decides she's not quite ready to be a grown-up and wants to enjoy life as a kid, no matter what Cheyenne tells her. Narrator Tara Sands perfectly voices the naïve but charming nine-year-old, expressing Allie's rollercoaster of emotions. She easily transitions from incredulous Allie and strong willed Cheyenne to sweet but authoritative Miss Hunter. The pacing is faultless and the production quality is first-rate. An excellent choice for individual or classroom listening.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 5–8—Enola Holmes, 14, is no stranger to Lady Cecily Alistair, having come to her rescue previously to save her from a terrible fate. Now the Lady appears to be in the clutches of a nefarious noble family intent on forcing her into marriage against her will. The fourth mystery (Philomel, 2008) in Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes series builds on the earlier titles and delves more deeply into the problematic relationship not only between Enola and the mother who abandoned her but with her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft. Katherine Kellgren's melodramatic and expressive narrative style is a good fit for the content and Victorian setting of the story. Fans of the series will enjoy the latest entry, despite its slight plot and continued questions about the believability of Enola's lifestyle unconstrained by convention or concerns for safety.—Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH

Gr 5–8—Helen Frost's book (Farrar/Frances Foster Bks., 2008) is a true work of art, using lyrical diamond-shaped poems to tell the story of 12-year-old Willow, part Athabascan Indian, who wants to prove herself by running the family's sled dogs alone in the Alaskan wilderness. When she is finally permitted to go, she commits a serious mistake that critically injures one of the dogs. The book doesn't transfer well to audio format. In the print version, readers immediately recognize Willow's narration because of the diamond-shaped free verse poems. Within each poem, Frost has cleverly hidden a second poem, with words in boldface type, that underscores the salient point of Willow's thoughts. In the audiobook, the visual element is lacking, and the poem-within-the-poem is never read. Jennifer Ikeda does a good job of conveying Willow's emotions and insecurities, though her accent and voice do not seem quite right for the girl. The numerous supporting characters are portrayed by a variety of first-rate narrators. This large cast, and the idea that the animal characters are reincarnations of Willow's ancestors, may confuse listeners. In print, the shaped poems and a variety of fonts help make the transition from character to character easier to follow. This audiobook might be useful when used in conjunction with the book.—Patricia McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster , PA

Gr 4–6—Winnie discovers that a lot can change in a year. This enjoyable novel (Dutton, 2004) by Lauren Myracle chronicles a year in Winnie's life, from her 11th through her 12th birthday. The girl struggles with the trials and tribulations of having an older sister, and must deal with a snobby new girl at school and the growing distance between her and best-friend Amanda who, unlike Winnie, becomes preoccupied with boys and fashion. Winnie learns a bit about herself and along the way discovers a new and unexpected friend in shy and awkward Dinah Devine. Jen Taylor's narration brings Winnie to life with a bright and happy-go-lucky voice, appropriate for her personality.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—Laura Whitcomb's tale (Houghton, 2009) is the complex story of Calder, a benevolent, lonely Fetch, who escorts the dying to the afterlife. The novel abounds with descriptive, lyrical language and very human struggles. This ambitious, rambling tale weaves views of a Christian afterlife, the Russian Revolution, the Romanov family, and the disappearance of Prince Alexi and Princess Anastasia with Calder's struggles with human feelings of love and loneliness, impulsive action and its consequences. Calder becomes attracted to and obsesses with a young woman, whom he calls Glory, he believes is a dying boy's governess—not realizing that the boy is the young hemophiliac Romanov prince. When an opportunity presents itself, Calder breaks all the rules of his calling by slipping into the soul of an almost-dead Rasputin, the Romanov's mystic advisor. His goal is to be with Glory, even briefly, but his actions cause trouble in the spirit realm. Calder moves from yearning to impulsive to bewildered to desperate seeker of a lost key that can resolve the conflicts he has unleashed. Jack Garrett's nuanced voice is soothing and gentle, but it lacks the depth to do justice to the variety and richness of the Russian period setting. The story line is unique and has great potential, but the long quest and the very richness of the story's descriptions distances the audience from the characters and plot.—Roxanne Spencer, Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green

Gr 3–6—Dave, 13, and his pet gecko named Sticky face the nefarious villain, Damien Black, on a quest to find an ancient Aztec wristband and its ingots in this humorous story (Knopf, 2009) by Wendelin Van Draanen. When the ingots are placed into the bracelet, super powers will be bestowed upon the wearer. Unable to resist the temptation of mastering invisibility, possessing incredible strength, and harnessing tremendous speed, Dave and Sticky face trial after trial in order to find the ingots. They brave a waterfall of snails, a spooky cave, and shrunken heads. Marc Cashman's narration is delightful, easily changing voices from narrator to character and back again. He is particularly good at the Latino-influenced voice of Sticky and the maniacal laughter of Damien. A fun listen.—Terri Crowe, Daviess County Public Library, Owenboro, KY

Gr 10 Up—Set in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, Paul Volponi's novel (Viking, 2008) provides a graphic description of the horrors that ensued during the evacuation and for those who took shelter in the Superdome—no electricity or running water, and groups of thugs competing for turf. Sixteen-year-old Miles and his musician father and uncle seek shelter in the Superdome after their car overheats during their evacuation. Miles and his dad have only been living together for a couple of months and are still trying to reach common ground between his father's love of music and the teen's love of football. It is music, however, that is the catalyst that brings the two together after Miles's father rebels against the rules set by the Superdome's weekend soldiers. Jacob C. Norman does a good job of voicing Miles and his father, but does not clearly differentiate between the other characters. Their eventual journey to Seattle and return to New Orleans is related in an epilogue. Versions of "When the Saints Go Marching In," sung by Norman slightly off key, opens every chapter. Jazz riffs play at the opening and closing credits. An additional purchase.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 4–6—In this eighth time-traveling adventure (HarperCollins, 2008) by Dan Gutman, Stosh and his arch-enemy, Bobby Fuller, travel back in time to save Bobby's great-grandfather, Jim Thorpe—Native American, baseball legend, and 1912 Olympic champion—from losing his medals as a result of an amateur athlete scandal. Gutman is at his best describing the finer details of early 20th-century baseball. He loudly portrays the peculiar temperaments of the 1913 New York Giants team, including John McGraw and Christy Matthewson. The plot feels a bit forced in places. Historical (in)accuracies are addressed at the end. Ultimately, this is the story of a historic moment and a sports icon. Fans of the series will enjoy this title. Johnny Heller demonstrates his skill at depicting characters of different time periods, and impressively voices Thorpe. A solid historical fiction choice and a fun listen for the difficult-to-please fourth to sixth grade boys.—Richelle Roth, Wilmington Public Library of Clinton County, OH

Gr 7 Up—Life is not easy for 15-year-old Colie Sparks in this charming story (Viking, 1999) by Sarah Dessen. Colie's mother is a world famous fitness guru who is touring Europe, and Colie is being shipped off to the beach to live with her Aunt Mira for the summer. The teenager arrives in Colby, North Carolina, with multi-colored hair, a lip ring, and a 45-pound chip on her shoulder (the amount of weight she lost working out beside her mother). Her expectations are abysmally low, but the quirky characters she works with at the Last Chance Café and her overweight Aunt Mira gently guide her into rediscovering her self-esteem. Dessen's coming-of-age story and lively dialogue combined with Stina Nielsen's youthful narration make this a great choice for summer listening.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–7—Kate and Marylin thought they'd be best friends forever, but when they enter seventh grade, everything changes. In Frances O'Roark Dowell's sequel (2009) to The Secret Language of Girls (2004, both Atheneum), Marylin attains her dream of becoming a cheerleader and Kate decides to play the guitar. As they develop their new interests and begin to travel in different cliques, both girls realize that their friendship is changing. Marylin strives to gain the approval of the popular girls and Kate befriends a mysterious boy who belies his tough reputation by writing poetry. Eventually both girls learn that people don't necessarily fit neatly into categories and that it is possible for very different individuals to be friends. Jessica Almasy competently narrates in a soft, girlish voice. Her subtle characterizations will help listeners follow the story as the perspectives alternate between Kate and Marylin. This charming audiobook will hold great appeal for girls struggling to make sense of the changeable social dynamics of middle school.—Lisa Hubler, Memorial Junior High School, South Euclid, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Loukoumi the fluffy lamb, returns in the third installment of her adventures along with her pals Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog, and Marika the Monkey. In this tale, Loukoumi discovers ways to make other people happy by doing something nice for them, from cleaning the house to helping her Dad wash the car to calling her grandparents to let them know how much she loves them. Written and illustrated by Nick Katsoris, the CD is narrated by Jennifer Anniston and John Aniston and features the voices of Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, singer Gloria Gaynor, American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis, and CBS News anchor Alexis Christoforous who provides the endearing voice of Loukoumi. The CD also has two additional tracks: Loukoumi's Gift and Growing Up with Loukoumi. The book's computer-generated illustrations are bright and colorful. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the St. Jude Research Hospital. An additional purchase.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Lucky is about to turn 11 and she knows that this is a special birthday. She's ready to be intrepid, which isn't easy in Hard Pan, California, with a population of 43. Her best friend Lincoln is still tying knots, his little brother Miles is an endearing genius, and Brigitte, her French-born new mother, is studying how to become more American and a good new parent for Lucky. When Paloma, a fun and smart girl tagging along with a group of geologists, comes to Brigitte's café, Lucky knows she would be a perfect best friend. The trouble is that Lucky must overcome many obstacles, including Paloma's overprotective parents, tomato worms, and her own decidedly not sensible decisions. In this sequel (Atheneum, 2009) to Susan Patron's Newbery Award-winning The Higher Power of Lucky (Atheneum, 2006), the youngster's inquisitiveness and sincerity is balanced by her occasional selfishness and impatience. The way she looks at the world makes Lucky a character to remember. Cassandra Campbell provides superb narration, making each character's personality believable. An interview with the author concludes the audiobook. Lucky's story is a great mix of humor, worldly insight, relationships, and intrepid adventure that will appeal to listeners.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary, Edmonds, WA

Gr 8 Up—Seventeen-year-old Marcelo Sandoval is on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. He is comfortable at his school for students with different abilities and is looking forward to working with the school's horses in the upcoming year. Marcelo hears music that nobody else can hear, and he can't always read people's emotions and understand their behavior. His entire life changes the summer his father insists that he work in his law firm's mailroom—the "real" world—if he wants to return to his school in the fall. Marcelo learns, with the help of his compassionate co-worker, Jasmine, and a case that he is drawn to after finding a picture of a girl with a half a face, that not everything in the real world is as it appears. In this first person narrative, Lincoln Hoppe expertly brings to life Marcelo's changing view of the world. Listeners may find it difficult to follow some of the subtle switches between dialogue and internal debate because Hoppe does not clearly distinguish each character's voice. Although the story is slow in spots, listeners will be drawn into the compelling tale. Since there are portions of the story where frank and at times crude language and behaviors of secondary characters are vividly brought to life, this title is best suited for mature listeners. Marcelo's journey makes for a thought-provoking and satisfying listening experience.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Since Lucas's father disappeared five years ago, the Swain family has just trudged on without him, with only Lucas seeming to notice or care about his absence. One day is just like the next, until Lucas stays too late at a friend's house one evening and needs to catch a cab home. While in the cab office, he discovers an urn containing some forgotten woman's ashes (that have been sitting there for years) and he becomes obsessed with rescuing her from obscurity. Through some ingenious engineering (including utilizing his spunky, spiritual, and innocent looking grandmother to steal and then store the urn) and further research, Lucas slowly uncovers information about Violet, the woman in the urn, and her relationship to his missing father and his dysfunctional family. Jenny Valentine's debut novel (HarperTeen, April 2008) is well written, ironically funny, and poignant. John Keating narrates the story from Lucas's point of view in a tone of voice that submerges listeners in the tale's wry humor.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 4–8—Growing up in Camden, New Jersey, isn't easy…especially if you're a skinny, un-cool, white boy with few friends to keep you happy, or safe. Augie Boretski doesn't fit in with his neighborhood crowd and his Mom can't afford to live anywhere else. Augie does his best to become invisible and skate by unnoticed—until the day that he sneaks into Philadelphia and steals a book of fairytales from a very interesting book shop. Soon after, Augie gains a gay Big Brother, which just can't happen in his neighborhood, and he joins the school chorus. All of a sudden, Augie's not invisible anymore, and the school bullies are out to get him. His life begins to become even more miserable, until as part of his punishment for the book theft, Augie reads the fairytales and internalizes the lessons they illustrate. He embraces his part in the school chorus, proudly continues his friendship with his Big Brother, and when disaster strikes, pulls his community together to save his school. A.C.E. Bauer's novel (Random, 2007) is full of real, flawed, yet worthy characters, John Mayer offers excellent narration, giving each character a unique voice. He also creates an entirely different storytelling experience when "excerpts" from the book of fairytales are being read by Augie. This heartwarming, wonderfully written story is an excellent addition to school and public library audiobook collections.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

K-Gr 5—Three great classic American tall tales, retold by Melody Warnick, present the stories of two fictional characters—Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack, and Pecos Bill, the greatest cowboy of all time—as well as Davy Crockett, "king of the wild frontier," whose life was transformed into a legendary tall-tale after his death. The basics of each tale are true to the original versions. Narrator Stephen McLaughlin perfectly captures the imaginative and humorous antics of these bigger than life heroes. Suitable for public library collections.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—Mr. and Mrs. Puddle can't seem to agree on anything, but they have agreed to disagree on just about everything—from their daughter's name to whether or not they should try to retrieve their dogs, both named Sally, who have been accidentally left behind on the family's vacation. While Mrs. Puddle insists on naming the baby Emily, Mr. Puddle chooses Ferdinanda, so their daughter is left with Baby as her official moniker. The chapters alternate between the family's mishaps and the dogs' adventures, with all of them trying to reconnect. Listeners will chuckle over the pooches' resourcefulness and willingness to compromise in contrast to their bickering human owners. Along the way, both the family and the dogs encounter some zany characters. The story is a bit lengthy, but there is an attempt at some interaction with listeners/readers as they are often encouraged to "do the math" or fill in the blanks. Kate Feiffer's winning, humorous chapter book (S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks., 2009) is exuberantly narrated by Halley Feiffer. This adventure will have listeners laughing out loud.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay. NY

Gr 5–7—In Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's first two books—School Spirit (2008) and Scaredy Kat (2008, both Little, Brown) in the series, Kat begins to see spirits and communicate with them on her 13th birthday. Her mother is a medium and always talks to dead people. At school Kat is a misfit, shunned and ridiculed by the in crowd. But suddenly the teenager finds that she has a friend, Jac, a new girl whose closest companion is the cello she drags around with her. In School Spirit, as the friendship grows between the girls, so does their realization that the spirit of a girl who died many years ago is trapped in the school. In trying to help this spirit, Kat and Jac find that they help themselves. In Scaredy Kat, there's a new man in Kat's mother's life and a mysterious spirit of a boy who seems to want Kat's help in the house next door. Jac has problems of her own dealing with her mother's obsession with her musical career. These personal difficulties are nicely integrated with the issues of the spirit world. Narrator Allyson Ryan is good at getting "girl" conversation just right, though her voicing of Kat sounds a bit too mature. The pace is quick and the tension between school pressures and spirit world mysteries adds to the story's excitement and listener appeal.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 4–7—Following Rick Riordan's first book in the projected 10-title series, The Maze of Bones (SLJ, Feb. 2009, p. 58), Gordon Korman has written the second installment (Scholastic, 2008) about Amy and Dan Cahill's quest for the 39 clues left by their deceased wealthy and eccentric grandmother who has promised to reward the winner with unimaginable riches. Those unfamiliar with the first book will miss out on some of the past history, but there is enough background given here to ensure that listeners will enjoy the mystery and adventure. Dan, 11, is impetuous and resourceful, while Amy, 14, is pedantic but brilliant. Narrator David Pittu, with only slight voice and accent variations, brings to life their constant squabbles as well as the threats by their nefarious relatives, such as a scheming rock star and his father, a former KGB agent, an entire family of enemies, and an elderly "gentleman" with evil intentions. The orphans, on the run from the Massachusetts Child Protection Program, are supported by their patient and resourceful companion Nellie and their grandmother's cat, Saladin. Pittu is almost breathless as he describes vehicle races on the road and along the canals of Venice. A lot of historical information is presented about Venice, Mozart, Marie Antoinette, and more. A fun listen.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

PreS-Gr 4—For this album, the folks at Putumayo visited 15 European countries to round up folk and contemporary songs. All the neighborhood children love jumping on the "Trampolin" (Finland/Sweden). Positive changes are extolled in the "Change Song" (England). "Stop Den Lille Kaenguru" (Denmark), to the tune of "Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport," tells of an escaping kangaroo. "I'Se the B'Y" is a Scottish dance tune. "En Voici, En Voilà" (France) celebrates all kind of junk food. Anneliese" (Germany), the cow, is best friends with Klaus, the mouse. Among the other songs are "Bonjour Tout Va Bien" (Belgium), "Tudom Én Már Mit Csinálok" (Hungary), "Den Kanei Krio" (Greece), "Tito Troca-Tintas" (Portugal), "Tarantainas De La Casa Sin Pared" (Spain), and a rousing Irish instrumental, "Sandy River Belle." A teacher's guide and a map of Europe can be downloaded at putumayokids.com. Another excellent collection of multicultural music.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 4—Award-winning Ben Rudnick and his band members (Arnie Ashford, Jared Steer, Mark Yaconvone, and John Stevos) excel once again with their latest album. Their superior, versatile musicianship is evident in the quality picking of ukulele, mandolin, and guitar; the winsome sounds of saxophone and harmonica; and their close harmonies. The 11 tunes are a mix of original and traditional melodies, in musical styles ranging from rock to bluegrass to doo wop. "A Frog Named Sam" so dislikes the water that he starts a rock band in the city. The other original songs are "Race Car," "Ben's Jig" (instrumental), "Drink It Up," "I Need a Hand" (about crossing the street), "The Santa Fe (train)," and "John's Jig" (instrumental). Wonderful new arrangements for "Erie Canal," "Old Joe Clark," and "Greensleeves" add zest to these traditional songs. And their doo wop arrangement of the classic "Three Little Fishes" (by Saxie Dowell) is fabulous. This exceptional album should be purchased for every library's music collection.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS—Raimond Lap presents 10 easy listening compositions intended to calm and relax babies and toddlers so that they can fall asleep. He programs his keyboards to imitate various instruments, such as piano, harpsichord, harp, chimes, xylophone, and others. The sounds of ocean waves and lapping and splashing water are used in each composition. Among the tunes are "Sleepy Baby and the Sea," "Fall Asleep Ocean Sounds," "Relaxing Seaside, Baby Tired," "Baby Loves the Sounds of the Sea," and others. This excellent album deserves a place in every public library's music collection.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 4—Daffy Dave Mampel and his band perform nine rousing songs, seven in various styles of rock from hard to soft, one barbershop, and one drum solo. In "I Don't Want To," a child complains that he doesn't want to go to school, do his homework, clean his room, etc. His parents reply that they don't want to go to work, pay the bills, do the laundry, etc. The band sings "Super Chicken" in an a cappella, barbarshop style. Other songs include "Birthday Party," "The Singin' Dingalings," "I Like to Play," "The Silly Good-Bye Song," "Time to Go to Bed," and "Dusty's Drum Solo." A fun, silly, happy album for young rockers—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—In their fifth album, The Brian Waite Band—Brian (guitar), Todd (drums), Clif (bass)—continues to entertain the whole family with songs that children and parents alike will enjoy. In this outing, the band is off to Atlantis City in their submarine, the Sub Woofer, to play a gig with an electric eel guitar. The only problem is that they must find the guitar first. The 12 original songs in this collection cover a variety of genres from the reggae beat of "Go with the Flow" to the disco sounds of "Disco Don" to the blues groove of "Blues Whale Blues" and the rock anthem "Tidal Pool Party." Great energy filled songs to get children up and moving include "Something Fishy," where listeners are encouraged to flap their fins and snap their claws, and "Prove You Can Groove" backed by a disco beat. Several pieces have a relaxed island groove that will appeal to parents who are fans of Jimmy Buffet. A full-cast audiobook story of the band's adventures on their way to their gig concludes this delightful musical adventure. A must have for every collection.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr 1–5—A poor peasant boy in China dreams of escaping his harsh life in this true story of Li Cunxin's life based on his picture-book memoir (Walker, 2008). Eleven-year-old Li gets his chance when he is chosen from millions of children to study ballet at the Beijing Dance Academy. Although he must leave his family and old life behind, his mother encourages him to follow his dreams. Li feels lost and lonely for years, but by age 18, he has become one of the best dancers in China and is asked to work with a ballet company in America. After a few years Li becomes an international star and his parents are allowed to come see him perform. A short afterword explains the difficulties of life in China during Mao's reign and how life in China is different today. Paul English narrates this first-person story with emotion and simplicity. Wonderful orchestral background music from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2009 stage production of The Peasant Prince emphasizes the storyline. This remarkable and inspiring story brings to life the power of determination and hope.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 3 Up—Diminutive Professor Fizzwizzle is a whiz at all things scientific, but he can't seem to master simple household chores. To solve that problem, he creates robots to clean up after him. When the Professor accidentally changes the friendly helpers into angry rage-bots who take over the lab, players must help Fizzwizzle get past the robots and back into his home by solving hundreds of puzzles. There are over 230 levels to be mastered, so the game just keeps getting more challenging. It can be played at regular, advanced, or kid levels. At the kid level, the mazes resemble familiar shapes like a train or a cat; the Alphabet Kid path offers fun alliterative information about the Professor at every level. The game loads easily and completely, so it can be played without the CD, and play is controlled by keyboard or mouse. Elaborate but easy to understand instructions and help buttons assist players in using barrels, magnets, ice, pulleys, and all sorts of combinations to maneuver through the maze. Simple animation is reminiscent of early arcade-type games, but this helps focus attention on the puzzles themselves. Frustration levels are kept low, since there are no time limits or penalties for wrong moves, and players can always redo a level or watch it solve itself automatically. Talented players can create their own puzzles and then post them to the grubbygamesfiles.com Web site for others to solve. A game demo is available at the same site. With its simple explanations and limitless string of increasingly difficult puzzles, this game will be enjoyed by a wide range of ages and abilities.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 1–6—In six fun games with four levels of difficulty, cute penguins help teach the value of money. From surfing to belly sledding, hockey to snow tubing, each game rewards players with fun sound effects, points, and happy penguins. Players can choose from games in which they identify money, count and compare amounts, give change, or use the fewest coins and bills to pay for goods. For example, in the treadmill game players choose which collection of money is worth more, and for every correct answer, another penguin flips onto the treadmill. Hockey goals are scored against a penguin goalie when the player figures out correct change, but the shots go astray if the incorrect amount of change is given. In a bonus game, players identify state quarters. Games are arranged in order of difficulty, and more points are earned for the more difficult games. The Penguin Points screen shows the top ten players and their scores. The Perfect Penguins screen lists perfect scores and the players' personal bests. Some dexterity is needed, such as to avoid rocks while belly sledding or to catch fish while counting money, and this adds to the thrill of the game. After an incorrect answer, the correct response is displayed or explained. The repetitive peppy music can be turned down or off, and the animations are engaging. The coins and bills are very realistic. With so many games and levels, youngsters will have hours of learning and play.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 2–5—Albert Einstein's life and fundamental scientific accomplishments are presented in this interactive book by Don McLeese. The information is easy to understand, and students are not overwhelmed with complex scientific jargon. By pressing the play button, text and photographs are presented. Students can choose to have the text read to them by a narrator, and have the words highlighted, or turn the sound off and read it by themselves. A timeline of Einstein's life, a glossary, Web sites, and suggestions for further reading are provided after the biography. Teachers could use this as a introduction to the biography genre or in conjunction with a science unit.—Mercedes Smith, Kernan Trail Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL

K-Gr 2—Easy nonfiction is in high demand, and these ebooks are excellent examples of the genre. Picos/Beaks and Bills by Mel Higginson offers simple information on what beaks and bills are made of and how they are used. Camuflaje y disfraces/Camouflage and Disguise by Jason Cooper offers interesting, basic facts about the ways animals hide in plain sight. Pictures clearly illustrate cogent points. De un huevo/From an Egg by Ray James describes eggs and the different animals that hatch out of them. Simple, informative text is illustrated by crisp, beautiful color photographs in each 24-page book (all Rourke, 2007). A simple glossary and index, as well as a table of contents, are included. The ebook format allows children to read on their own, or have the book read to them. They can go forward or back, and have easy access to the glossary and table of contents at all times. The titles are available in an English-only format or a bilingual version where youngsters can hear the text read aloud in either Spanish, English, or both languages. Enunciation is clear, and audio quality is good. These ebooks would be useful as individual learning centers, small-group activities, or for whole-class presentations. The bilingual versions would also be a good way to meet ELL needs.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 2–5—These two ebooks feature text and a varied mix of photographs and concept drawings to provide basic information—size, habitat, diet, interaction with other dinosaurs, and more—about two of the most popular dinosaurs. The narration can be turned on or off. As sentences are read, they are highlighted. Words printed in red can be clicked on for a definition. There is also a complete glossary that can be accessed. Information can also be called up by chapters by clicking on the chapter headings in the table of contents. In one instance, the text states that the T. Rex was the largest carnosaur on Earth—but a bigger creature, the Spinosaurus, has been discovered, and some young dinosaur fans are sure to point this out. A good choice for reluctant readers.—Laura Davies, Kenton County Public Library, KY

K-Gr 1—This simple ebook introduces beginning readers to very basic facts about the human skeletal system. Three brief chapters explain a little bit about the different bones in the human body, the purpose of the skeleton, and how to keep bones healthy. When the pages turn automatically and the text is read aloud, each word is highlighted on the screen. The sound can be turned off and the pages turned manually by students. In most instances, half the screen is white with one sentence of text and the other half has an uncaptioned photograph or illustration just like a double-page spread of a book. There is very short glossary, index, and list of resources at the end of the book. The narration is clear and slow, but delivered in a monotone that will not engage students.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 2—6— Venture Arctic is an interactive ecosystem that can be controlled and modified, boasting 22 different types of animals who react with realistic behavior. Players can even harness the sun, snow, and wind to adjust the balance of nature. There are five different environments in the game, from an oil-rig off the Norwegian coast to Alaska where Caribou herds are being disturbed by pipelines. While the game is impartial with regard to environmental issues, the impact of global warming and deforestation on nature is obvious. There is a Native American spirit to the game; the simply drawn animals are patterned after Inuit carvings, and the spirits of departed animals are used to buy additional animals or gain more control over nature. Players can make animals breed or make them sick to control populations, and a balanced ecosystem is the ultimate goal. Everything must be controlled—from blanketing the tundra in snow to produce grasses for the musk ox to spreading plankton in the ocean for whales. There are two levels of play. The Kids' mode is for those who want to play without reading through a tutorial or being challenged by goals. In Normal mode, goals are presented and there is more assistance offered to players. Some of the required actions get a bit repetitious throughout the game; as ecosystems begin to flourish and the interactions become more complicated, players are still required to control snowfall and sunshine, for instance. However, it is fascinating to watch the interaction of each element in the ecosystem and to predict how changes will effect it. A free trial of the game is available through pocketwatchgames.com. An amazingly entertaining educational game with rich graphics.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY