Multimedia Review: January2012
RSS
VIDEO/DVD Is this really all the reviews for January 2012? There are usually at last 4 times as many reviews or so. Where are the rest of the January reviews? They aren't in the Reviews Center, because I checked there, and that area starts with the December 2011 reviews. * = Required information
In this Article
Audio
Multimedia Distributors
Castle Farm, Vol. 1. DVD. approx. 59 min. Prod. by Impossible TV Ltd. Dist. by Organa Kids. 2009, 2011 release. ISBN unavail. $14.95.PreS-K–This delightful English import is a true breath of fresh air. Beautiful animated drawings combined with a colorful cast of characters quickly draw viewers into each of the nine episodes. Set on a farm on the land of a castle, Farm Girl, a take charge young lady who doesn’t let anything get her down, and her best friend, Piggy, are often at the center of the adventures. Joined in their escapades by a group of silly hens, cow hands, Farmer (who refreshingly is a woman), cows, bunnies, pigs, and a wise unicorn, the whole crew learns lessons in friendship, teamwork, and responsibility, often while having a lot of fun. The humans, animals, and unicorn are able to speak to one another and work together doing chores, playing games, and solving mysteries like who is stealing all of the carrots. This wonderfully gentle production will be a very welcome addition to all collections for young children.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL
Lee & Grant. DVD. 94 min. Prod. by Motion Picture Prod. for History. Dist. by History. 2011. ISBN 1-4229-4238-4. $24.95.
Gr 9 Up–The Civil War was one of our country’s most pivotal events and—with the notable exception of President Abraham Lincoln—no two individuals more affected its outcome than opposing Generals Lee and Grant. This well-crafted program combines an exploration of the backgrounds and personal characteristics of each soldier with an explanation of how those traits manifested themselves during their military careers. Utilizing a rich variety of realistic recreations, vintage photographs, crisp and clear graphics, and expert commentaries by scholars, the documentary follows Lee and Grant from their extremely dissimilar upbringings to their eventual encounter at Appomattox courthouse. Highlighted is the personal anguish each felt as they personally witnessed the casualties in what is still our country’s bloodiest conflict. Rather than focus primarily on the military aspects of the Civil War, like so many other films do, this production offers a personal look at the men who led their armies into battle. A brief bonus segment summarizes the careers of both leaders, while the chapter option enhances the program’s potential value as both a classroom tool and a research resource.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL All About Bullies…Big and Small. CD. approx. 60 min. Prod. by Cool Beans Music. Dist. by AV Café. 2011. ISBN unavail. $15.
PreS-Gr 4–In order to call attention to the prevalent problem of bullying, producer Steve Pullara has collected 37 outstanding songs and poems by a wide range of artists including Little Steven Van Zandt (“Science Fair”), Blue October (“Jump Rope”), Peter Alsop (“Courage”), Frances England (“Best Friends”), Barry Louis Polisar (“Town of Round”), Debbie and Friends (“Walk Away”), Eric Ode (“Labels,” “Keep Your Chin Up”), The Battersby Duo (“I Know a Kid”), Judy Pancoast (“Tall Jenna”), Miss Amy (“Keep Your Chin Up”), Jonathan Sprout (“Until I Met Tim”), Marla Lewis (“Leap of Faith”), Debbi Calton (“Bully on the Bus,” “A Cyber Tail”), Jim Cravero (“Knock Knock for Isabelle,” “Where Are Ya?”), Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band (“My World Is a Bicycle”), and Eric Bazilian (“Shorty’s Big Bounce Back,” “Turning the Page to a Good Vibe Is Best”). The album features a wide range of musical styles and excellent performances. Pullara wrote many of the poems, but most of them are read by others. The topic is timely and the selections cover important issues such as identifying bullies, what to do about them, and what to do if you are a target of bullying. All profits from the sale of the album will be donated to PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org.–Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Seuss (unabr.). CD. 54 min. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-74607-8. $12.
K-Gr 2–Fans of Dr. Seuss had their fondest wish come true when editor Charles Cohen collected these seven lost stories (Random, 2011) which were originally published in Redbook magazine in the 1950s. They are read here by some of the finest actors of our day. Neil Patrick Harris’s voice rises spectacularly as he builds to the ridiculous climax of wishes that might be had by wishing on “The Bippolo Seed.” Anjelica Huston lays it on as the clever rabbit who expounds on the tragedy of a predatory bear having one eyelash too few in “The Rabbit, the Bear, and the Zinniga-Sanniga.” Edward Hermann introduces lost Seussian creatures the Gritch, the Grickle, the Nupper, and the Ikka looking for “Steak for Supper” at the home of a panicked boy who bragged. Only in a Seuss story could a spot become so capricious a thing as it is when transferred from shirt to towel to tub to cat in “The Strange Shirt Spot,” read by William H. Macy. Other stories include “Gustav, the Goldfish,” read by Jason Lee; “Tadd and Todd,” read by Joan Cusack; and Peter Dinklage reading “The Great Henry McBride.” These classic Seuss tales are full of his trademark social commentary, outrageous imagination, and lyrical language. They beg to be read aloud and are done so with consummate drama by these gifted actors. Cohen ties up the production with the story of how he discovered and collected the stories, adding interesting asides. This recording is pure gold.–Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH City of Lies: The Keepers Trilogy, Book 2 (unabr.) 5 CDs. 5:59 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-71087-1. $34.
Gr 4-8–It has been several months since the events of The Museum of Thieves (2010), and Goldie Roth, like all the citizens of Jewel, is still adjusting to her new life. She’s has been caring for her ill parents since their release from the House of Repentance. Her friend, Toadspit, and the other Keepers of the Museum of Dunt are waiting for her to take her place as Fifth Keeper, but she refuses to leave her parents. When Toadspit’s little sister is kidnapped, he and Goldie follow her captors to the city of Spoke. Goldie becomes separated from her friends and is caught in the town’s Festival of Lies, when nothing anyone says is true. Goldie must rescue her friends and get back to Jewel, where more trouble is brewing. Lian Tanner’s novel (2011, both Delacorte) creates a rich, magical fantasy world full of mysteries. When the immediate danger is alleviated, suggestions of trouble to come will have listeners eagerly awaiting the final volume of the trilogy. Claudia Black’s skillful narration is outstanding. She includes distinct shifts in pitch and accent to bring a cast of characters of varied ages and personalities to life. Not to be missed.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, CA Colonel Purple Turtle. CD. 47 min. with hardcover book. Prod. by Rocknoceros. Dist. by AV Café. 2011. ISBN unavail. $25; CD only $15.
K-Gr 3–Rocknoceros is a talented trio from Northern Virginia whose music will have great appeal to children as well as adults. On this album, Rocknoceros hits on a variety of musical genres from jazz to calypso to barber shop quartet and everything in between in such a skillful way that the songs flow from one into another without any jarring transitions. Along the way, listeners are introduced to a collection of entertaining characters including Harry Elephante, the pirate cats Harvey and Truffles, Rocky the hardware store owning dog, the writer Truman Coyote, and of course, Colonel Purple Turtle. Also included are several science-based songs on topics such as conservation and echolocation as well as a song filled with idioms and one that teaches children how to introduce themselves to new friends. The fun-filled lyrics will have kids learning without even realizing it. While the book, Colonel Purple Turtle’s Purple Turtle Journal, written by Rocknoceros and delightfully illustrated by Missy Sheldrake, gives visual life to the characters featured in songs on the CD, the two items can be enjoyed independent of one another. A most welcome addition to music collections for children.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library District, IL The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin (unabr.). 5 CDs. 6 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-91698-3. $45.
Gr 7-10–Will Halpin (Hamburger is his IM name) doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. He’s the only hearing-impaired person in his family. At the school for the deaf, he was ostracized for not being proud enough of his deafness. At his new mainstream school, he doesn’t fit in because he’s the new, fat, deaf kid. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Pat Chambers: a good-looking star quarterback and the son of the richest man in town. Pat’s got everything going for him??until someone pushes him down a mineshaft on a class fieldtrip. Now everyone, including Will and his nerdy friend Devon Smiley, is a murder suspect. Will and Devon team up for some Hardy Boys-style adventures as they investigate their pothead bus driver, their inappropriately flirty math teacher, Pat’s ex-girlfriend, and the myriad of angry students who weren’t invited to Pat’s 16th birthday party. Each nugget of information Will records in his secret notebook points him closer to the murderer. Meanwhile, Will is on a quest of his own to discover the truth about a ghost in his own family. Offering insight into the interior life of a deaf teen, Josh Berk’s well-researched book (Knopf, 2010) is read by Jim Meskimen in a slightly flat tone that perfectly reflects Will’s resigned cynicism and angry sarcasm. This novel offers a great balance between mystery, humor, and teenage angst, and Will’s voice is certain to resonate with teens.–Heather Campbell, formerly Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO The Exquisite Corpse Adventure (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:42 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2011. ISBN 978-1-4558-2039-9. $49.97.
Gr 5-8–On board a train rushing through the night, twins Joe and Nancy have escaped from the Sick and Tired Circus and are following a clue on a card they found addressed to them from their parents. Shortly after their train ride is interrupted by a bomb, they discover that the clue points to them finding their parents’ top-secret robot invention’s various body parts in order to save their family. Traveling through the present as well as other times in history in order to find the robot, they get help from a talking pig, an affectionate elephant, a fortune teller who can only see one’s misfortune, and some other unique characters. To find the robot, the band of friends will have to outwit, outrun, and outsmart mad scientists, evil shape-shifting eggs, and a whole army of villains bent on the robot never being assembled. Can Joe and Nancy discover what happened to their parents and save their family? What key does the robot hold? This unique progressive story (Candlewick, 2011) is told by a large group of well-known authors—Kate DiCamillo, Nikki Grimes, MT Anderson, Megan McDonald, Lemony Snicket, and others—and brought to life by Phil Gigante’s crisp and clear narration. Gigante masterfully navigates the different authors’ writing styles. The fast-paced plot and cliffhangers will hold the attention of reluctant readers.–Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT The Heart of a Samurai (unabr.). 5 cassettes or 5 CDs. 6:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2011. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4561-3612-3: $41.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4561-3613-0: $56.75.
Gr 5 Up–Shipwrecked in 1841, 14-year-old Manjiro and his mates are rescued from a small island by an American whaler. Because of their country’s strict policy of isolation, the Japanese fishermen are wary of their rescuers, but Manjiro is curious and wants to learn more about their language and customs. Eventually, he accepts the captain’s offer to stay on the ship when it returns to America. He experiences prejudice and racism, as well as kindness and friendship in America. While he learns much in his adopted home, he still wishes to return someday to Japan. Based on a true story, Margi Preus’s Newbery Honor title (Amulet, 2010) is skillfully narrated by James Yaegashi. With superior pacing and crisp pronunciation of Japanese names and words, Yaegashi creates an engaging listening experience. The action-filled scenes aboard whaling ships, as well as the everyday experiences on the farm in America, will hold listeners’ attention. An author’s historical note details fact from fiction in this inspirational, remarkable tale.–Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL Jefferson’s Sons (unabr.). 9 CDs. 10:24 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-94233-3. $40.
Gr 6-9–Kimberly Brubaker Bradley imagines what life would be like for the children of Sally Hemings, a slave, and Thomas Jefferson in this well-researched work (Dial, 2011) of historical fiction that offers important insights into slavery. Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston all know they are Jefferson’s children—and his slaves. Their hardworking mother is sure that one day her children will be free. She hopes that Beverly and Harriet will be able to pass for white. The four children have a better life than most slaves, learning to read and play the violin, but they are also burdened with the secret of being Jefferson’s offspring. Bradley tackles the issue of Jefferson, champion of freedom and author of the Declaration of Independence, owning and selling slaves. She strives for historical accuracy concerning the people involved, but fills in the emotions and thoughts of the characters. Adenrele Ojo provides spot-on narration, capturing the accents and emotions of the characters, particularly Beverly, Madison, and Peter. A top choice for school and public libraries.–Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY Jim Gill Presents Music Play for Folks of All Stripes. CD. 46:19 min. with DVD. Jim Gill Music. 2011. ISBN unavail. $17.
PreS-Gr 3–Jim Gill presents another outstanding album full of musical play. A fingerplay set to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor? Gill pulls it off, and even segues that great classical piece into a klezmer tune. But that’s just the kind of wacky musician Gill is, as he presents 15 songs, most involving participatory movements on the part of listeners. Along with prominent Chicago musicians, Gill performs in a variety of musical styles, from classical symphony to bluegrass to improvised jazz rhythms and riffs accompanying his spoken word play (“Foot Notes” and “Bounces Abundant”). “I Was Born a Horn” encourages children to pretend to play different instruments. “I Changed My Mind” has listeners moving to a slow country waltz, which then segues into a fast double-time country tune. “Two for Tea” keeps adding more tea drinkers for a cute counting song. Among the other tunes are “Truck Stop,” “It Takes Some Friends,” “Have You Seen the Trampoline?,” “The Onomatopoeia Pizzeria,” “Habanera La La La,” and “Living Inside of a Jar” (which features musicians blowing, plucking and striking water-filled glass bottles), and others. The accompanying DVD shows Gill leading two dozen parents and children in performing the motions for “Beethoven’s Five Finger Play” and “Truck Stop.” An excellent and unique album.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech. CD. 78 min. Ben Rudnick. 2011. ISBN unavail. $14.99.
PreS-Gr 4–Ben Rudnick & Friends have been entertaining families for over a decade. Recorded live at the Town Green in Lexington, MA, in July 2008, this wonderful blend of 22 original, traditional, and cover songs will have listeners tapping their toes and singing along. The collection includes traditional numbers like “Skip to My Lou,” “Hava Nagila,” and “When the Saints Come Marching In,” as well as cover songs such as Hank Williams, Sr.’s “Hey Good Lookin’” and Johnny Cash’s “Big River.” The original songs are fun, silly tunes about things like macaroni and cheese, making a new friend, and Sally salamander. Getting up and moving around are definitely required while listening. The musicianship and production values are top-notch, making this an album the whole family will want to listen to over and over again.–Veronica De Fazio, Plainfield Public Library, IL R My Name Is Rachel (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:12 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2011. ISBN 978-0-307-94186-2. $27.
Gr 4-7–Newbery award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff and actress Cynthia Holloway bring the depression-era to life in this heartwarming, realistic tale (Wendy Lamb Books, 2011). When forced to leave the city life they’ve always known in search of work for their Pop, 12-year-old Rachel and her two siblings find themselves alone in the heart of farm county waiting for the new president to bring prosperity back to the United States. The school and library have been closed, and Pops new job takes him away from the children and the farm for two months. Holloway brilliantly provides believable voices for Rachel and the other characters. The daring yet purposeful antics of brother, Joey, along with a second interesting young male character the kids encounter will keep adolescent boys interested. Listeners will celebrate Rachel’s successes as she struggles to coexist peacefully with her sister while keeping food on their table, vegetables in the garden, and a growing menagerie of farm animals in the barn. This beautifully narrated story provides a realistic glimpse into life in the 1930s for students studying this time period in American history.–Cathie Bashaw Morton, Millbrook Central School District, NY
For all the latest reviews in this section and more, see SLJ's new Reviews Center (Beta)!
The Reviews Center (Beta) is available free through March 1, 2012 to all users with a Library Journal or School Library Journal online account (this includes current recipients of our email newsletters). Don’t know if you have an account with us? It’s easy to check and verify your email, or create a new account.
Log in to the Reviews Center (Beta) now.
Reader Comments (2)
Posted by Beverly Wrigglesworth on January 10, 2012 06:34:19PM
