MEDIA

Back to School Stories and More

33 min. Weston Woods. 2016. $59.95. ISBN 9781338091083. POP
COPY ISBN
PreS—Gr 3—The Horace B. Smedley School's football team was in an endless slump, which upset the entire student body. "Even the cafeteria ladies lost their sparkle," intones narrator Diana Canova in Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, the James Marshall classic. That is, until the dreaded Viola Swamp comes to the rescue. The tune of a coach's whistle, the pep band, and even spaghetti Western chords bring this riotous story to life. Miriam Cohen's Will I Have a Friend? has calmed generations of wary new kindergartners and introduced them to the delights awaiting them on their first day of school. Barney Saltzberg's Crazy Hair Day features a hamster with gelled spikes and colorful rubber bands in his hair. To his horror, he discovers he has worn his wild hairdo on the wrong day! His classmates respond with humor and problem-solving techniques, which will encourage children to do the same. Plus, kids can sing along to Saltzberg's music video and rock out with the animated antics. In the bonus interview with the author, viewers learn his book was inspired by a young chemotherapy patient whose classmates shaved their heads so the boy would feel welcomed back after his ordeal. Learning guides provide excellent activities, games, and discussion starters on team building and friendship.
VERDICT Outstanding music, animation, and classic tales make this collection of rereleased videos a must-buy for back-to-school purchases.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?