School Library Journal» Weston Woods

Pick of the Day: Nelson Mandela | DVD

SLJ — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 13:00:19 +0000

Nelson Mandela. DVD. 10 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-60947-0. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-60948-7: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-60949-4: $29.95.
Gr 1–4–Kadir Nelson’s evocative biography (HarperCollins, 2013) of Nelson Mandela receives stellar treatment in this exceptional DVD presentation. The author provides just enough information to introduce apartheid and Mandela’s role in changing the political landscape of South Africa, while involving, but not overwhelming, children. Viewers feel the loss of Mandela’s father and his sorrow as he leaves home to attend school. His rise as a political activist, the 27 years he spent in prison, and his eventual election to the leadership of his nation are all told clearly in crisp and expressive text. Throughout, Mandela is presented as a figure both heroic and human. This, too, is emphasized in Kadir Nelson’s exceptional paintings that glow with an inner warmth. The iconographic presentation allows the audience to truly appreciate both the careful details and the subtle power of the illustrations as actor Forest Whitaker’s rich voice reads the story with background music and crowd sound effects that draw viewers in. The DVD includes an interview with the author in which he talks about his artwork and relates his boyhood experience of attending a speech given by Mandela. This excellent presentation about an extraordinary world leader merits a place in all libraries serving children.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,FederalWay,WA

Pick of the Day: The Ant and the Grasshopper (DVD)

SLJ — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 13:00:11 +0000

The Ant and the Grasshopper. DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-57136-4. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-57138-8: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-57140-1: $29.95.

PreS-Gr 2–The ant is hard at work when she hears the lively music of the grasshopper and his bug band. The music heartens her and gives her the energy to toil on. Upon meeting the grasshopper, she’s enchanted by his tuneful ways and invites him and his fellow musicians into the ant colony so their music can bring joy to everyone. This story by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley (Roaring Brook, 2012) turns Aesop’s fable on its ear and celebrates the joy of community and music. Emberley’s vivid collage illustrations lend themselves perfectly to animation, and the exuberant jazz music takes listeners straight toNew Orleans. The DVD also contains a read-along option, but it covers large portions of the illustrations, even if only briefly. Stick with the regular viewing mode and enjoy a story that is vibrant both in word and picture.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way,WA

Pick of the Day: My Garden (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:00:40 +0000

My Garden. DVD. 10 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 0-545-57129-4. $59.95; CD: $12.95; CD with hardcover book: $29.95.

PreS-Gr 2–Based on the charming book by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, 2010), this is a delightful introduction to gardens. The young girl in the story helps with the family garden, which involves a lot of work for what she sometimes considers to be questionable results. (She does NOT like carrots.) Yet, as she works her imagination takes flight, and the garden she dreams of grows seashells, flowers that change colors, things that glow in the dark, and crops that would render you speechless with their size. The story circles back to reality, with a touch of whimsy thrown in, as no one truly wants to abandon their dreams—and—well, what if…? Henkes’s vivid and child-friendly illustrations are charmingly animated for this presentation as Cassandra Morris reads the story in a young voice that captures its mood perfectly. A read-along option is provided. This exceptional program will tie in naturally with plant and garden units, and serve as a seed for growing interesting creative writing assignments.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way,WA

Pick of the Day: Merry Christmas, Splat

SLJ — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:51:57 +0000

Merry Christmas, Splat. DVD. 6 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-52331-8. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-52330-1: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-52329-5: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–Splat is a rambunctious cat with only the best of intentions at Christmas. Determined to earn a really big present from Santa, Splat spends Christmas Eve being ever so helpful to his mother by doing unhelpful chores. The exhausted feline heads to bed and lays awake waiting for Santa Claus. On Christmas morning, Splat wakes up to a quiet house with no presents. Just when he decides that he hasn’t behaved well enough to receive gifts, his family jumps out from behind the couch with a pile of presents, including a really big one just for Splat. Author/illustrator Rob Scotton’s artwork is mostly in grey tones, and the cat family (along with the background) is all black, white, and grey. However, the illustrations are far from boring, with bold pops of reds, greens, purples, and blues. The facial expressions of Splat and his family are clear and often hilarious, while their fur is fuzzy and seems tangible. The animation brings the story (HarperCollins, 2009) to life with whimsical motion. John Keating narrates, giving each character a distinctive voice. The DVD features optional subtitles, and the CD has optional page-turn signals. Children will identify with Splat’s quest for presents and will enjoy the humorous illustrations.–Jenny Ventling, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Pick of the Day: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site (DVD)

SLJ — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:00:49 +0000

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-50221-4. $59.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-50223-8: $29.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-50222-1: $12.95.
PreS-K–Dramatically narrated by Dion Graham, Sherri Duskey Rinker’s story (Chronicle Books, 2011) of a crane, a cement mixer, a dump truck, a bulldozer, and an excavator at work on a city construction site winding down for the night is soothingly charming. Graham gives each machine a distinctive voice, and makes the most of every crunch, roar, and snore in the author’s rhyming text. The accompanying music by Jon Carroll begins jauntily as each machine performs one last task and then slows to appropriate bedtime pace as it gets ready for sleep. The video is true to Tom Lichtenheld’s wonderful illustrations with expressive, anthropomorphic faces for the trucks, a glorious sunset in tones of red, and a smiling moon overseeing the bedtime preparations. The warmth of the colors, the fading light, the moonlight, and the star captured by Crane Truck for a night light make for a cozy antithesis to a normal construction site. The most special moments from the book that are brought to life with animation are when the Crane Truck snuggles his teddy bear close and when a sleepy neighbor yells out the window, “Pipe down!” to the powerfully snoring Dump Truck. Subtitles are optional. Both the video and audio productions are superior versions of an exceptional picture book.–Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH

Pick of the Day: Sky Color (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:27 +0000

Sky Color. DVD. 6 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-52331-8. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-52330-1: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-52329-5: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–What color is the sky? Marisol is faced with this question as her class paints a mural in the library. She chooses to paint the sky, but blue is not one of the colors available to her. She notices, however, that the actual sky is not always blue. It might be the glowing colors of a sunset, or the deep velvet black of night with scattered diamond stars, or the grey of a rainy day. This gives her the scope to create a truly memorable sky. Peter H. Reynolds’s book (2012) is part of what he calls his “creatrilogy”—which includes The Dot (2003), and Ish (2004, all Candlewick, Weston Woods). As with the other two titles, Sky Color celebrates art and the power of creative thinking. Reynolds’s flowing watercolor illustrations against a stark white background have been beautifully animated. Sisi Aisha Johnson reads with a crisp, young voice as original, sprightly music by Ernest Troost plays in the background and sound effects draw listeners in. A read-along subtitle option is available. In a short interview, the author/artist explains his views about stories and art and encourages students to think creatively. Everyone can be an artist. This is optimistic and inspiring—a wonderful prelude to any class art project. It encourages young artists to think outside the paint box.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Pick of the Day: Hi! Fly Guy (DVD)

SLJ — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:00:20 +0000

Hi! Fly Guy. DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-47807-6. $59.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-47823-6: $29.95; CD with paperback book, ISBN 978-0-545-47822-9: $18.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-47806-9: $12.95.
PreS-Gr 2–Fly Guy’s adventures begin with Tedd Arnold’s Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book (Cartwheel, 2005), and the sweet series for beginning readers soars to new heights with this outstanding DVD version. Buzz is looking for a smart pet to take to the Amazing Pet Show, and finds one talented fly for his jar. Is it a pest or a pet? Despite the naysayers, Fly Guy proves himself to be one fine flyer and a loyal pet. MacLeod Andrews gives an energetic and varied vocal performance and the animation by Soup2Nuts is hilarious. Best of all, the accompanying music and the Fly Guy song set the scene for a completely satisfying production. Rusty Young and Jack Sundrud’s musical stylings include a sliding clarinet, a guitar, and a harmonica as they steal the show while providing a spot-on match for Fly Guy’s humor and loop-the-loop aerial act. Special effects, from burps to buzzes, further enliven the text. Children will love the DVD and the CD as read-along aids or as pure, joyful entertainment. A delightful interview with the author follows the production. A brilliant marriage of text, art, and music.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Pick of the Day: Show Way (DVD)

SLJ — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:58:07 +0000

Show Way. DVD. 12 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-47811-3. 59.95. CD, ISBN 978-0-545-47810-6: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0545-47827-4: $29.95.
Gr 2-5–A Show Way was a quilt that had messages stitched into it showing the family’s journey North to freedom, offering hope and a guide for slaves in the South. That theme of “leading the way” is a thread running through Jacqueline Woodson’s carefully woven story (Putnam, 2005). Soonie’s great-grandma was only a child when she was sold away from her parents. The patchwork quilts that she pieced contained clues leading to freedom. She passed her skill and knowledge on to her daughter, and so it went—generation after generation of strong women, each adding their own piece to the patchwork of their family history. From slavery to civil rights to the author’s own daughter, viewers follow this celebration of the guiding influence that strong women can have in a family. Woodson has chosen each word with particular care, and the personal warmth shines through as she reads her own work with a smile in her voice. Hudson Talbott’s amazing multimedia illustrations joyously play on the quilt theme in wonderful spreads of both patterns and history. To see the author’s own child included in the illustrations at the end of a quilted line of strong women, her face the center of the “North Star” pattern, is heart-touching. There is also a brief interview with the author as she talks about her ancestors and the process of writing the story. This is a wonderful homage to the power of knowing your own history and being true to those who have shown you the way to follow your own dreams.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA

Pick of the Day: Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:00:05 +0000

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. DVD. 13 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-044753-9. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-044758-4: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44810-9: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 1–Mo Willems’s conclusion (Balzer + Bray, 2012) to his Knuffle Bunny trilogy begins with a photographic sequence of Trixie’s growth from previous books and closes with a similar sequence chronicling Trixie’s journey of maturation. Trixie and her family take a plane to visit her grandparents, Oma and Opa, in Holland. When Trixie finally realizes that her treasured Knuffle Bunny is missing, the plane is already en route to China. At first, Trixie is devastated, but as she enjoys her trip, she envisions the delight that Knuffle Bunny is bringing to other children around the world. When it is time to head back home, Trixie discovers that her stuffed rabbit is right where she left him on the plane—in the seat pocket! The story concludes unexpectedly as Trixie gives Knuffle Bunny to a crying baby, showing just how grown up she has become. The narration features the rich vocal talents of Mo, Trixie, and Cher Willems. Mo Willems’s fabulous illustrations are animated. The production concludes with an interview with the author. A perfect ending to the series.–Amanda Schiavulli, West Orange Public Library, NJ

Pick of the Day: Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:00:32 +0000

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct. DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-37414-9. $59.59; CD: ISBN 978-0-545-37498-9: $ 12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44813-0: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 2–Edwina the dinosaur helps out in her community, bakes chocolate-chip cookies, and everyone loves her, except for Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, the class know-it-all, who is positive that dinosaurs are extinct. When Reginald makes it his mission to force the townspeople to accept that fact, no one bothers to listen to him, except for Edwina. She listens patiently while Reginald explains that she simply should not exist! By the time he’s finished, Edwina is convinced, but she just doesn’t care. That’s when Reginald realizes that he doesn’t really care either, and the two of them go off to make chocolate-chip cookies. Mo Willems’s excellent story (Hyperion, 2006) is narrated with humor and passion by Mo and Cher Willems. His cartoon-style illustrations are animated and the result is spectacular. There’s also a jazzy theme song about Edwina, who is decked out in a straw hat and pearls. Be sure to have children search the pictures for appearances by Knuffle Bunny and Pigeon! The DVD also features a short segment in which Edwina and Reginald share the recipe for chocolate-chip cookies as well as a terrific interview in which Willems discusses his inspirations for Edwina and his love of animation. Children will be delighted!–Jenny Ventling, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Pick of the Day: A Sick Day for Amos McGee (DVD)

SLJ — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:43:41 +0000

A Sick Day for Amos McGee. DVD. 9 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-44751-5. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-44756-0: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44809-3: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 1–When Amos McGee wakes up feeling under the weather and stays home from work, his animal friends at the zoo board the bus to pay Amos a visit. They spend the day cheering Amos up by playing quiet games, caring for his every need, and reading him a bedtime story so he won’t be afraid of the dark. The final frame shows a pile of animals snuggled around Amos in an attitude of comfort and friendship. Erin Stead’s gentle pencil-and-woodblock illustrations in muted colors with spots of red match the tone of Philip Stead’s Caldecott-winning story (Roaring Brook, 2010) and depict the real comfort that friendship provides. David de Vries offers perfectly paced, quiet narration to fit the sweet nature of the tale. He provides a distinct voice for Amos as well as the bus driver (the two characters given solo lines in the story). Just enough movement is added to Stead’s illustrations to hold the attention of viewers. An excellent music score is provided by Ernest Troost. This enchanting production adds a whole new level of enjoyment to this winning picture book.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Pick of the Day: The Red Hen (DVD)

SLJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:30:04 +0000

The Red Hen. DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-44755-3. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-44760-7: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44812-3: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 3–In Rebecca and Ed Emberley’s wacky, modern take on the classic tale, hen finds a wonderful recipe rather than some seeds to plant and harvest. She first gathers the ingredients, then mixes, bakes, ices, and decorates her “simply splendid cake”—a three-tiered orange, purple, and red masterpiece with flourishes and stars. At each step, she asks her friends cat, rat, and frog for help, but gets the expected response or, in the frog’s case, a dismissive “Bribbit.” At one point, the narrator interjects, “She pretty much knew what was coming,” before the three lazy animals once again refuse to help, though four little blackbirds happily assist her every step of the way. When she queries, “Who will help me eat the cake?,” she declines their eager offers with, “Hmphf…I think I will eat it myself.” The bright, bold paper-cut collages pop against the white background in this animated version of the book (Roaring Brook, 2010). The little red hen, with her bright yellow comb and mismatched blue eyes, is comical, enthusiastic, and quite pleased with herself by the end of the tale. She is also featured in an added clip in which she instructs the audience on how to make “Red Hen’s Simply Splendid Cake.” A read-along option is available. Children will enjoy chiming in with the characters and predicting what they will say. A perfect addition to folk tale as well as writing units.–Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

Pick of the Day: The Other Side (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:08:19 +0000

The Other Side. DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-44754-6. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-44759-1: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44811-6: $29.95.
K-Gr 4–Clover, an African-American girl, lives on one side of the fence. Annie, a white girl, lives on the other side. Set during segregation, this story shows how the fence divides them. Yet, each is intrigued by the other and both are drawn to test those artificial boundaries that separate and classify. Jacqueline Woodson’s deceptively simple, yet powerfully evocative story (Putnam, 2001) still has the ability to move an audience. It is supported by E. B. Lewis’s wonderful watercolor illustrations that are filled with hope and light. Viewers get the opportunity to enjoy their heart-touching details as the illustrations are scanned iconographically. The story is narrated in a young voice by Toshi Widoff-Woodson, with light original music by Toshi Reagon. In a five-minute interview, Woodson explains how she became an author and provides thoughtful insights into the issues the story addresses. This beautiful production merits a place in all libraries serving children.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA