Frankenweenie

This touching tale about a boy and his dog—presented with a distinctive Tim Burton twist—premieres in theaters on October 5. Frankenweenie (PG), from Walt Disney Pictures, is based on director/producer Burton’s own 1984 live-action short of the same title. Filmed in atmospheric black and white, this 3-D stop-motion-animated feature blends classic monster movie elements with quirky humor, creepy-looking characters and settings, and deftly explored themes.

Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan) is a clever and creative 10-year-old with a passion for science. When Sparky, his cherished pet and constant companion, is tragically killed in an accident, the boy is devastated. Inspired by a new science teacher, Victor comes up with a brilliant plan to bring his pooch (now stitched together but still compellingly cute) back to life. Though he tries to keep his accomplishment a secret, word soon gets out—with monstrous consequences for his fellow students and the entire town.

Fans of Frankenstein (1931) and other old-school standards will be entertained by the film’s numerous references and playful parodies. For example, Victor’s new teacher (voiced by Martin Landau) bears a striking resemblance to Vincent Price; one of his classmates, Edgar “E” Gore (Atticus Shaffer), echoes the appearance and ineptitude of his namesake; and Elsa van Helsing (Winona Ryder), the likable girl-next-door, owns a poodle that—after a shocking reunion with the souped-up Sparky—ends up with a Bride of Frankenstein bouffant.

Kids can visit the movie’s website to meet the flamboyantly spooky characters, watch trailers and video clips, and play a science-experiment-themed game. A click on one of the “360 Set Tours” takes viewers behind the scenes to find out more about the stop-motion animation process, listen to commentary from the movie’s makers, and use their mouse to browse around a stage set (designated hot spots link to interesting tidbits).

Disney Press has published two tie-in titles that will grab film fans with stylish movie-poster-style covers. Frankenweenie: A Cinematic Storybook (K-Gr 4) retells the plot highlights and provides clearly reproduced double-page movie photos. Consisting of short sentences and straightforward language and presented in a large-size font, the narrative could be shared aloud or tackled by beginning readers with a bit of experience. Graphics that look like stitches frame the illustrations and the text, echoing Sparky’s sutured-up appearance after re-animation. Filled with gritty textures, dramatic shadows, and expressive character close-ups, the images are well-chosen to convey the emotional ups and downs of the story.

Based on the movie screenplay, Elizabeth Rudnick’s novelization (Gr 3-6) delves more deeply into the details of the story. The specifics of Victor’s character—his enthusiasm for dreaming up and cobbling together contraptions, his interest in science, the fact that Sparky is really his only friend—are clearly established before tragedy strikes (as is the town’s proclivity for attracting regular lightning strikes). Once his experiment is a success, Victor must try to keep Sparky’s reappearance a secret from everyone, including his parents and a bunch of competitive classmates desperate to come up with a killer science fair project. As his adventures unfold, the pace picks up and keeps on rolling right up to the fun—and back-from-the-dead monster-filled—climax. Sprinkled throughout with dialogue, the narrative is lively and clearly written. The text is printed in white on black pages, adding to the eerie ambiance, and the chapters begin with white silhouettes of the various re-animated critters (a mummy hamster, were-rat, vampire cat, and more). Film fans will enjoy revisiting the plot and the characters.

Hotel Transylvania

Scheduled for release on September 28, this 3-D computer animated comedy from Sony Pictures is the first feature to be directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, the creative force behind Star Wars: Clone Wars, Dexter’s Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, and other popular TV cartoon series.

Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) runs Hotel Transylvania (PG), a secluded resort where monsters and their families can relax and get away from it all (particularly those irritating humans). To commemorate the 118^th birthday of his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez), a teenager in vampire terms, he invites some of the world’s most famous fiends for a weekend celebration—Frankenstein and his bride (Kevin James and Fran Drescher), Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), the Invisible Man (David Spade), a werewolf (Steve Buscemi), Murray the Mummy (CeeLo Green), and many more. However, the guest list most definitely does not include regular-guy Jonathan (Andy Samberg), a personable backpacker who happens upon the hotel and ends up falling head over heels for Mavis, to the great dismay of the overprotective Dracula. What’s a father to do? Youngsters can visit the official website to watch videos, meet the characters, tour the hotel, and sample a large selection of online games.

Incorporating a surprisingly bright selection of colors and featuring a cast of cleverly imagined monsters, the film makes a powerful visual impact. Kids can step behind the scenes and take a closer look by perusing Tracey Miller-Zarneke’s lushly illustrated The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania (Titan, 2012; Gr 6 Up). The well-written text incorporates numerous quotes from the movie’s creators, emphasizing important themes and underscoring the underlying artistic vision. A lengthy section focuses on character design (the challenges of creating new versions of familiar monsters and finding the “balance between the expected and unexpected”) and how the various the interpretations evolved over time (Dracula “went through more rounds of development work than there are bats in a belfry”).

Production design is also treated with descriptions of the various sets and props, and discussion of differentiating between how the two main environments—monster and human—through the use of shape, texture, and palette. More than 400 clearly reproduced illustrations, including concept art, character sketches, storyboards, digital scenes, models, and movie images, are showcased on attractively designed spreads, ready to inspire kids who love to draw. A good mix of eye candy and production info, this handsome volume will appeal to monster fans, artists, and up-and-coming filmmakers.

Publication Information

MACRI, Thomas. Frankenweenie: A Cinematic Storybook. Disney Pr. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-142318017-3.

RUDNICK, Elizabeth, adapt. Frankenweenie. Disney Pr. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-142315376-4.

MILLER-ZARNEKE, Tracey. The Art and Making of Hotel Transylvania. Titan Bks. 2012. Tr $34.95. ISBN 9781781164150.

Based on Disney’s Peter Pan franchise, this Annie-Award-winning show depicts the adventures of Jake and his cohorts: Izzy, a girl pirate who has been given a sack of pixie dust by the fairies for use in emergencies; Cubby, the youngest of the bunch and keeper of the Never Land map; and their talking parrot Skully. As they search for treasure or hunt for missing items, often sailing aboard their ship Bucky, the brave buccaneers come into conflict with the dastardly (but entertainingly ineffectual) Captain Hook and his first mate, the more easy-going Mr. Smee.

The children earn gold doubloons for solving each “pirate problem,” counting them up at episode’s end. With a focus on determination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, the series also incorporates toe-tapping music (including live-action songs performed by the Pirate Band), slap-stick humor, and frequent opportunities for audience participation. A primetime special, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky (G), premieres on September 19 (International Talk Like a Pirate Day) and will be released on DVD in October.

Young hearties can sail on over to Jake’s website to watch clips from the series, music videos, and full episodes. Also featured are numerous show-related video games that are both entertaining and educational. Introduced by a narrative framework and/or clear directions, the selections emphasize skills such as sorting, counting, color and shape identification, eye-hand coordination, and more. There is plenty of positive reinforcement as the characters cheer on youngsters, and several of the games allow users to progress from level to level (and reward success with gold doubloons). Some of the offerings have a more creative bent (design your own pirate), and coloring sheets and craft projects are also available for downloading.

Book Tie-ins

Kids who love the series will dive right into these colorful volumes starring the familiar characters. The tales follow the format of the show, introducing a problem (usually caused by Captain Hook’s misguided actions), demonstrating how the friends work together to face the challenge, and ending with a clear resolution. In Skipping Day (Random House, 2012; PreS), “A Little Golden Book” appropriate for the very youngest fans, Hook snatches a jump rope from Jake and his pals and ends up in a tangle; however, the kindhearted kids free the captain and show him how to use the rope to have fun. The short and simple narrative is accompanied by soft-hued illustrations that echo the look of the animation, all neatly set off by clean white backdrops, and the book’s small size makes it great for lap-sharing.

Disney Press presents a colorful cache of upbeat tales illustrated with bright-hued cartoon artwork that delightfully depicts the show’s familiar players and island setting. Each book begins with Jake’s trademark greeting, an invitation for readers to join the crew by saying the pirate password (“Yo-ho-ho!”), and “Today’s Pirate Pledge”—a recap of the lesson learned during that particular adventure (e.g., “A good matey does nice things for other people”). The stories end with kudos from the characters for a job well done and a smattering of gold doubloons to be counted. Jake and the Spyglass introduces the cast with full-page portraits and then plunges into fast-paced action. Eyeballing the glow of distant treasure, Hook is unable to locate his own spyglass and steals one from the kids, who must find a way to retrieve it (don’t worry, the light-fingered captain receives his comeuppance from Tick Tock Croc). The book ends with several activity pages (search-and-find, counting, finger-follow mazes, etc.).

Two smaller-size staple-bound picture books take a similar approach. In Let’s Get Jumping!, Hook swipes a pogo stick from the youngsters and manages to end up stuck in a tree (Izzy solves the problem with a dose of fairy dust), and when Cubby’s harmonica goes missing (courtesy of the sneaky caption), the “sea pups” must Follow That Sound! (all Disney, 2012; PreS-Gr 1) to recover the instrument. These inviting books feature vividly illustrated spreads, clearly written narratives sprinkled with dialogue, and smiles all around. Jokes and tongue-in-beak quips from Skully the parrot appear on the bottom corners of the pages.

Part of Disney Press’s “World of Reading” series, two “Level Pre-1” titles incorporate rebus images into the lines of large-size text to encourage youngsters to follow along. Paired with the word they represent, these pictographs are repeated frequently throughout the short and simple narratives, helping kids to make connections between objects and sequences of letters. It’s Hook’s birthday and the “puny pirates” try do something nice, but when The Croc Takes the Cake, they must come up with a way to save the day. Thinking it’s treasure, the greedy Captain snatches a golden egg from the nest of two humming bird parents, and Jake Hatches a Plan (both 2012; Pres-K) to get it back safe and sound. Both tales feature easy-to-follow plots, and the accompanying artwork adds to the action and humor while providing visual clues to support the storytelling. Separate sentences in a smaller font prompt kids to seek out or count objects in the pictures, nudging them to take a closer look and interpret the visual details more carefully. The high-interest subject matter and appealing format of these books will help pre-readers take their first steps toward reading.

Publication Information

POSNER-SANCHEZ, Andrea, adapt. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: A Skipping Day. illus. by Stefania Fiorillo, Raffaella Seccia, & Gianluca Barone. Random/Golden Books. 2012. Tr $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-3029-6.

LA ROSE, Melinda. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake and the Spyglass. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-142314944-6.

_____. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Let’s Get Jumping! pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314924-8.

_____. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Follow That Sound! pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142314943-9.

_____. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: The Croc Takes the Cake. “World of Reading.” pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315543-0.

_____. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Hatches a Plan. “World of Reading.” pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-142315542-3.

ea vol: illus. by Alan Batson. Disney Pr. 2012.

As unruly as her fiery red curls, the headstrong teen would rather hone her already-sharp sword-fighting and archery skills than practice the finer points of royal etiquette. Determined to control her own destiny, Merida defies tradition—and Queen Elinor—when she boldly flouts a long-held custom and out-shoots the three young men who are competing in an archery contest for her hand in marriage, causing turmoil among the clans and a schism between mother and daughter. When the princess rashly seeks the aid of a mysterious witch (Julie Walters), she unwittingly unleashes a curse that places her family in grave danger. With the help of her mischievous and resourceful triplet brothers, Merida must summon all of her abilities and courage to mend broken bonds and undo the spell before it is too late.

Kids can visit the official website to watch video trailers and preview the film’s fast-paced action, rowdy humor, and lush-hued visual palette. The basic storyline is introduced in a slideshow of elegantly bordered illustrations that evoke medieval tapestries with their stylized images and muted earth tones. Youngsters can click on portraits of the main characters to access full-color movie images and read brief bios (while trying to catch the prank-playing triplets as they make hide-and-seek appearances). A video section presents teasers and tongue-in-cheek commercial spots, and online games include an “Ultimate Target Challenge” that allows users to try their hand at archery.

Book Tie-ins: Picture Books

Appropriate for a variety of reading levels, a lineup of Brave titles are all adorned by fan-grabbing covers featuring the charismatic redheaded heroine front and center. The youngest movie viewers will enjoy the streamlined recounting provided in the “Little Golden Book” version (PreS-Gr 1) of the tale. Sized just right for small hands, the volume’s brisk narrative reads aloud smoothly, and the artwork uses simple lines, flat colors, and clean white backgrounds to keep attention tightly focused on the events. Larger in size and illustrated with detailed, full-bleed images, the “Big Golden Book” retelling (PreS-Gr 4; both Golden Bks./Random House) unwinds at a leisurely pace and includes more plot elements. Whether depicting the outdoor archery contest in sun-lit greens and warm browns, or shrouding the witch’s cottage in shimmery grays and purples, the soft-edged artwork consistently conveys the story’s changing moods and settings. The text’s simple sentences and straightforward vocabulary can be shared aloud or tackled by independent readers. Some of the same enchanting images are presented in Brave: Read-Along Storybook and CD (PreS-Gr 4), a staple-bound paperback edition from Disney Press. Vividly narrated by Nolan North, the audio CD also includes bits of dialogue performed by the movie actors, atmosphere-setting snippets of music, and lively sound effects.

Two picture books explore the passions and pastimes of Brave‘s plucky protagonist. A Friend for Merida (Random House; PreS-Gr 2), a staple-bound paperback, focuses on the affection shared between the girl and her beloved horse as they go adventuring in the misty woods. Sherbet-hued movie-inspired artwork and concise text keep the action moving quickly. In One Perfect Day (Disney Pr.; PreS-Gr 2), an original tale penned by Steve Purcell (the film’s writer and codirector) and illustrated by Matt Nolte (the character art director), Merida describes how she spends a rare day of freedom, exploring the Scottish wilds (“I go where the wind steers me…and I let the world reveal itself”), taking on new challenges, and dreaming of the future. Filled with flowing lines, delicate textures, and bright splashes of color, the artwork offers an appealingly airy interpretation of the animated characters that is well-suited to the story’s theme.

Easy Readers and Chapter Books

Two “Step into Reading” titles from Random House encourage the efforts of emergent readers by showcasing familiar characters and story elements that will strike a chord with film fans. In Big Bear, Little Bear (Step 1; PreS-K), movie moments described in simple sentences are used to emphasize opposites (“The Witch is OLD. Merida is YOUNG”), while A Mother’s Love (Step 2; PreS-Gr 2) recounts the plot’s highlights with brief sentences, basic vocabulary, and frequently repeated sight words. Both narratives are supported by neatly laid-out full-color illustrations that depict the action and provide details to help youngsters decode the text.

Merida‘s Wish (Golden Bks./Random House; Gr 1-4), an easy chapter book, retells the tale from the protagonist’s point of view. Featuring simple vocabulary and succinct sentences, the first-person narrative clearly describes the action while also conveying personality (“I had a foul feeling that anything that could make my mum look so happy was sure to make me miserable…I got the collywobbles then for sure”). Chapters end with moments of suspense, propelling readers forward, and the text is presented in an invitingly open format. The colorful cover image-a close-up of a determined-looking Merida with arrow aimed and ready to fly-is a real grabber, and the full-page black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout the interior depict important scenes with flair. The Junior Novelization (Random House; Gr 3-6) combines clear writing with lively dialogue to recount the movie’s plot in detail. As Merida’s adventures unfold at rapid pace, the narrative effectively emphasizes themes of mending broken bonds, the importance of family relationships, and discovering the true meaning of courage. Eight pages of captioned full-color movie images are included.

Browsers’ Delight

Packed with full-color film images, Brave: The Essential Guide (DK; K-Gr 4) provides a fun-to-thumb-through look at the characters, settings, and plot elements. Double-page chapters introduce each topic with a brief descriptive paragraph, a variety of captioned images, and insets pointing out additional tidbits. Character entries include quotes, lists of likes and dislikes, and “Did You Know” facts (e.g., “The name Fergus means ‘strong man’”). Kids can explore the ins and outs of Castle DunBroch, read up on local legends, and learn about the tartan colors and symbols worn by the various clans. Playful spreads present a dating-game-style look at Merida’s suitors and a recap of a social gathering turned “Great Hall Brawl.” Colorful plaids and Celtic-inspired borders and designs appear throughout the book’s handsomely laid-out pages. A fun way for youngsters to revisit-and read about-the movie’s themes and highpoints.

Publication Information

REDBANK, Tennant. Brave. illus. by Lori Tyminski. “A Little Golden Bk.” Golden Bks./Random House. 2012. Tr $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2901-6.

RISCO, Elle D., adapt. Brave. illus. by Studio IBOIX, Maria Elena Naggi, & the Disney Storybook Artists. “A Big Golden Bk.” Golden Bks./Random House. 2012. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2918-4.

RICHARDS, Kitty, adapt. Brave: Read-Along Storybook and CD. illus. by the Disney Storybook Artists. Disney Pr. 2012. pap. and audio CD. $6.99. ISBN 978-142313770-2.

TRIMBLE, Irene. Brave: A Friend for Merida. illus. by Massimiliano Narciso, Elsa Chang, & Grace Lee. Random House. 2012. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2904-7.

PURCELL, Steve. Brave: One Perfect Day. illus. by Matt Nolte. Disney Pr. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-142314361-1.

AMERIKANER, Susan. Brave: Big Bear, Little Bear. illus. by the Disney Storybook Artists. Random House. 2012. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-8108-3; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2915-3.

LAGONEGRO, Susan. Brave: A Mother’s Love. illus. by Maria Elena Naggi & Studio IBOIX. Random House. 2012. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-8109-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2916-0.

JONES, Jasmine, adapt. Brave: Merida’s Wish. illus. by David Gilson. Random House. 2012. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-8107-6; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2914-6.

TRIMBLE, Irene, adapt. Brave: The Junior Novelization. Random House. 2012. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7364-2912-2.

BAZALDUA, Barbara. Brave: The Essential Guide. DK. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-9232-2.

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Their presence has been detected by a group of animal control agents, led by the determined and dastardly Capitaine Chantel DuBois (Frances McDormand), and the humans are hot on their tails. The zoo crew seeks refuge in a rundown traveling circus, where they meet a troupe of has-been animal performers led by Vitaly, a proud Russian tiger (Bryan Cranston); Gia, a beautiful jaguar (Jessica Chastain); and Stefano, a fun-loving Italian sea lion (Martin Short). Touring across Europe with their new acquaintances—and trying to keep one step ahead of their pursuers-the always-creative Zoosters help the circus folk revive their passion for performance and ultimately discover their own hidden talents.

Kids can visit the official movie website for video trailers, a plot teaser, and quick click-on introductions to characters both old and new. Downloads include a variety of printable activity sheets (mazes, door hangs, connect the dots, and more), wallpaper, and signatures. Also available are online games such as “Banana Blaster” (players aim banana machine guns and fire at scooter-riding animal control agents) and “Melman’s Memory Game.”

Book Tie-ins

Tie-in tales from Price Stern Sloan are adorned with colorful covers that feature the familiar characters, posed with plenty of showmanship and set against warm-hued circus-themed backdrops. On the Run! (2012; K-Gr 3), a “Level 3″ reader, sets the scene by describing how the animals end up in Monte Carlo, attract the attention of animal control agents, and find safe haven with the circus critters. The fast-reading narrative clearly conveys zany plot twists and turns in straightforward language and brief sentences sprinkled with snippets of dialogue. Movie images with colorful borders are presented on every page, supporting the large-size text with visual clues and adding detail and excitement. This volume makes an enjoyable choice for encouraging beginning readers with a bit of experience or sharing aloud with younger Madagascar devotees.

Incorporating crisp descriptions, a well-paced narrative, and humorous touches, Madagascar 3: The Novel (Price Stern Sloan, 2012; Gr 3-6) provides a delightfully madcap recap of the movie’s plot, appropriate for perusal by independent readers and sharing aloud. Rapid-fire dialogue and funny one-liners are smoothly integrated into the narrative, which does a good job of transitioning between and juggling the story’s numerous settings and whirlwind plot elements. Each chapter begins with a silhouette of Gloria gracefully balanced on a ball and holding an umbrella, and the book ends with a black-and-white image of the animal characters precariously posed in an elaborate pyramid. Eight full-color pages showcase the major players on striking circus-style posters.

Older movie viewers and youngsters with an interest in animation and the movie-making process will be mesmerized by The Art of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012; Gr 5 Up), a handsomely illustrated volume from Insight Editions. Packed with insightful commentary from the film’s creative staff, the well-written text emphasizes the challenges of translating these familiar characters and the iconic visual design of the series into a fresh installment that features a travelogue of urban settings and panoramic locales, a large cast of new characters (including numerous humans), and a 3D format. Sections delve into the envisioning and creation of the debuting personas, modes of transportation (including the jury-rigged monkey-powered plane and the nostalgic-looking circus train), and myriad locations. A final section explores the creation of a particular film sequence, from conceptualization to finished product, providing a fascinating look at the artistry and mechanics behind the CG animation process as well as the specific jobs performed by the various departments. Ranging in size from small insets to full-bleed spreads, the book is packed with concept sketches, paintings, and other production artwork that trace the development of the film’s visual design. An informative and visually stunning behind-the-scenes journey.

Penguin Power

Fans will also appreciate a book tie-in to The Penguins of Madagascar, an animated TV series that airs on Nickelodeon. Set in the zoo, the show stars the can-do penguin crew along with King Julien, his lemur cohorts, and some other animal friends. Elite Strike Force! (Grosset & Dunlap, 2012; K-Gr 3), an easy reader presented in comic book format, relates three adventures, as the penguins grapple with a case of cooties (actually, poison ivy), put up with King Julien’s endless April Fools antics, and try to prevent publication of an ad campaign that might blow their cover. Clearly told and entertaining, the stories unfold in panels that combine boxed narrative, dialogue balloons, and full-color images from the show. The kid-friendly format, lively storytelling, and inviting action-packed artwork will both win over and spur on beginning readers.

Publication Information

BOBOWICZ, Pamela. Madagascar 3: On the Run! Price Stern Sloan/Penguin. 2012. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-8431-6904-1.

BADER, Bonnie. Madagascar 3: The Novel. Price Stern Sloan/Penguin. 2012. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-8431-6903-4.

ROBERTSON, Barbara. The Art of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Insight Editions. 2012. Tr $40. ISBN 978-1-60887-075-2.

STEELE, Michael Anthony. The Penguins of Madagascar: Elite Strike Force! Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin. 2012. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-448-45709-3.