The Scholastic Corporation, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, in conjunction with their award-winning media division, Weston Woods Studios, have hit a Halloween home run with their Storybook Treasures DVD, A Very Brave Witch.
This audio/visual compilation, which includes some of the finest children’s book classics that celebrate the wonder of this autumn holiday, entertainingly captures not only the heart and imagination of childhood, but serves as an excellent reinforcement for maintaining reading skills and creating a love for literature.
Expertly crafted, A Very Brave Witch utilizes professional actors and narrators, delightful musical backgrounds, animation or cleverly shot camera panning, and in four of the eight videos, a special highlighted read-along text feature appears at the bottom of the screen and follows the narration.
This Storybook Treasures DVD includes all of these Halloween classics:
A Very Brave Witch (written by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Harry Bliss, narrated by Elle Fanning) – Animated from the best-selling New York Times/award-winning American Library Association book, this opening salvo is a direct hit and includes the highlighted read-along feature. It’s a charming tale of a little witch whose curiosity about trick-or-treat helps her overcome her fear of humans and find a new bond of friendship.
By the Light of the Halloween Moon (written by Caroline Stutson, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, narrated by Sherry Stringfield) –Wiggling toes tempt a variety of not-so-scary goblins and ghouls that showcases not only an entertaining story but Cajun fiddle music to round it out.
A Dark, Dark Tale (written and illustrated by Ruth Brown) –The inventive and expert narration of this whimsically illustrated and simple text creates rib-tickling scariness, taking young readers on an auditory and visual journey with the word “dark.”
Georgie (Written and illustrated by Robert Bright, narrated by David DeVries) – First published in 1944, this evergreen-classic, friendly little ghost needs a new home to haunt.
The Witch in the Cherry Tree (written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams) – David and his mother must find a way to protect their freshly baked cakes from the tricky witch in the cherry tree, who longs for fresh baked goodies.
The Three-Legged Cat (Written by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jonathan Allen) -- Tom, the pegged-legged cat, who dreams of wandering in the outside world, finds himself with a new owner in this text-rich hilarious tale of mistaken identity.
The Three Robbers (Written and illustrated by Tomi Ungerer) -- A precious animated story of a little orphan girl who sets three robbers straight, turning their gold to good. Unique visuals and humorous narration are a highlight.
Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain (Written and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone) –First published in 1936, this storybook gem with classic illustrations takes “Little Tim” on a seafaring adventure of a lifetime, which ultimately proves there is no other place like home.
Run Time : 69 minutes
Format: DVD/Single Price: $8.49
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