Multimedia Review

Gr 2 Up—Artist Peggy Flores explains and demonstrates how to create amusing animals and figures from items that can be found around the house, such as boxes, paper tubes, egg cartons, and more. She also shows how to get creative by cutting different shapes from some materials and using them in interesting ways to enhance the sculpture. Flores demonstrates how to make and apply a simple papier-mâché paste that can be used to wrap around the sculpture. Tissue paper and a glue and water mixture is used to add color to the projects. The camerawork and lighting showcase each project perfectly. Flores's tone is clear and she is obviously speaking to both teachers and children. Youngsters can view the DVD and then create their projects over a series of class periods with the teacher's help. A fun purchase for elementary school media centers, community centers, and art camps.—Ivy Miller, Upper School Librarian, Wyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston, PA

Gr 1–4—This brief introduction to computers is divided into six topics and offers enough information to start classroom discussions and lay the framework for further study. It begins by defining computers and providing some examples that we use in our everyday lives. Next, the parts of a computer, its hardware, and input and output devices are covered. Types of memory are discussed in the third section, as the processing function of a computer is targeted. Very good rules for a computer's care and protection are given. Software, operating systems, and applications are explained, and a well-rounded discussion of the capabilities of the Internet and rules for safe surfing are outlined. Along the way, viewers are guided by a cute animated cursor who demonstrates and illuminates the points being made. A video quiz is appended at the end of the program, but some of the questions are vague and ambiguous. A very impressive teacher's guide provides an overview of the program objectives, a lesson plan, blackline masters, answer key transcript, and some excellent Web resources. The DVD and the guide offer a good introduction for younger computer users and a review for those who are more experienced.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 5 Up—This documentary vividly portrays the compelling influence that money, consumerism, and materialism have on young people today. In a series of interviews, a diverse group of teens living in Los Angeles neighborhoods, ranging from extremely wealthy to the poverty level, candidly discuss money issues and the influence of peer pressure. Their views on the importance of money and materialism in their lives are astonishing, disturbing, and even heart-wrenching at times. The film captures the desires of kids growing up in a materialistic culture and the powerful influence that marketing and advertising have on them. The DVD features two versions of the program, with one edited for classroom use. The 43-page teacher's guide includes the text of the extended interviews along with additional photographs. Classes in government, economics, character development, and guidance as well as non-profit youth organizations can utilize this nonjudgmental, thought-provoking film as a springboard for discussions on consumerism, money, values, character, culture, and peer pressure.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

PreS-K—This informational production, geared towards children ages 2 to 5, is designed to introduce a variety of planes, their parts, and terminology. Sock puppets, Argyle and Jim, who live in lost luggage at the airport, pop up occasionally to talk about the planes. The DVD begins with a pilot going over his checklist before taking off. Much of the terminology that he uses, such as nav lights and vertical stabilizer, are too sophisticated for the intended audience. Once the plane takes off though, children will be interested in the view from the cockpit as it flies over farms and lakes. While watching planes take off and land at the airport, Argyle and Jim introduce a variety of terms and vocabulary such as touchdown, low wing plane, and propeller plane. These terms appear on the screen while corresponding footage is shown. Later on, the characters try to find rectangles, circles, and triangles in the parts of a plane. An upbeat, catchy song, "Letters on an Airplane," teaches children the NATO Phonetic Alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) while the word for each letter appears on the screen. The song is fun to learn, but the reason for it may be a difficult concept for very young children to grasp. The film concludes with footage of military planes at what appears to be an air show. This segment is not narrated, and viewers are not given any insight into what kinds of planes they are or what they are doing. An interesting program that just misses its mark.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

Gr all levels—It's 1968 and 13-year-old Elliot and his 5-year-old brother Rocky are living in a small town in Montana. The most popular local children's television show is hosted by Happy Herb (Henry Winkler) and co-stars a marionette named Froggy Doo and Herb's wife,the Storytime Genie. Elliott has got a lot going on in his life. While he loves his mother and brother, he doesn't get along well with his hard-drinking boxer father. A new deputy sheriff and his daughter, Haley, have moved in next door. Elliot spends a lot of time with his younger brother, reads Hardy Boys mysteries, is a photographer, and develops a crush on Haley. When Herb and Froggy Doo make a local live appearance, Froggy Doo is stolen. Rocky is heartbroken, so Elliott joins forces with Haley to track down the missing marionette. Along the way, Elliott's family goes through a crisis, Happy Herb is no longer happy, and the mystery of the frog-napping is solved. Although this family-friendly adventure tries to do too much in a short a span of time, there are some genuinely touching scenes. Actors Chris Massoglia (Elliott) and Own Pearce (Rocky) are very talented, and two goofy FBI agents add to the humor. An enjoyable family movie for most collections.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 3—These charming animated tales are based on Joyce Dunbar's stories about Mouse and Mole that aired on BBC in 1996 and 1997. Each volume includes 9 to 10 episodes. Mouse and Mole are two unlikely friends—Mouse is very orderly and practical while Mole is scattered and impulsive. They do what is necessary to make their friendship work and exhibit a naïveté and childlike innocence in the process. For example, in "Spectacles," Mole has misplaced his eyeglasses and Mouse helps him find many pairs of eyeglasses that Mole uses to do various activities around the house. "Atishoo!" finds Mole comforting an ailing Mouse only to wind up being the patient. Mouse and Mole shift their messes from room to room in "Tidying Up." Humor is understated, but certainly not over the heads of youngsters. The animation is faithful to the original line and watercolor illustrations by James Mayhew. Youngsters who enjoy Arnold Lobel's tales about Frog and Toad or Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie books will love Mouse and Mole.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr 3 Up—Award-winning author Mo Willems is quite a character, and that certainly is evident in this exuberant production. Viewers get to see him interacting with youngsters during a school and a book store visit, and his playful nature is highlighted as well as his obvious delight in being with children. Insights into the writing and illustrating process are provided. Viewers learn Mo's philosophy of children's book illustration and get a lesson in how to draw his pigeon (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, etc.). Brief information about his background as an animator and writer, and his family, is included. Several of his books and their origins are highlighted. The challenge of writing interesting, easy-to-read books using a limited vocabulary is addressed. All the while, viewers enjoy Willems's quirky sense of humor and joie de vivre. This high-energy production will be enjoyed both for information and fun.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-Gr 2—Mo Willems's warm, child-friendly sequel (Hyperion, 2007) to his Caldecott Honor book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (Hyperion, 2004; Weston Woods, 2006), is well-treated in this excellent production. When Trixie brings Knuffle Bunny to school and discovers that someone else in the class has the same bunny, chaos ensues, but in the end Trixie gains a new best friend. Willem's simple characters are fully animated against his static digitally-manipulated black-and-white photograph backgrounds. The bright colors of the cartoon-like characters stand out against the intricate yet muted photographs, creating an interesting blend of fiction and reality, with the story clearly taking the lead role. Willems, as well as his wife and daughter, provide the voices for the main characters. Some additional dialogue has been added to the story, as well as comments between father and daughter highlighting introductory artwork, endpapers, and the back cover illustration. Jazzy background music adds to the mix. Read-along subtitles are optional. A ten-minute interview with the author, excerpted from a longer one found on Getting to Know Mo Willems (Weston Woods, 2009), provides insights into his writing and illustrating processes and a clear vision of his connection with young children. This delightful production, full of energy and fun, will resonate with viewers.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-Gr 3—Based on a Cornish legend, The Mousehole Cat follows the story of Old Tom and his faithful cat Mowzer, who live an idyllic life in an English fishing village. When a storm-filled winter hits Mousehole, prohibiting any fishing and forcing the villagers to turn to and ultimately deplete their food supplies, Old Tom decides he must brave the storm in order to catch fish for the village's Christmas celebration. Mowzer joins him on his adventure, ultimately soothing The Great Storm Cat (the spirit behind the terrible storms) with her powerful soprano voice and enabling Old Tom to catch enough fish for the village and safely return home. Although the production begins and ends with live footage of the town of Mousehole, this computer-animated adaptation, narrated by Sian Phillips, stays true to Andrea Barber's words (Walker, 1990) and Nicola Bayley's illustrations, capturing its placid spirit while bringing more life to the story. The tale is histrionic, but gentle enough for young children. A six-minute "making of" short is a bonus feature. While the animation is rudimentary, viewers will enjoy this warm Christmas tale.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Galaxie Library, Apple Valley, MN

PreS-Gr 3—Seven original fairy tales written by Terry Jones (best known as a member of the Monty Python comedy team) and illustrated by Michael Foremen are offered in this charmingly animated production. It includes a nice variety of work—from the reminder in "The Island of Purple Fruits" that real life is better than dreams to the warning in "The Corn Dolly" that it doesn't pay to never be satisfied with your lot. "The Wonderful Cake Horse" is a charming tale about a horse made of cake that is brought to life when hit by the spark of a shooting star. He heads off hoping to trade friendship for some shoes and a saddle, but only finds what he is looking for when he learns to be a friend himself. The other tales include "The Ship of Bones," ""Why Birds Sing in the Morning," "The Sea Tiger," and "Three Raindrops." The voices are well done throughout, and the tales will appeal to children.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

K-Gr 4—When a humble lantern maker in ancient Japan desires to be a wealthy merchant, a spirit overhears and grants Yoshi's wish. He is thrilled with his good fortune, but eventually wealth is not enough for him. He becomes a prince, the sun, a cloud, and a rock, thinking he will become more and more powerful with each incarnation. Finally, Yoshi realizes that his former station in life was the right one for him, and the spirit grants his final wish to return to his humble life as a craftsman. This animated rendering of the Japanese tale brings folklore to life. The pacing is just right for this quiet tale, sound quality is good, and the narrator strikes the right balance between lively and serious tones. The accompanying teacher's guide provides masters for worksheets, discussion questions and answers, and guidelines for how to use the material with different age groups. A good choice for schools where folklore and Asian cultural studies are part of the curriculum.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr all levels—Everything needed to cast, rehearse, and produce a play is included in this multimedia program. The play is based on Alice in Wonderland, but also portrays Alice as a young girl who grows up to discover who she is. Despite the chaos and confusion in Wonderland, Alice keeps her head (sorry!) and stands up to those who she feels are wrong. The first DVD features a group of children putting on a remarkably well-choreographed and beautifully costumed play. The "Birth of a Play" segment provides a history of the Pasadena (CA) Playhouse and explains the steps involved in presenting a play. The DVD also includes a data folder that contains all of the printable materials for the production—from lists of characters, the script, and promotional materials to instructions for producing miniature theater plays and sections on playwriting and radio plays. There are even bonus Lewis Carroll activities, dramatic presentations of select scenes from Alice in Wonderland, and resources for organizing a Mad Tea Party. The "Production Tools" DVD contains extensive and well-presented vocal warm-ups, dance stretches, characterization exercises, and instructions for creating costumes from foam rubber, spray paint, and glue (the same instructions are included in the printable materials on the first DVD). The "Miniature Theater" DVD offers a history of miniature theater and instructions for orchestrating a miniature production and creating the stage from a cardboard box. The three CDs each contain the play in a different stage of production. On the "Script" CD, the play is read by a full cast of adults and children, with stage directions, sounds, and background notes. The "Rehearsal" CD includes vocal warm-ups and the songs from the play. The "Performance" CD has 37 tracks of music and sound effects. The script can be downloaded at inciteproductions.com, where a video overview of the complete set and a preview of the lushly illustrated printable material is available. With time and a creative crew, this package will inspire young actors and make a theater production amazingly accessible.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 6 Up—This program features astronaut Pam Melroy, Commander of Mission STS-120, along with crew members aboard the 34th flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery as they journey to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver and attach Node 2 ("Harmony") to the ISS, providing the capability for future international laboratories to be added to the station. The spacewalks which were conducted to repair the ISS Port 6 Solar Array are also documented. To peak interest, this space mission documentary is presented in a "countdown" format: 10 Commander Duties, 9 The Human Element, 8 Being an Astronaut, 7 Training, 6 Flying the Shuttle, 5 Zero Gravity, 4 Payload, 3 International Space Station, 2 Mission Plan, and 1 Landing. Real-time space footage provides information about the astronaut experience prior to and during orbit. Viewers visit a space laboratory where astronauts learn and demonstrate the skills necessary to complete their mission prior to blast-off. The information is clear, concise, and fascinating. Additional segments feature a tour of the Space Shuttle Discovery while in orbit, interviews with American and International astronauts encouraging students to pursue their dreams, real-time footage of the launch pad, and more. This exciting journey addresses curriculum standards.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

PreS-Gr 2—Olly, an earnest young submarine-in-training, hangs out with an unusual group of friends and helps Diver Doug with underwater research in five 3-D animated episodes. The series airs on PBS Kids Sprout. Some of the characters are a bit odd, like Ranger the cowboy seahorse who herds squid and UMA the Underwater Maintenance Assistant with many arms, but they all act very human. In each episode, Olly and his friends must overcome a problem while they learn a lesson and some facts about the ocean. In the first episode, Olly finds a rare but friendly creature and has to decide whether to tell everyone about his discovery if it means it will be captured. In another segment, a baby orca is separated from his pod and Olly must use his sonar to reunite it with its mother. Illegal net fishing is gently explored in another episode when a friendly seal in a bathing suit is caught in a net and Olly and his friend must help her escape. Young children will like the humor, upbeat background music, and bright animation as well as the gentle adventures with themes like friendship, helpfulness, and kindness. The ocean facts presented are secondary to the entertainment value of the tales.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 3–8—These brief documentaries by Hardy Jones, founder of BlueVoice.org, an organization that works to save dolphins and whales, and a former CBS and UPI journalist, feature fabulous photography and interesting information about various sea mammals in their ocean habitat. Each segment begins with the birth of one of the creatures and follows it for at least a year, discussing how it grows, learns to eat and stay safe, and communicates as well as the mammal's environment and interaction with humans. While a great deal of factual information is covered, very little scientific background is provided. Elementary grade classes could use these films as an introduction to sea mammals, while middle school students could use it as a basis for additional research.—Suzanne Libra, Silver Hills Middle School, Westminster, CO

PreS-Gr 3—Based on the Caldecott and Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book (Roaring Brook Press, 2007), this short film is as charming as its inspiration. Laura Vaccaro Seeger's tale about transformations, both natural and creative, comes to life through the magic of animation and irresistible sound effects; an egg hatching, a tadpole swimming in a pond, and a pencil writing on paper are almost as appealing to the senses as the chunky, saturated art. While the DVD format sacrifices the cutout effect of the book, the animated growth/transformations are equally fascinating and satisfying. In lieu of turning the page, thick squishy brushstrokes cover previous frames as chicken gives way to tadpole, frog to seed, flower to caterpillar, butterfly to page of words, story to tube of paint and, finally full circle, picture back to chicken. Gentle background music featuring guitar adds to the effect. So which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Viewers can decide and then write their own "First…then…" pairings. Subtitles are optional, and there is an interview with the author/illustrator. While learning about the genesis of the book and Seeger's career is fascinating, this feature is more suited for teachers and older students. Still, this little gem is the perfect introduction to a life cycle unit. Pair it with Simms Taback's Joseph Had a Little Overcoat (Weston Woods, 2001), another creative transformation tale.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 7 Up—This documentary explores our relationship to the land as the source of our food, the expanding organic food movement, and the idea of sustainability. Since World War II, the emphasis has been on the industrialization of agriculture based on the use of chemicals and fossil fuel energy. This has meant the loss of family farms and an increasing globalization of food sources. Times are changing and now people are more concerned about the source of the food they eat. The quiet, soothing voice of a male narrator accompanied by soft background music takes viewers on a tour of Washington and Oregon to explore small fruit, vegetable, and animal farms where many farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, and business people tell their stories. Crops are raised without pesticides, animals are not fed antibiotics, and farming methods don't destroy the health of the soil or deplete water resources. This is agriculture that makes "earth sense" with people flocking to locate farmers' markets to find natural, healthy food. This in turn supports local enterprises and marketing cooperatives and creates a true sense of community and sustainability. Although set in the Pacific Northwest, the message of people reconnecting with the land is universal. For environmental studies, social studies, and economics classes.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 1–6—Did you know that there are 36 different lengths of school buses? That each bus has approximately five miles of electrical wire in it? These are just a couple of the fun facts about school buses that are presented in this fascinating look at how these vehicles are made. Featuring the mile long IC Corporation's School Bus Factory in Tulsa, OK, where 10,000 buses a year are built, viewers get to experience how buses are made from the materials fabrication process to the final road test. Each step is labeled on the screen as it is described by the narrator. The live-action footage is clear and edited for maximum understanding. In addition to the fun facts interspersed with the action, children will learn many additional tidbits of trivia about school buses. This well-paced, engaging film will be popular with young children who enjoy "things that go" as well as fans of "how it's made" type programs, and is sure to be a hit in classrooms as well as living rooms.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 3—Author and illustrator Judy Hood provides a snappy and delightful twist to her modern adaptation of the much-loved fairytale, Rapunzel. A witch locks Rapunzel in a tower, but it is the aroma of Rapunzel's fresh baked cookies that lures a portly prince to climb the golden braid, huffing and puffing his way to the top. Even though Rapunzel is not a real princess, the prince is wooed by her baking and humor and falls in love. But clever and resourceful Rapunzel saves herself, and then promptly chooses the love of chocolate chip cookies (starting her own business) over the prince. While this DVD is not specifically designed to teach ASL vocabulary, it does provide a comprehensive visual glossary that repeats the sign with the sentence used in the story, allowing viewers to grasp the sign and understand the context and the ASL grammar. Multi-talented ASL performer Pinky Aiello is fabulous. Her signs are clear, her pace is perfect, and her facial expressions complement the story's tone. Text appears onscreen while she signs. The accompanying book is shown page-by-page on the DVD, and the whimsical illustrations are reminiscent of Tim Burton's artwork (The Nightmare Before Christmas). On the publisher's Web site (asltales.net), "ASL Clues" teach essential elements of how ASL constructs a message. ASL storytelling doesn't get much better than this.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 10 Up—Actress Mary Steenbergen narrates this epic story of two sisters fighting against the monolithic strength of the U.S. government and its ties to giant corporations. Carrie and Mary Dann, members of the Western Shoshone Nation, grazed cattle and horses on Nevada rangeland belonging to the tribe under the terms of the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley. However, in 1974 the federal government sued the sisters for trespassing on the land because they didn't have a grazing permit. Legal battles ensued and eventually reached the United States Supreme Court and even the United Nations. The sisters fought to preserve their way of life and to pass on to future generations a love for Mother Earth. Their struggle is documented in film footage, often gruesome and bloody, of government agents rounding up their livestock and confrontations between the Dann family and law enforcement officials. Why would the federal government want their ranch? It sits on the largest gold find in U.S. history. Lawyers and activists explain the years of confrontation by saying, "follow the money." This documentary portrays the Dann sisters' 35-year struggle for their human rights, a microcosm of indigenous peoples across the globe. Classes can utilize this film, also offered in a 33-minute edited version, to study Native American history, human rights, contemporary legal issues, and women's studies.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 10 Up—This timely documentary entertains viewers while educating them about the history and present conditions of the nation's national debt. While the producers are clearly biased against the accumulation of this debt (referring to it as a "fiscal cancer"), the film does an outstanding job of explaining economic concepts such as trade deficits, inflation, and interest rates. It focuses on a cross-country awareness campaign to familiarize Americans with our alarming financial status. Clips from The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Saturday Night Live add some pop culture levity to the proceedings. There are interviews with experts such as Alan Greenspan, Warren Buffet, and Paul Volcker about the economy. Stock footage of presidential speeches dating back to Dwight Eisenhower frame the issue in its historic context, while interviews with people on the street (including numerous young people) show how little most citizens know about the government's spending. The production values are excellent. Extensive use of computer graphics and animation bring economic concepts to life. While some of the data are dated, a bonus feature updates the facts to January 2009 in an interview with David Walker of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. The concepts behind this documentary likely will remain valid for years to come. A segment featuring a group of college-age students taking an interest in this issue may inspire young viewers. An excellent introduction to the current economic conditions of the country and a fantastic springboard for classroom discussions.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 9 Up—Ironically, the name of one of the world's most embattled cities since its founding in the fourth century BCE originates from the Semitic words for "peace" and "harmony." Much of the violence associated with Jerusalem to this very day paradoxically stems from religious groups laying claim to the city and its heritage. This well-crafted production utilizes a rich variety of graphics, vintage stills and video, expert commentary, and Ray Suarez's professional yet amiable narration to portray the city's long and vibrant past. Jerusalem's significance in the development of the mainstream religions sharing influence over the current city is emphasized. As the focal point for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sects over the course of its existence, the city—particularly its oldest section—has been under changing influence for centuries. The program's focus is on the manner and rationale for the many times various groups have exercised power over the area during its 4,000 year history. The scene selection option divides the long program into 12 segments. The film's final sections offer fascinating descriptions of the many sites in today's Jerusalem which are considered sacred by the various religious groups. This masterful digest of Jerusalem's long, often violent history and eternal significance in world affairs will be a valuable resource in history, political science, current affairs, and religion classes.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, IL

Gr 7 Up—A 60-year friendship between Pip and Zastrow that began in high school in the 1940s embodies what is good about race relations in America. Playgrounds and schools were segregated in Annapolis, MD, when Roger "Pip" Moyer, a white boy, first met Joseph "Zastrow" Simms, an African-American young man, playing basketball. The two young men crossed racial boundaries and became life-long friends. By the 1960s, Pip had been elected mayor of Annapolis, while Zastrow had become a petty crook and ended up in prison. When riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. threatened Annapolis, Pip conferred with Zastrow and was able to calm their city. The documentary is divided into two segments. The historical background of their early lives is illustrated with creatively animated photographs, sketches, and archival footage. The second part portrays the lives of the two men since 2006. As they approached old age, their roles reversed. Pip previously helped Zastrow become a community center director after he was released from jail. Now, Zastrow encourages Pip who is debilitated by Parkinson's disease. The friendship between the two men is heartwarming, and their desire to improve the lives of others and their community make them extraordinary role models. On the downside, the inclusion of too many storylines about the subjects results in a somewhat uneven and sometimes slow production. Mature students and adults will appreciate this inspiring film. For classes focusing on race relations, the civil rights movement, and sociology.—Sally Ray, Plano Senior High School, TX

Gr 9 Up—India's 10,000-year history is rich with cultural constancy, spiritual development, and intellectual advancements in math, science, dance, art, and literature. The film underscores India's importance today as the largest democracy in the world. In the first segment, "Beginnings," host Michael Wood reaches back in time before recorded history to chronicle the people and rituals that first defined this unique culture. "The Power of Ideas" explores the worldwide spiritual impact of Buddhism, while "Spice Routes & Silk Roads" examines its impact on worldwide economics. "Ages of Gold" juxtaposes the history of the Western Dark Ages with the achievements simultaneously taking place in India. The influence of Muslim religion and culture on India is explicated in "The Meeting of Two Oceans." "Freedom" details India's relationship with Britain beginning with the East India Company through its colonial emancipation in 1947. This epic history puts India's current role in the global community in a much wider context, making it evident that this great civilization has always been a central and pivotal contributor to human history. Each episode has accompanying online lesson plans meeting national education standards. A captivating series for high school and college media centers.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 8 Up—This fascinating montage offers commentaries by male students attending a private Christian preparatory school in Cairo, Egypt, about themselves and their world. The camera records their observations on religion, politics, international relations, and societal issues. The privileged young men who attend this school run by Jesuit priests are 60 percent Muslim and 40 percent Christian. On the basis of their socioeconomic status, their voices certainly are not representative of the masses of citizenry. The students, both individually and in small groups, share their viewpoints concerning America, terrorism, marriage, the Middle East, and more in an informal manner. One even remarks that the person he admires the most is Oprah Winfrey because of her many charitable activities. What's encouraging is that many of these students will eventually become leaders in their country and will, hopefully, still maintain their current viewpoints which are certainly less strident than those generally expressed in the Middle East today. This well-paced program will be a valuable addition to most school collections and will be popular with American adolescents.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

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—Ana is six. That means that she is in first grade and learning to read and write. At home, it means that she can mix the masa for the Christmas tamales. Her eight-year-old sister Linda is old enough to spread the masa on the cornhusks. Ana dreams of being eight, so that she will be able to "...spread the dough just right—not too thick and not too thin." But by the time she is eight, Linda will be ten, old enough to fill and roll the tamales. And so, this clever pattern book continues through the years, noting what things Ana believes she will learn each year and the task that will become hers when making the Christmas tamales. By the time Ana has imagined herself at 18, readers/listeners have been given complete directions for assembling and cooking tamales—and Ana has decided that she wants to start her own business making tamales. This charming book by Gwendolyn Zepeda is expressively read by Gabriela Cavallero. The text can to be listened to in bilingual format or in Spanish or English only. Page-turn signals are optional. The book's acrylic illustrations by April Ward make up in verve and vibrancy what they lack in execution. A lovely complement to Gary Soto's Too Many Tamales (Putnam, 1993), it also has some of the same family feel as Becky Chavarria-Chairez's Magda's Tortillas/Las tortillas de Magda (Pinata, 2000).—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 8 Up—In Meg Cabot's sequel (2009) to Airhead (2008, both Scholastic), Em is still struggling since her brain was transplanted into the body of teen supermodel Nikki. She must sneak out to see her real family and pretend to have amnesia when she doesn't remember anyone from Nikki's life. True, she gets to wear designer clothes (the product placement becomes very irritating, however), and jet off to exotic locales, but it comes with a lack of privacy that has nothing to do with the paparazzi, and everything to do with the bugs that are everywhere—including her company-provided cell phone and computer. This control by Stark Enterprises—the company responsible for Nikki's career, Em's brain transplant, and her growing paranoia—is at the heart of the action. Through a brother she didn't know Nikki had, Em finds out that the model's mother is missing. She enlists the help her old friend and current crush, Christopher, and his hacker cousin. Christopher will only help her if she gets him into Stark's corporate network so he can exact vengeance for Em's death. At the end of the novel, Em is being blackmailed into helping Brandon Stark and leaving Christopher. Fans will be clamoring for the next installment. Teen dialogue and emotions ring true and pop culture references are current for now. Stina Nielsen does an excellent job with the various voices and accents. Sure to be a big hit with Cabot fans.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 4–8—Twelve-year-old Zebulon "Zeb" Crabtree lives the simple life with his brothers and sisters on a farm in 1849. Then his father gets the notion that Zeb should be sent to St. Louis to learn to be a tanner by apprenticing with his great-uncle Seth. Shipped off on a riverboat, Zeb falls under the charms of Charles "Chilly" Larpenteur, a smooth-talking gambler whom he befriends on the ride down the Mississippi. Trapped inside a ruthless world of gambling, Zeb crosses paths with a slave and a blind Indian who has visions. He becomes mesmerized by a medicine man and charmed by a beautiful woman collecting funds for the orphanage. A modern day Mark Twain, Joseph Helgersen spins an engrossing coming-of-age story (Houghton Mifflin, 2009). The charm of the tale lies in the witty storytelling, fascinating characters, and a spot-on theatrical performance by narrator MacLeod Andrews. The author's tongue-in-cheek humor sizzles under MacLeod's lively presentation, especially Chilly's slick talking ways. Fans of the author's Horns and Wrinkles (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) will revel in this latest installment of this Mississippi River tale.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 4–8—In Greg Heffley's second adventure in middle school, family relationships play a large part, though school friends and shenanigans are still featured. Jeff Kenney's sequel (2008) to Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2008, both Abrams/Amulet Books) elaborates on Greg's relationship with his overbearing older brother Roderick, who knows Greg's most embarrassing secret and uses the knowledge to get the boy to fall in line with his plans. Through experiences such as being locked in the basement while Roderick throws a party for his high school friends, attempting to buy one of Roderick's old history papers when he neglects to do his homework, or trying to get on his younger brother's good side so as to avoid a parental scolding, Greg continues to journal his experiences in a genuine fashion, even when this puts him in a bad light. The seventh grader's misadventures are sure to strike a chord with young listeners, and narrator Ramon de Ocampo provides an expressive and captivating performance. However, the subtext provided by Kinney's sketches is missing, and many of the jokes fall flat without the book's accompanying illustrations—so make sure to have the book available.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 7 Up—Caitlin wakes up on her 16th birthday to the news that Cass, her perfect, over-achieving, star athlete sister has run away. Having lived in her sister's shadow for so long, Caitlin almost doesn't know how to be herself. In an attempt to excel at something Cass never attempted, Caitlin tries out and gets on the cheerleading squad. Her mother now turns her spotlight on Caitlin who, for the first time, begins to see life through Cass's eyes. But maybe being Cass isn't all it was cracked up to be. Caitlin meets bad boy Rogerson Biscoe and they begin dating. Before long, the relationship becomes physically and emotionally abusive. Although Caitlin is afraid of him, she keeps the abuse a secret, and turns to drugs to ease the pain. It isn't until Rogerson loses it in public that the abuse stops. Sarah Dessen's powerful novel (Viking, 2000) is narrated by Liz Morton who does a marvelous job of making each voice unique, adding the right cadence and pitch. When Caitlin is particularly fearful of Rogerson, you can hear it in her voice as her panic escalates. This compelling tale will have teens sitting on the edge of their seats. A must-have for all young adult collections.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 4–7—What's haunting the Jenolan Caves in Australia's Blue Mountains? Allie, president of the Exorcists' Club, is traveling with her family on a trip organized by Paranormal Research Investigation Services and Monitoring (PRISM) in the fourth adventure in this series by Australian author Catherine Jinks. The group is staying at Caves House, a hotel near the caves that are supposed to be haunted. The novel is written from Allie's point of view as a report for members of her club who were unable to make the trip. What Allie didn't plan on are the endless family squabbles among the members of the group. Traces of an Aboriginal monster have been linked to the caves, and visitors have reported mysterious sights and smells. Narrator Melissa Chambers speaks in a distinct Aussie accent and uses many unfamiliar words and alternate pronunciations. She enthusiastically gives voice to the many different genders and ages, but listeners will be challenged to recall all of the characters and their respective partners. Too much of the dialogue is devoted to characters complaining and bad-mouthing one another (with the occasional mild swear word). Although Jinks succeeds in her creepy description of the eerie, other-worldly caves and builds a fair amount of suspense, the mystery is never resolved and no ghosts are seen. Listeners craving a real ghost story will want to look elsewhere.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

Gr 5–8—Emma-Jean Lazarus, a highly logical problem-solver, is once again meddling in the "messy" lives of her fellow seventh graders in Lauren Tarshis's sequel (2009) to Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree (2007, both Dial; Listening Library, 2007). The upcoming middle school dance has contributed to an outbreak of Spring Fever. Even Emma-Jean's mother and teachers seem to have been bitten by the love bug. While trying to understand her own feelings for a certain basketball player, Emma-Jean helps Colleen uncover the writer of an anonymous love note. Well-drawn adolescent characters are further strengthened by Mamie Gummer's spot-on voices. She even adopts different narration voices, alternating between chapters focused on flighty, emotional Colleen, and rational Emma-Jean. This title can stand alone since enough background material is provided. Emma-Jean is a quirky, winning heroine, and this satisfying story will find its niche with careful teen readers who enjoy character-driven stories, and especially with fans of the first title.—Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, Florence, KY

Gr 1–3—Lois Lowry's delightful collection includes four chapter books about the precocious second grader: Gooney Bird Greene (2002), Gooney Bird and the Room Mother (2005), Gooney the Fabulous (2007), and Gooney Bird Is So Absurd (2009, all Houghton Mifflin). Each one takes listeners into the school day adventures of Gooney Bird, her teacher Mrs. Pidgeon, and her classmates. The first book introduces Gooney Bird who tells her "absolutely true" stories and shows her new classmates that they have stories to share too. In Gooney Bird and the Room Mother, she introduces the class to the dictionary and manages to find a much needed room mother who prefers to remain incognito (a word the class looks up) until the Thanksgiving pageant. Gooney the Fabulous sends the class into the land of fables. Can Gooney Bird figure out why everyone is excited about the project except Nicholas? The second grade is introduced to poetry forms and writing in Gooney Bird Is So Absurd. Lee Adams does a fine job of voicing all the characters. An enjoyable listen.—Laura Davies, Kenton County Public Library, Independence, KY

Gr 8 Up—Kevin "Kross" Ross is a local hero for having saved Leah Muldoon from a serial rapist/murderer, and he's just getting accustomed to his celebrity. That is, until the day that he takes some of those "Support the Troops" bumper-stickers off his car. That one unpatriotic act, immortalized by pictures in the newspapers, bumps his status back down to zero and sets in motion Kross's crusade for freedom of speech. At first, spurred on largely by Leah's admiration of his political stance, the teenager mostly kicks up a fuss because he doesn't understand why his removal of the stickers equates with hating America or our troops. As he begins to do research to defend himself, Kross considers what it means to have the freedom to say whatever he wants, and he and his friends try to show their town the error of their ways. As this is all unfolding, Kross is also trying to make up for his guilty conscience—he was stalking Leah when he saved her from the rapist and he doesn't know how to reconcile that part of himself with his newly developing persona. Barry Lyga's excellent, thought-provoking novel (Houghton Mifflin, 2008) is deftly narrated by Jonathan Todd Ross who draws out the subtleties of Kross's voice. His tone is alternately dry with humor, self-loathing, exasperation, or dawning discovery. An excellent addition to public library collections; schools may need to be wary due to explicit teen drug use, vocabulary choices, and sexual situations.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 5–8—Max McDaniels lived an ordinary life until visiting the Art Institute to celebrate his missing mother's birthday. While fleeing from a mysterious man with one white eye, Max stumbles on a beautiful tapestry and has a vision. Upon returning home, Max receives two visitors: a woman who tries to attack him, and a recruiter for Rowan Academy, a fantastical school for gifted children. At the boarding school, Max is taught how to amplify his running and how to save the world from those who would destroy humanity. He must face down an old and powerful evil to protect his friends and Rowan. Henry Neff's first installment (Random House, 2007) in a projected series offers a wide variety of well-developed characters. Max is a headstrong, brave boy who is full of flaws as well as virtues. Jeff Woodman's excellent narration provides each human, animal, and otherworldly character with a distinct voice, complete with accent and emotions, ranging from Cooper's cockney accent and Connor's Irish brogue to Max's young voice. His close attention to details builds on the story's action and suspense, maintaining listeners' interest throughout. Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson will be hooked on this series.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

K-Gr 2—Catina the cat wants to be famous writer and has written "Life Through the Eyes of a Cat." When her friend Houndsley the dog reads it and realizes she is a terrible writer, he doesn't want to hurt her feelings and says, "I am at a loss for words." Catina beams at the imagined compliment. the pooch, who is a very good cook, is persuaded by Catina and Bert to enter a cooking contest, but everything goes wrong—he even forgets the three beans for his three-bean chili. The judges laugh at him, and he thinks about giving up cooking. Later, the two friends sit outside and reflect on their experiences. Houndsley enjoys cooking but doesn't need to be the best, while Catina wants to be famous but does not enjoy writing. Houndsley encourages her to find something she enjoys doing and reminds her that she is very good at being his friend. James Howe's gentle story (Candlewick, 2006) of friendship won the E. B. White Read Aloud Award. Peter Pamela Rose perfectly captures Houndsley's "soft-as-a-rose-petal voice" and creates distinctive voices for Catina and Bert. The excellent narration is enhanced by the musical score and sound track which give depth to the events of the story. A fine addition to beginning chapter-book collections.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 5–10—Charmain Baker has been brought up properly—no magic allowed, it's not respectable. When her Great-Uncle William falls ill and she goes to look after his home, she is amazed to discover that it has only one door. But he's the Royal Wizard Norland, and the door is magical and can lead to the past or future. Charmain's fish-out-of-water antics when all she wants to do is read are hilarious. Running the household is complicated not only by unfamiliar chores, but also by Peter, the wizard's apprentice; a recalcitrant small blue man who is supposed to be taking care of the garden; an evil creature called a lubbock; and an exasperating yet loveable dog. Charmain tries a few spells and is ecstatic to start a coveted new job helping in the King's Library and trying to discover what is happening to the Royal Treasury. Diana Wynne Jones's charming sequel (HarperCollins, 2008) to Howl's Moving Castle (Greenwillow, 1986) and Castle in the Air (HarperCollins, 2001) stands alone quite well. Jenny Sterlin's crisp British tones make all the characters—from Charmain to the grating fire demon Calcifer to a lisping Twinkle—come to life. This terrific fantasy will be popular in school and public libraries and will send new fans to the shelves for the previous titles.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

K-Gr 3—In I Hate to Read!, Victor Dickens hates to read and blames it on his dog who, as a pup, chewed up a book and buried it. But the boy pretends to read so he will be allowed to watch TV. One night as he leafs through a picture book, a series of odd characters emerge from the pages: a rabbit, a field mouse, a princely frog, a lab-coated crocodile, and a peg-legged parrot. One-by-one, they try to convince Victor that there are all kinds of adventures to be had in books. As he befriends this motley crew, he begins to worry that if no one reads these books, his friends will disappear. With that in mind, Victor picks up his book and actually begins reading it. I Still Hate to Read! is not as successful. Victor doesn't want anyone to know that he has become a book lover, and most of the story is told in the boy's head, making it difficult for children to distinguish between what is real and unreal. These books (Creative Editions, 1993, 2007), written by Rita Marshall and illustrated by Etienne Delessert, are narrated at a moderate pace by Asa Dorfman who clearly voices the various characters. Background music varies as Victor travels through the books. Page-turn signals are optional. I Hate to Read! is the better choice to supplement audiobook collections for young readers.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 9 Up—When you are 17 years old, you believe life is full of never-ending possibilities and promises. Mia, an exceptionally talented cellist, was no exception; she envisioned a life at Juilliard, New Years Eve on Times Square, summers and holidays with her supportive family, and a deeper relationship with Adam, her boyfriend. But one snowy morning, an ill-fated family trip to town leaves her parents and brother dead and Mia the lone survivor. She awakens from the crash to find herself in a "suspended state" of being—she has left her body, but not this side of life. In a coma, Mia must decide if she wants to fight to live. Although she feels like she is "experiencing everything through a fish bowl," it allows her to reflect on past memories and to contemplate her future. She reveals the love and commitment of family and friends connected directly or indirectly to her. Gayle Forman's novel (Dutton, 2009) alternates between Mia's past and present. Narrator Kirsten Potter is exceptional in her range of attitudes, from deep remorse to dripping sarcasm and everything in between. She offers small variations between characters, but she is Mia. Listeners can't help but revisit their own perspectives on life, rethink what is truly important, and expand their definition of family. A moving novel for young adult collections.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 5–8—When sixth-grader Delores "Itch" Colchester's grandpa dies, she and her grandmother leave their beloved Beaver Creek, Florida, home to live near Cousin Effie in a small town Ohio trailer court. Itch isn't happy about leaving her best friend, Bailey, and she misses her grandfather terribly. Then she meets Gwendolyn, a baton-twirling wonder with a dark secret. As their friendship grows, Itch discovers that Gwen is being physically and psychologically abused by her mother. Should she risk her new friendship and speak up about this or just mind her own business? Conversations in her head with her grandfather help her to decide. Michelle Kwasney's memorable story (Holt, 2008), set in 1968, is as much about friendship and growing up as it is about the loss of a loved one and child abuse. Narrator Angela Rogers's earthy voice sets just the right tone, and she deftly gives each character a unique voice. A good discussion starter.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, Baldwin City, KS

Gr 8 Up—In Sharon Draper's Coretta Scott King winner, The Battle of Jericho (S & S, 2003), November's boyfriend Josh died during a high school hazing gone wrong and she discovers that she is pregnant with Josh's baby. In this sequel (S & S, 2007), told in the alternating points of view and struggles of November and Josh's cousin, Jericho, listeners experience November's poignant story as she tries to come to terms with losing her boyfriend, discovering she is pregnant, feeling she has disappointed her mother, and battling with Josh's parents who want to adopt their grandchild in exchange for paying for November's college tuition. Jericho's story is also unsettling as he struggles with feeling guilty about Josh's death. JD Jackson smoothly transitions between characters, giving each one realistic and fully distinct vocal patterns and intonations and perfectly expressing their emotions. Scenes are so vividly brought to life that when November goes into premature labor in a car with friends, listeners will feel as though they are right there with them. The struggles of these teens will resonate with urban youth and generate excellent group discussions. While this title can stand on its own, teens will want to read/listen to the previous one as well. Highly recommended and a must-have for libraries that already circulate The Battle of Jericho.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Move over Nancy Drew, here come the three Red Blazer girls in Michael D. Beil's engaging mystery (Knopf, 2009), the first title in a projected series. Sophie, Margaret, and Rebecca attend St. Veronica's Catholic Junior High where the normal day involves homework as well as girlfriend and boyfriend issues. When Sophie sees the ghostly face of an old woman in a church window, the girls track her down and it turns out to be Ms. Harriman, an old lady who wants to enlist their help in a 20-year-old mystery. The woman's father had hidden clues to a birthday present for her daughter that were never uncovered. This sets in motion a treasure hunt that takes the girls on a fun romp solving puzzles in literature, art, architecture, and math. Some of the clues are rather easy, but realizing how Pythagorean's Theorem is applied to a clue raises the bar. The dialogue is fast and cool, with Sophie's funny take on the situations. Tai Alexandra Ricci does a superb job of bringing the characters to life through her entertaining variety of expressive voices. This clever mystery is tightly written, with intelligent insight and puzzles that will challenge listeners.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 7–10—Sophie, a 16-year-old girl trying to live a "safe" life in Tucson with her English mother and her Mexican stepfather, changes when Pablo, a young Mexican boy, comes into her life after he was orphaned in an attempt to enter the U.S. illegally. Sophie's family agrees to foster him, and later learns that he has relatives in Mexico. Sophie and her Great-Aunt Dika, who emigrated from Bosnia seeking political asylum, set out to take Pablo back to see his relatives, hoping he will decide to remain with their family after the visit. They are accompanied by Dika's boyfriend, Mr. Lorenzo, a Guatemalan, and his son Angel who longs to return "home" permanently. The novel deals with numerous important issues: the brutality that both Dika and the Lorenzo's experienced at the hands of insurgents in their own countries, the need to "belong" to a culture, the definition of family, and more. Emma Bering performs the voices of all of the differing ethnic characters in Laura Resau's captivating story (Delacorte, 2007), mastering their accents and their emotions. Quotes from St. Exupéry's The Little Prince that begin each section are gently delivered, with almost a sense of reverence. A complex story narrated with sensitivity and authenticity.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 1–5—Washington Irving's classic tale of Rip Van Winkle, who fell asleep for 20 years and woke to find an unfamiliar world waiting, is presented here utilizing the vocal talents of Stephen McLaughlin. Following Rip's story, McLaughlin tells Irving's tale about Tom Walker, a man so miserly that he and his wife tried to cheat each other in an attempt to increase their wealth. Their greed eventually cost Tom's wife her life and placed Tom in debt to the devil. These stories are told in their entirety, which may make them better suited for upper elementary students. The narrator does a solid job of breathing new life into these often-told tales. His pacing and tone variation will keep older listeners engaged.—Jeanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 6–10—Having failed for years to live up to his father's expectations, and frustrated at being shown up by rival Jarl the Fair in the Festival of Greatness, newly named Dane the Defiant takes the famous Shield of Odin on a late-night rendezvous with Astrid, the girl he admires. Further frustrated when Astrid echoes his father's admonishments that he prove himself a man rather than pretending, Dane is little prepared for the surprise ambush in which Astrid and the shield are taken by the tyrant Prince Thidrek and his cohorts. Dane returns to find his village under attack and his father mortally wounded. Driven by the need to redeem himself and to rescue Astrid, Dane leads a dangerous quest to stop Thidrek from taking control with the legendary Thor's Hammer. Adventure is the driving force in this epic quest (Laura Geringer Books, 2008) from screenwriters James Jennewein and Tom S. Parker. Dane and Astrid are the most fully developed characters, while Thidrek is a fairly standard over-the-top villain. Listeners who aren't put off by the anachronistic phrases and concepts will be entertained by the humorous and action-packed story. Richard Poe ably narrates the tale in a rich, versatile voice that gives life to the multitude of characters. An additional purchase.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 7 Up—Bobby Phillips and Alicia are back together, trying to figure out who to trust in Andrew Clements's sequel (2008) to Things Not Seen (2002) and Things Hoped For (2006, all Philomel). One morning not long ago, Bobby woke up and discovered that he was invisible. Now, a mysterious invisible man named William wants to know the secret to becoming visible again. The teens' fathers are experimenting with invisibility but want to keep their successes from the government, fearing how the information might be used. The FBI is questioning them and their families. How are the two teenagers to know who to trust or what to do? Are they really threats to national security? Added to the intrigue is Alicia's growing romantic attraction to Robert, as Bobby now wants to be called. The conclusion in gripping, but Clements leaves the door open for further installments. Bobby could still be fodder for government experiments and the knowledge of invisibility is a two-edged sword. Narrator Jennifer Ikeda does a satisfactory job with Alicia's introspective narrative, and we "see" the dangerous situations and emotional turmoil in much the same way as the blind narrator. For fans of the previous books.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton

Gr 8 Up—After the death of her former best friend Cassie, 18-year-old Lia slowly spirals toward her own death, drowning in guilt while starving, cutting, and running on a treadmill in the middle of the night in this emotional novel (Viking, 2009) by Laurie Halse Anderson, winner of the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award. Her father is in denial and her mother is distant; her stepmother and little sister look on helplessly. Lyrically visual, this starkly truthful and chilling first-person tale is narrated convincingly by Jeannie Stith, who perfectly mimics the sarcasm and angst of a teen girl's struggle with anorexia. An interview with the author concludes the audiobook. Recommended for Anderson's fans and those who enjoy books by Sonya Sones and Ellen Hokins.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

PreS-Gr 4—Recess Monkey's—Drew Holloway, Jack Forman, Daron Henry, all elementary-school teachers from Seattle—fifth album features 15 songs based on school experiences. With a sound similar to the Beatles, and performing in various styles of rock, jazz, calypso, and mariachi, the group sings about building forts, sack lunches, pets, hot chocolate, an octopus who tells knock-knock jokes, lice, teens, and more. The tunes are enhanced by excellent performances on piano, guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion, Jew's harp, violin, mandolin, organ, flugelhorn, and trumpet. Several songs include audience participation from a live concert. This fun and goofy album will be a welcome addition—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—These 18 original and adapted traditional songs capture the essence of country music. Don Monopoli's voice is excellent and he sings lead on them all, and Laurie Monopoli or the USA Kid Singers provide the background vocals. The play list includes a square dance, a line dance, a call/response game, a cumulative song, and a country medley. Among the traditional songs are "I Love My Rooster," "Froggie Went A-Courtin'," and "Shoo Fly." Young country fans will have fun singing and dancing to such favorites as "Cotton Eye Joe," "Knees Up, Mother Brown," and "My Aunt Came Back." Other standouts include "50 States," "Inch Worm," and "Patriotic Medley." Roy Rogers' signature song, "Happy Trails," closes the disc. The lyric booklet includes suggestions on how to use these songs with children. Early literacy teachers will find these upbeat, friendly tunes a perfect venue to teach their students basic skills.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

PreS-Gr 3—Monty Harper and Mister Billy join together to present 12 bouncy, lively songs in various styles of classic rock and modern pop. Four of the tunes celebrate libraries, reading, and books: "Be Creative at Your Library," "Reading Makes Me Want to Dance Out Loud," "Don't Look, I'm Making a Book," and "Get Creative!" Harper and Mister Billy relate the history of rock and roll music in "Rock & Roll, Read All About It." And they list every performer who has written an "Ants in Your Pants Dance Song." Other topics include video cameras, stage fright, playing music on one's body, refrigerator art, and creative dreams. A fun album for the whole family.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—The award-winning band Rocknoceros (Coach Cotton, Williebob, Boogie Woogie Bennie) perform 14 songs on their third album in various rock, old school pop, boogie woogie, folk, and country/bluegrass styles. The band and guest musicians provide excellent performances on guitar, mandolin, banjo, trombone, clarinet, French horn, percussion, piano, accordion, kazoo, and harmonica. Like the Recess Monkey band, this group also favors a Beatles-esque sound, with lovely harmonies in several songs. The title song, "Pink!," celebrates the color and pink objects such as flowers and tutus. "Virginia" is a celebration of that state. "Always Tell Your Grandma" is mostly a cappella with barbershop-style harmonies. Other songs are about trains, winter clothing, exercise, parenting, telling time, haircuts, crossing guards, and Charles Lindbergh's famous flight. Another fine addition to children's music.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Robert Schneider, of The Apples in Stereo fame, offers a concept-driven first children's album under the persona Robbert Bobbert, a mad-scientist whose adventures are told in 11 original songs and put in context in the accompanying mini comic book. The order of the songs on the CD is not the same as in the comic book, limiting the usefulness of the book. Also included is a mini coloring book with lyrics. This excellent recording has a fresh sound with some fun themes. Songs include "Tick Tock" (an upbeat march with a catchy tune), "We R Super Heroes" (a retro-sounding pop song), "Hey Little Puppy" (simple, uncomplicated 1960s beach music,) and "Fee Fi Fo, Fee Fi Fum" (an Alvin the Chipmunk-sounding mouse sings this techno-pop number). Other themes include an adventure about getting lost, gravity, friendship, having fun with a friend, and being happy. "The Tiny Sheep," a lullaby featuring vocals and synthesizer, closes the selections. Schneider, who composed the songs, sings lead and plays most instrumentation; John Ferguson and Hilarie Sidney provide harmony vocals. A cheery, sunny concept recording.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

K-Gr 3—Ontario, Canada-based musicians Shari and Jerry Tallon serve up another useful tool for early childhood classrooms. Many songs complement traditional units such as "In My Backyard" (springtime animals and activities for kids), "Fly Butterfly" (metamorphosis of caterpillars), "Nature's Way" (different things that happen each season), and "H.A.P.P.Y." (a self-esteem tune that lends itself to sign language performance). Some songs are just for fun, such as "Haircut," "Scrub, Scrub, Scrub!," "Come Alive," and "I Like You." The Tallons co-wrote most of the 18 songs, except for "Jingle Bell Rock" (Beal/Booth), "Simon Says" (1910 Fruit Gum Company), and the piggyback songs "Skating" and "Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down" (they wrote lyrics). Note that several songs may be found on other recordings by the pair. The Tallons offer tips on actions for songs and extension activities to use to follow them up in the accompanying songbook. Additionally, they cite quotes and research that can be used to support music education in schools.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr all levels—Four-time Grammy-award winner and Bob Marley's son, Ziggy Marley, debuts his third album, his first for children and families. Mother Rita, sister Cedella, and daughter Judah join him to make the album a family affair. Special guest musicians include Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Laurie Berkner. Marley wrote eight of these mostly reggae and folk songs (some with a rock beat), and adapted the two traditional songs—"This Train (Is Bound for Glory)" and "Wings of an Eagle." The other songs include "Family Time," "I Love You, Too," "Ziggy Says" (a take-off on "Simon Says"), "Take Me to Jamaica," "ABC" (A is for Africa, B is for Brother, etc.), and more. To wrap up the album, Jamie Lee Curtis reads Marley's My Helping Hands (2009, available only on this album) and her own Is There Really a Human Race? (HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Books, 2006). An excellent album for introducing reggae music to children.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Alain Le Lait composed and performs this pop opera for kids, creating a fantasy world filled with a cast of characters who are thrust into adventure. Sam and Sally live in a faraway land with their dog, Zoey, who likes to read and enjoys art. Zoey wanders off and meets and befriends the Yok-Yok Man. When the children discover that Zoey is gone, they begin looking for her and encounter a group of Oygoy whose king is intent on capturing the dog. Sam, Sally, and the Yok-Yok Man arrive to rescue Zoey, and the king orders a ballroom dance for all. The 16 songs, listened to in sequence, form the loose storyline. With an overarching pop musical style, Le Lait tweaks the songs to give a hint of different styles of music (easy listening pop, ballad, soft rock, country). Among the songs are "Where Is Zoey?," "We Are the Oygoy," "Zoey's Capture," "Sam and Sally Meet the Yok-Yok Man." Le Lait sings in his pleasing baritone voice, and instrumentation is minimal in order to highlight the lyrics. An intriguing idea, well conceived and executed.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Gr 3 Up—Contrary to its title, the songs here are neither about the Garden of Eden nor taken from biblical literature. This collection of 28 Jewish nursery rhymes, lullabies, and songs represent the diverse Jewish musical experience with classic selections in Hebrew, Yiddish, Judeo-Spanish, and Arabic. Starting with the haunting Hebrew love song "Erev shel Shoshanim" (Evening of Roses), the CD includes familiar songs for Hanukkah, Passover, and the Sabbath; rhymes; lullabies with a Spanish flavor; and songs from Morocco and Algeria. The sound quality is excellent, and the arrangements highlight the different musical modalities of each region without overpowering the lyrics. The CD comes tucked in the back of a 52-page book that includes the words to each song in English, in transliteration and, where appropriate, in Hebrew, Yiddish, or Arabic. The imaginative mixed-media illustrations complement the lyrics and add context. The end materials include information about the different languages, the origins of the songs, and how they related to different customs, Jewish communities, or events. A few of the descriptions of Jewish customs are not entirely correct (Afikomen is the name of the matzo reserved for the end of the Seder, the part of the Seder where it is separated is called Yachatz; using a white tablecloth on the Sabbath is a custom, not a steadfast rule). This is a worthwhile addition to libraries that collect world music and Jewish libraries with music collections.—Kathe Pinchuck, Montclair Public Library, NJ

Gr 1–4—"The wolves are back!" So begins this poignant and thought-provoking tale tracing the interconnectedness of nature and the far-reaching effects that occur when one aspect of a particular ecosystem is disrupted, in this case, the wolf population. By 1926, there were no more wolves in the 48 states—"rangers, hunters, and ranchers were told to shoot every wolf they saw. They did."—and the ecological balance was disrupted. Wolves were re-introduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, and as their numbers grew, balance returned. Moving deftly between the past and present, and set against the backdrop of Wendell Minor's wonderful panoramic paintings, Jean Craighead George's text (Dutton, 2008) beautifully demonstrates the effects of the presence and absence of wolves on the delicate ecosystem. "The vast elk herd had eaten the grasses the little bird needed for food and nesting material. When the wolves returned, they frightened the elk into the mountains. The grasses grew tall. The sparrows raised babies and sang. The wolves were back." Minor's engaging and lively reading is accompanied by excellent sound effects, including fluttering bird wings, songbirds, trampling bison, croaking frogs, and the stirring and plaintive howling of wolves. An excellent purchase for schools and libraries for units on wildlife protection and ecology—Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 2–4—Doreen Rappaport's glorious picture book (2008) dramatizes Abraham Lincoln's life from his childhood to his presidency and struggle to abolish slavery through his powerful words. In the pattern of her award-winning books, Martin's Big Words (2007) and Eleanor: Quiet No More (2009, all Hyperion), this book highlights famous quotations by our 16th president. Kadir Nelson's artwork is exceptional. Christopher King's narration lacks the dramatic appeal of Nelson's illustrations. His voice lacks resonance and some words are nearly lost. Kirby Ward, on the other hand, narrates the character voices in a clear tenor, bringing Lincoln's words to life and making them accessible and meaningful for listeners. Memorable lines from the Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and other speeches truly resonate. Bruce Zimmerman's background music sets a down-home tone and does not intrude on the content during the more serious sections. A useful tool to introduce Civil War units and prepare students for President's Day activities.—Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—The spare, steady cadence of these poems (Holt, 2008) by Marguerite Engel presents stories of slavery and strife set in Cuba during the second half of the 19th century. The cycle of verses revolves around Rosa, a healer who cares for ally and foe, first as a slave and later during the years she works with rebel fighters. Standouts among the many characters who surround this steadfast protagonist are her husband, Jose; her old enemy, Lt. Death; and orphaned Sylvia, who wants to be a nurse. Narrators Yesinia Cabrero, Váne Millon, Chris Nuñez, Ozzie Rodriguez, and Roberto Santana weave together the story's strands with a mix of quiet determination, blustery bravado, and occasional melancholy. The effect is flat at times, but the ensemble conveys the desperation of a population beset by rebellions, starvation, and the oppression of colonial rule. The sinking of the American ship, the Maine, will be familiar to some and introduces listeners to U.S. intervention in Cuba. Most listeners, however, will find the events described as undiscovered chapters in the history of the western hemisphere. Author notes explain Engel's Cuban-American heritage and the family stories of island life. Engel also adds facts concerning the historical Cubans she depicts. This collection is an intriguing way to introduce Cuban history and discussions on issues such as slavery and colonialism.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT