ART

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Patrick McDonnell / Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video; AudioFile Earphones Award

Art, a young boy, joyfully draws scribbles that squiggle, splotches with blotches, zigs and zags, doodles and dogs, and so much more! Children are introduced to the imaginative world of art and how a picture really can be worth a thousand words. Narration and music by the versatile Bobby McFerrin. Directed by Konstantin Bronzit. A co-production of Weston Woods Studios, Studio Mir and Rembrandt Films.

Reviews:
School Library Journal: "In a play on words that carries throughout the story, Art, a young boy, joyfully tries his hand at all kinds of art."

Booklist: "Lively and engaging, this film is a perfect choice to encourage young viewers to create their own masterpieces."

AudioFile: "...the story takes flight with the innovations of Bobby McFerrin's narration...the story just soars."

Video Librarian Three Stars: "a jazzy animated paean to creativity...a winning valentine to budding artists that celebrates taking up the crayon, colored pencil, or bursh at an early age. Recommended."

ALA Notable Video Committee: "...the book swings to life in this musical be-bob film.'

BUGS! BUGS! BUGS!

Grades: PreK–1
Author: Bob Barner / Illustrator: Bob Barner

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Book Awards: Texas Library Assn 2x2 Reading List; Parents' Choice Recommended Winner; Parent Council Ltd Outstanding

With whimsical verse and brightly colored collage images, everyone's favorite bugs come to life. Music and vocals by Crystal Taliefero. DVD includes an interactive "Bug-O-Meter" game, and DVD and audio CD both include bug facts in "Meet the Bugs," a segment created especially for this production by author/illustrator Bob Barner.

Reviews:
School Library Journal: "...happily animated, set to music, and performed in a rap style for this fun production. The bouncy, rhyming text is delightfully suited to this format. (Included is) a 'Bug-o-Meter' game that would be fun to play as a class...A terrific extension for primary teachers doing bug units."

AudioFile: "The text is set to a jaunty tune with vocals that capture the energy of the book's vibrant, multitextured collage illustrations…A meet 'Meet the Bugs' informational piece appears as an afterword…to this infectious read-along."

Video Librarian: "A lively and colorful animated adaptation. Recommended."

Catholic Library World: "Filled with the colorful paper colllage illustrations of the book, the simple cutout animation effectively shows the busy activitites of a variety of insects. Future entomologists will be buggy for this one!"

DIARY OF A FLY

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Doreen Cronin / Illustrator: Harry Bliss

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Audio Awards: AudioFile Best Audiobook of the Year

The day-to-day existence of a little fly that wants to be a superhero and who is not afraid to dream big, really big! Narrated by Abigail Breslin with music by Zdenek Zdenek. Directed by Gene Deitch.

Reviews:
School Library Journal: Starred Review "Though the treatment is whimsical, the narration reveals numerous fly facts, including the insect's live cycle...Lively narration by Abigail Breslin and doo-wop music add to the fun...This clever production is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, with just enough information to be used in a science class or a writing lesson to encourage youngsters to keep their own diaries."

Booklist: "Young viewers learn facts about flies...Abigail Breslin's narration lends a wonderfuly childlike quality to the adaptation, and accompanying music is terrific."

AudioFile: "Young listeners will find themselves greatly entertained by this playful illustrated guide to the life of a little fly…The audio offers engaging bits of information about flies."

DIARY OF A SPIDER

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Doreen Cronin / Illustrator: Harry Bliss

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video; '2006 Capitol Choices Best Titles List; Best Short Film London Children's Film Festival

Book Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; Book Sense Book of the Year Award

This is the diary of a spider who's a lot like you! He goes to school, but he also spins sticky webs and takes wind-catching lessons. From the creators of the best-selling Diary of a Worm, this portrait of an upside-down web will have kids wishing they could be spiders too! Directed by Gene Deitch, and narrated by Angus T. Jones, with music by Zdenek Zdenek.

DINOSAUR BONES

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Bob Barner / Illustrator: Bob Barner

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video; Gold Remi, Worldfest Houston International Film Festival; CINE Finalist

With Lively rhyming text and collage illustrations, the author of Dem Bones reminds us that dinosaur bones used to belong to living, breathing creatures. Full of fun dinosaur facts, this production will make dino-fans of kids and grown-ups alike. Narrated by Jerry Dixon, music by Raul Malo. Directed by Gary McGivney.

Reviews:
author Bob Barner: “I love the Dinosaur Bones movie!!! I love the fact that Mr. T-Rex is holding yours truly's book in hand in the beginning. I also really love the text set to music. The whole package is just riveting and wonderful to behold.”

School Library Journal: "Students will be enamoured with this production and teachers will be impressed by the accuracy of the information presented in such an appealing format."

AudioFile: "Barner's rhymes will appeal to young audiences, especially as read by Jerry Dixon…. Zippy music, including an original song, complete the package."

Video Librarian: "…chockfull of fun dinosaiur facts..."

DO UNTO OTTERS (A Book About Manners)

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Laurie Keller / Illustrator: Laurie Keller

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video; Audie Finalist; AudioFile Earphones Award; KidsFirst! Short Film Award

Audio Awards: AudioFile Best Audiobook of the Year; AudioFile Earphones Award

Book Awards: 2007 Amazon Best Book of the Year

When the Otters move in next door to Mr. Rabbit, he does not know how to act with them. This is the story that highlights how to be a good neighbor and friend - just simply follow the Golden Rule! Featuring music and voices by Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young, with additional voices by Diana Canova and David deVries. Directed by Galen Fott. Audio CD includes an additional bonus track, "The Doo-Dee-Doo Song."

Reviews:
School Library Journal Starred Review: "This manners lesson is a lively romp, from Rabbit's 'Doo Dee Doo' song and a catchy banjo tune to the fun puns and wordplays…Keller's colorful illustrations have been animated, bringing each animal to life...A witty and wonderful book has been made into an even more engaging film."

AudioFile: "A high-energy, full-cast narration, including songs sung by narrator Jack Sundrud, brings to life the otter and rabbit characters, keeping (everyone) engaged, and, most importantly, making sure that the message is always fun."

ALA Notable Video Committee: "Wonderful blue-grass style music and voices..."

Video Librarian Starred Review: "Using a spoonful of whimsical cartoon sugar to help the behavioral medicine go down, this is both fun and instructive."

Catholic Library World: "The underlying message of this entertaining video is easy for younger viewers to grasp. Bouncy guitar and dulcimer music...is catchy and kids are likely to be singing it after the video ends."

DOOBY DOOBY MOO

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Doreen Cronin / Illustrator: Betsy Lewin

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Audio Awards: Honor Title, Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production; ALA Notable Children's Recording; AudioFile Earphones Award

When Duck finds out about a talent show at the county fair, he and the animals on the farm start rehearsing. While Farmer Brown tries to figure out what the animals are up to, Duck is determined they will enter the contest and win! Brilliantly narrated by Randy Travis, with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds, and a wild vocal performance by Jon Carroll. Directed by MaGiK Studio.

Audio CD includes two bonus tracks, "Born to be Wild" (performed by Jon Carroll and "Steppenduck") and "Pigs' Dance."

Reviews:
Booklist: Starred Review "...incorporates toe-tappin' fiddles and banjos. Adding to the amusement are background barnyard sounds...Kids will be howling out loud at the animals' sly tricks and silly songs. Honors all around for this highly entertaining program."

School Library Journal: "...humorous animated illustrations and narration...Duck sings "Born to be Wild" like a rock star."

AudioFile: "Music, voice, and soundscape blend into a magnificent story symphony. Randy Travis narrates with a drawl that fits the wacky farm where the animals are musical. Sheep baa "Home on the Range," cows moo "Twinkle, Twinkle," and Duck, alway the star of the barn, does a rendition of "Born to be Wild" that wins the animals a prize."

Video Librarian Starred Review: "Duck saves the day with a spirited rendition (kudos to the excellent vocals by Jon Carroll) of the Steppenwolf classic 'Born to be Wild'. Another fun entry in a winning series."

Curriculum Connections: "Jon Carroll as Duck offers a rock-star rendition of the Steppenwolf song Born to Be Wild."

ELLINGTON WAS NOT A STREET

Grades: K–7
Author: Ntozake Shange / Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Film Awards: The Chris Award, Columbus Int'l Film & Video Festival; ALA Notable Video

Audio Awards: Black Issues Book Review Best of the Best Audiobooks for Kids

Book Awards: Coretta Scott King Award; Parents' Choice Gold Award

In this reflective poetic tribute, the author remembers growing up when many of the great figures in African-American history gathered in her family home to talk and share ideas and even sing. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad with the music of Duke Ellington. Video/DVD includes documentary segment, More About a Few of the Men Who Changed the World. Audio CD includes bonus track of the poem ready by the author, Ntozake Shange.

Reviews:
AudioFile: “Rashad's voice is gentle, yet firm. Her drawn-out pauses heighten the mysteriousness and import of each guest.”

School Library Journal: “Phylicia Rashad's regal narration is paced slowly but spoken with great feeling…. A wonderful introduction and tribute to the heroes of a past generation.”

2006 ALA Notable Videos Committee: “…beautifully narrated by Phylicia Rashad…”

EMILY’S FIRST 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

Grades: PreK–4
Author: Rosemary Wells / Illustrator: Rosemary Wells

Film Awards: Silver Remi, Worldfest Houston International Film Festival

With so much to do on her first day of school, Emily feels like it will take forever to reach 100, when her teacher announces they will have a party after 100 days. As the days and weeks go by, Emily and her new classmates learn new ideas, expand their world, and grow closer together one day at a time. Brilliantly narrated by Diana Canova. Directed by Gene Deitch. Co-produced by JZ Media and Weston Woods.

Reviews:
Children's Bookwatch: “...very highly recommended.”

AudioFile:“Diana Canova brings alive Rosemary Wells's popular counting book, pulling out all the stops. She sings, does a great imitation of teenaged big sister Eloise's superior voice, and puts a lot of energy and imagination into the miscellaneous characters we meet along the way.... This story depicts with humor and delightful pictures the role of numbers in elementary school.”

School Library Journal: “…this animated version of Rosemary Wells’ book is faithful to the print edition and features the same adorable animal characters and primary-colored cartoons…”

author Rosemary Wells: “One of the best perks in my professional life is watching Weston Woods bring a book of mine to life. Emily's Hundred Days is such a lively and funny film, but it still manages to teach the complicated learning of number names, order, and amount in an entirely original film format.”

GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY

Grades: PreK–4
Author: Allen Say / Illustrator: Allen Say

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Audio Awards: ALA Notable Recording

Book Awards: Caldecott Medal Book

Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in the United States and Japan, Allen Say poignantly recounts his family's journey to America. The feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries are sensitively expressed. Narrated by B.D. Wong, with music by Ernest V. Troost.

Reviews:
Booklist: "This skillfully edited program captures the beauty of Say's lovely, tranquil watercolors…Wong reads with sensitivity and grace, conveying both the wonderment of the man's exciting journey and his intense love of two countries…exquisite music score (is) a subtle mix of Eastern and Western influences."

Video Librarian: "Comprised of a series of beautiful portraits, Grandfather's Journey -- narrated by B.D. Wong, with a characteristically lovely soundtrack by Ernest V. Troost -- is not a 'grass is greener on the other side' tale of envy and ambition, but rather a simple, quiet recognition that 'home' is not necessarily a singular concept. Recommended."

School Library Journal: "Allen Say's beautifully written Caldecott Award-winning memoir of his grandfather's life is treated with care in this expressive production...original music begins with a Japanese flavor, but adopts a slightly more Western tone as the story progresses, beautifully complementing the text."

ALA Notable Video Committee: "B.D. Wong is the masterful narrator of the poignant story…accompanied by moving music."