Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins

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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 10/27/2008 12:23:00 PM

Super Dog

Bolt (PG), a computer-animated film from Walt Disney Studios, premieres in theaters on November 21, 2008. Raised on a Hollywood set, this white German Shepard (voiced by John Travolta) has been brought up to believe that the character he portrays on a hit TV series is real. He is confident of his amazing abilities—including laser-projecting eyes and an earthshaking “super bark”—and takes seriously the responsibility of protecting his mistress, Penny (Miley Cyrus), from the criminals who threaten her scientist/father.

Bolt’s true-life adventure begins when he escapes from his trailer, accidentally falls into a shipping carton, and ends up over-night-expressed to New York City. Convinced that Penny has been captured by her father’s nemesis, the brave pooch is determined to travel back to California to rescue his beloved owner. With the reluctant help of a street-smart cat named Mittens (Susie Essman), and the enthusiastic support of Rhino (Mark Walton), a Bolt-show fanatic who travels via plastic hamster ball, Bolt gradually learns the truth about who he is and discovers that friendship and love can inspire actions—and heroism—beyond the ordinary.

Directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard, Bolt will be available for viewing in digital 3-D in some theaters. The movie is Disney’s first venture into employing 3-D technology during production (rather than adding the stereoscopic effects after completion), resulting in dynamic images that are more naturally integrated into the storytelling. Influenced by the work of Edward Hopper, the art design incorporates painterly techniques (brushstroked textures, changes in lighting, etc.) into the CG animation to depict the cross-country settings. Kids can visit the official Web site to preview the action, watch videos, and play games.

Movie Tie-ins

Two fan-pleasing books from Random House retell Bolt’s story. The Junior Novelization (Gr 3–6) lures older readers into the action with edge-of-your-seat descriptions of Bolt and Penny’s TV adventures. The dog’s journey of self-discovery is aided and lightened by his interaction with his fellow travelers: the cynical, one-liner-dropping Mittens and the ever-optimistic Rhino. Humor and fast-paced storytelling keep the ball rolling to the happy ending. The cover image of a bright-eyed Bolt is a grabber, and kids will enjoy browsing the eight pages of film photos.

A Read-Aloud Storybook (PreS–3) recaps plot highlights for younger readers with a straightforward though occasionally choppy retelling. Echoing the style of the animation, large full-spread paintings are filled with action and color. The expressive faces of the cartoon characters make the most of the humor and clearly reflect their changing emotions.

Narrated in jaunty rhymes by the three animal companions, One Ridonculous Adventure (PreS–Gr 2), from Disney Press, provides another look at the film’s plot and themes. The text, which playfully re-creates the protagonists’ personalities and briefly spotlights major movie moments, will have the most appeal for kids already familiar with the storyline. Vibrantly illustrated by Aurian Redson, a story artist for the film, the book combines stylized depictions of the characters with bold color blends, neatly sketched-out scenery, and lively visual action. The artwork does a good job of acknowledging the animated images while presenting them with a fresh artistic style.

Pub Info

TRIMBLE, Irene, adapt. Bolt: The Junior Novelization. Random. 2008. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2496-7.

MARSOLI, Lisa, adapt. Bolt: A Read-Aloud Storybook. illus. by Andrew Phillipson, Jean-Paul Orpiñas, et al. Random. 2008. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2548-3.

DALY, Catherine. Bolt: One Ridonculous Adventure. illus. by Aurian Redson. Disney. 2008. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1555-7.

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