School Library Journal» Spoken Arts http://www.slj.com The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 Pick of the Day: Timeless Thomas | DVD http://www.slj.com/2013/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-timeless-thomas-dvd/ http://www.slj.com/2013/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-timeless-thomas-dvd/#comments Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:00:18 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=57289 Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives focuses on Edison’s legacy. Learn about his many inventions in Spoken Arts Media's DVD version of the book by Gene Barretta.]]>  

Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives. DVD. 17:22 min. Spoken Arts. 2013. ISBN 0-8045-8140-1. $50; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4239-2: $29.95.
Gr 2–6–Thomas Alva Edison and his inventive mind had a huge impact on society, perhaps more than most people realize. This is the focus of Gene Barretta’s book (Holt, 2012.) In the DVD, the author provides a live-action introduction, taking viewers toEdison’s workshop and showing many of histimeless thomas 272x300 Pick of the Day: Timeless Thomas | DVD inventions. This provides a nice segue into the book itself, which is read by Steve Chiamadia while Barretta’s warm and humorous cartoon illustrations are scanned iconographically. The presentation is fascinating because it focuses less onEdison’s life than on his legacy. AtEdison’s lab, students are introduced to an invention and then shown how it impacts us today. The connections that are made are enlightening as viewers learn how Edison was instrumental in the technology that led to modern-day movies, batteries, tattoos, vending machines, and much more. Barretta also emphasizes the work involved, and howEdisonlearned from his failures as well as his successes. This fascinating presentation provides unique insights and thought-provoking connections.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way, WA

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/09/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-timeless-thomas-dvd/feed/ 0 Pick of the Day: Zero the Hero (CD) http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-zero-the-hero-cd/ http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-zero-the-hero-cd/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:05:45 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=28757 Zero the Hero. By Joan Holub. CD. 12:45 min. with hardcover book. Spoken Arts. 2012. ISBN 0-8045-4242-2. $29.95. Gr 1-3–Zero dons superhero garb and tries to change his reputation because he’s tired of feeling like nothing. It’s clear that he makes no impact in addition, subtraction, or division. And in multiplication he sends the other numbers fleeing in fear of extinction. Finally, in despair, Zero rolls away. However, once he’s gone the other numbers miss him. They can’t make 10. They [...]]]> star Pick of the Day: Zero the Hero (CD)zero the hero Pick of the Day: Zero the Hero (CD)Zero the Hero. By Joan Holub. CD. 12:45 min. with hardcover book. Spoken Arts. 2012. ISBN 0-8045-4242-2. $29.95.
Gr 1-3–Zero dons superhero garb and tries to change his reputation because he’s tired of feeling like nothing. It’s clear that he makes no impact in addition, subtraction, or division. And in multiplication he sends the other numbers fleeing in fear of extinction. Finally, in despair, Zero rolls away. However, once he’s gone the other numbers miss him. They can’t make 10. They can’t round up or down. They start to regret the way they treated him. Then bigger problems arise. They are attacked by toga-clad Roman numerals! Zero hears their cries for help and saves the day by demonstrating his awesome ability to make things disappear by multiplying with them. The invaders flee in horror and Zero takes his rightful place among the other numbers. Joan Holub’s fun, light-hearted book (Holt, 2012) teaches important math concepts regarding zero. Jim Brownold and Cie Peterson create unique voices for all the different numbers, who are very talkative participants in the story. Listeners can enjoy the conversations while perusing Tom Lichtenheld’s hilarious illustrations. Original background music by Bruce Zimmerman enhances the experience. This fun and enjoyable package would make a great listening center.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

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