Showing posts with label Scholastic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scholastic. Show all posts

Friday, December 9, 2011

2011 Holiday Guide: Children's DVDs

'Mr. & Mrs. Snowman' photo by Paula Slade

Today we turn our attention back to children’s DVDs, specifically some of the newest releases, which not only entertain, but educate and instill positive values.

The products listed below have been researched for quality as well a value.

Best pricing links have been provided at the time of this publication, but it is suggested that you may want to cross compare with your favorite online or stick and brick retailer.

As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate in terms of your child’s entertainment.

From the NewKideo, comes a new release, SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES.


This 3-disc DVD set provides over 199 minutes of some of the 20th Century’s finest children’s picture book classics, beautifully adapted with animation, narration and music, featuring 23 beloved stories.

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, and it is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

All of the adaptations in this set were hand-picked to beautifully uphold the integrity and prestige of the storybooks awarded the Caldecott medal.

CALDECOTT FAVORITES not only offers a visual feast, but is narrated by such notables as John Lithgow, Laura Dern, Jane Harvey, and many others.

This collection is highlighted by Caldecott Award winners Robert McCloskey’s “Make Way for Ducklings” (1942) and “The Snowy Day” (1963) by Ezra Jack Keats, and Caldecott Honor stories “In the Small, Small Pond” and Jerry Pinkney’s “The Ugly Duckling” -- which are packaged together for the very first time.

The set also features modern classics such as “Bear Snores On”, “Bark George”, “The Story About Ping”, “Antarctic Antics” and lots more.

The stories in this DVD set support all-important themes that include honesty, humor and respect.

The SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES features the ever-popular enhanced read along function, bonus stories and Spanish versions of “The Snowy Day”, “Whistle for Wille” and “Make Way for Ducklings,” and carries a suggested retail price of $24.95 with current best price available through Amazon Marketplace for $10.79.


From the beloved storybooks, which were translated into the incredibly popular and award-winning HBO series, comes BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES SCHOOL DAYS, now on DVD.

Based on the Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff’s 1931 storybook classic, Histoire de Babar, these are fully restored and re-mastered animated television episodes from the 1989-91 series. These DVDs are visually beautiful, and gently impart excellent core family values.

The series also teaches the most valuable lesson of all: despite life's challenges, great things are possible if one never gets discouraged.

Babar the Elephant King has, for 80 years, captivated millions around the globe in a multitude of best-selling books (over 12 million sold worldwide and more than 1000 titles in print).

BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES comes to rich life with these two releases from Entertainment One.


BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, features episodes that focus on the bonds Babar shares with his pals and family.


In each of the adventures on BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, the Elephant King discovers important lessons on love, friendship, teamwork and understanding. 

The DVD includes four episodes with an approximate total run time of 90 minutes and includes an 8-page coloring book.


BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS features four episodes about Babar’s own school day adventures as well as those of his friends and family.  In each tale Babar learns important lessons on acceptance, honesty and patience. 

The video below is taken from the BABAR CLASSIC SERIES opening theme song, and it is an excellent example of the timeless and endearing quality of these stories.




The suggested retail price for both BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and SCHOOL DAYS is $14.95 each. 

To learn more about For more information about BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER visit Amazon.com.

Best price for this episode is through Amazon Marketplace where it is available “new” for $4.49.

You will also learn more about BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS by visiting this link at Amazon.com.

Best price for BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS is through Amazon Marketplace where it is available “new” for $5.00.

If you're still searching for that perfect gift idea, be sure to check back as more posts in other categories will be provided until December 21, or visit previously published articles.
 
If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:
If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:
2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift giving
2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday Music for gift giving
2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas
2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening
2011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening
2011 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year
If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:
2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift giving
2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday Music for gift giving
2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas
2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening
2011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening
2011 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Inspirational DVD from Scholastic: ‘The Man Who Walked Between the Towers’

THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS …AND MORE INSPIRING TALES

Dramatic stories to lift the spirits are highlighted by the acclaimed “THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS” in an inspirational and timely new DVD from Scholastic Storybook Treasures. 

One of the most exciting and memorable stories in the history of the World Trade Towers is that of Philippe Petit, a French man who walked a tightrope between the massive monuments in 1974.  As we approach the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, the amazing story of Petit’s daring feat between the world’s tallest buildings is the title tale on a new Scholastic Storybook Treasures release: THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS …AND MORE INSPIRING TALES.  

Narrated by Oscar® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, this is an animated adaptation of the lyrical Caldecott Award-winning book by Mordecai Gerstein.  Directed and animated by Michael Sporn, with music by Michael Bacon (of the Bacon Brothers), the production is created for children ages 5 to 10. 

Other stories on this inspiring DVD include Miss Rumphius, the true story of Miss Rumphius who made the world a more beautiful place with a handful of seeds (narrated by Claire Danes); Crow Boy, a small boy who is different from the others and who gains acceptance when he imitates the voices of crows in the school talent show; and The Dinosaurs of Warehouse Hawkins, written by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick and narrated by Jonathan Pryce, the awe-inspiring tale of how Warehouse Hawkins built the first life-sized dinosaur model that stunned the world.

Bonus Features: Interviews with author Barbara Kerley and illustrator Brian Selnick of The Dinosaurs of Warehouse Hawkins; Spanish version of Miss Rumphius; Read-Along.

Format: DVD/Single
Run time: 58 minutes plus extras
Price: $14.95 Suggested Retail Price
Retail orders ship on 8/16/11 - Wholesale Immediately

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

"Books" by Paula Slade

In this week’s edition of the “Book Report”, we’ll be focusing solely on 42 top-selling children’s picture books that have been expertly translated into video format and presented on three differently themed DVD sets. These collections are designed to come to life on the small screen and entertain as well as reinforce reading skills.

All three of the DVD sets that are featured below, are part of the Scholastic Storybook Treasures line, and bear the hallmark of quality from the Scholastic Corporation, the world’s largest publisher/distributor of children’s books in addition to being a leader in educational technology and children’s media.

Each picture book adaptation is produced by the award-winning Weston Woods Studios, a division of Scholastic Media, and is distributed to the public by New Video.

The production values for these DVDs are of the highest quality; each book is presented with music, professional narration, and inviting camera work, which frequently includes animation. Illustrations have been extracted from the original books, which proved over time to be beloved children’s classics.

All of the stories help reinforce emerging reading skills with a special embedded read-along function, which is presented with the visuals and narration.

To explore each book’s title and storyline presented within these collections, simply click on the links that are provided.

BOOKS ON DVD

MY FIRST COLLECTION FEATURING SPLAT THE CAT

This 3-DVD set runs 1 hour and 40 minutes, and includes “extras,” and features 14 stories that have won more than 15 awards, including the Caldecott Medal, NAPPA Gold, and American Library Association Notable Books.

Designed to encourage toddlers to give reading a try, this collection also supports the key concepts of friendship and cooperation - perfect for children ages 2 to 6.

Professionally narrated by Catherine O’Hara, Laura Dern, Tim Curray and Mary Beth Hurt, the DVD includes an interview with Splat the Cat Author/Illustrator Rob Scotton, and a Spanish version of The Story About Ping.

The suggested retail price for MY FIRST COLLECTION FEATURING SPLAT THE CAT is $24.95.  Amazon.com currently has this set available for  $12.49 with best pricing through Amazon Marketplace for $4.83.

The storybooks presented in this DVD are the following:


 
GOOD NIGHT GORILLA…AND MORE WACKY ANIMAL ADVENTURES

This DVD 3-Discs set features a rollicking mix of amazing animal stories, monsters that are friendly and creatures that come to life, and represents Caldecott and Newbury Honor-winning books, and an ALA Notable Video as well as an Oppenheim Gold DVD Award.

The collection of stories supports the theme of science and the skill of cooperation and is recommended for children ages 4 to 10.

The 16 different stories are celebrity narrated by such notables as: Anthony Edwards, Mary Beth Hurt, Elle Fanning, and Lynn Whitfield.
The set runs 2 hours and 40 minutes and includes the following “extras”: Spanish versions of Danny and the Dinosaur, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash, Doctor De Soto, and Joey Runs Away.  There also are interviews with Author Robin Page and Illustrator Steven Jenkins, and an interview with First the Egg Author Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

The suggested retail price for GOOD NIGHT GORILLA…AND MORE WACKY ANIMAL ADVENTURES is $24.95 and may be pre-ordered directly through New Video, and will be shipped upon date of release, which is June 28, 2011.

The storybooks presented in this DVD are the following:

 

I’M DIRTY & I STINK!

Fun, action and adventure tales about trucks, trash, boats and bikes in this 2-Disc DVD set with running time of two hours and four minutes, which includes Caldecott Honor, Publisher’s Weekly and ALA Notable Award-winning titles.

The set features 12 stories, an interview with I’m Dirty author and illustrator Kate and Jim McMullan, and an interview with Fletcher and the Falling leaves author Julia Rawlinson, along with celebrity narration by Andy Richter, Forest Whitaker, and Steve Buscemi.

The DVD set supports the understanding of science and nature and highlights the concept of responsibility – a good choice for children ages 3 to 10.

The suggested retail price for I’M DIRTY & I STINK! is $19.95 and may be pre-ordered directly through New Video, and will be shipped upon date of release, which is June 28, 2011.

The storybooks presented in this DVD are the following:


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news

"Books" by Paula Slade

Welcome to another edition of “The Book Report.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in books, apps, audio and video adaptations, technology updates as well as literary news and events. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features the information on toys and travel, music, and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of literature as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Wednesday.

NEWS

Barnes and Noble unveils the new Nook

The battle of the eReaders has just been upped with Barnes & Noble’s introduction of the latest version of the Nook that features “Easiest to use 6 touchscreen ; most advanced E-Ink display, crisp text, even in bright sun ; longest battery life- read up to 2 months on just 1 charge; ultra-light and thin -under 8 ounces; largest bookstore with more than 2 million titles (get them in seconds) and expert recommendations and fun social features.”

The new Nook costs $139 and is now on sale to order on the Barnes & Noble website, and best of all it will ship June 10th, 2011 – just in time for Father’s Day.

This comes on the heels of Amazon.com’s announcement last week that they are now selling more e-books than print books. Let the games begin.

EVENTS

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The Bric-a-Brac Theatre Company presents Daddy, What if…The Poetry and Songs of Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein’s best known and beloved poems and songs, which have already captivated at least two generations of children and their parents and are to be shared with the newest generation. The performance will invite and encourage active participations by the audience.”

FREE with museum admission
125 West Bay Road, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday May 29, 2011


Phone: (413) 658-1100/ Fax (413) 658-1139


APPS

Disney’s Cars Lightning Was Here: My Puzzle Book

With the June 24, 2011 launch of the new Disney-Pixar Cars 2 feature, children will enjoy seeing the original cast of characters come to life in this story app that takes fans of the franchise on a tour of Radiator Springs.

The app provides a professional narration track, the option for parents to record their own voice reading the story, plus interactive puzzles and sound effects.

The video below provides a preview of Cars Lightning Was Here: My Puzzle Book.
This app is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad for only $0.99 through the iTunes store.




BOOKS

Because I Said So!
By: Keller Williams

Popular musician, Keller Williams has crossed over into the world of children’s music with his sixteenth album, Kids, and on the heels of that CD comes his first children’s book based on the lyrics of one of the album’s catchy tunes, “Because I Said So!”
                                                                                                         
From Fun Read Publishing, Because I Said So!, is a humorously illustrated version of the song, translated with child-like vision by noted Virginia based artist, Bill Harris.

“Told through the eyes of 'Lil Keller', the moral of the story is that you can't always get what you want and there isn't always a good reason why. “ Everything from having a pet alligator to a real airplane are all part of a child’s inner world of imaginative “wants” and these are handled well in this fun 33-page read.

Both the book and a CD of the song are available direct from the artist’s website for $20. Recommended reading level ages 2-8.


DVD

THE NORTH STARAND MORE STORIES ABOUT FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS

Produced by: The award-winning Weston Woods Studios for Scholastic Storybook Treasures

Just released, THE NORTH STAR is a truly inspirational collection of entertaining children’s books that are suitable for all ages and have won such prestigious awards as: Caldecott Honor, Smithsonian Notable Book, Parents’ Choice Award, Storytelling World Award, and ALA Notable Video.

This compilation of stories, which visually come to life instills the all-important themes of cooperation; friendship; problem solving and believing in the journey that one takes in life in order to capture their dreams.

The 57-minute collection plus extras includes an interview with That Book Woman author Heather Henson and illustrator David Small plus a Read-along. 

Included in this offering are the following stories listed below. (Production notes provided by distributor New Video, where the DVD carries a Suggested Retail Price of $14.95 US or $16.95 CAN) but may be ordered with best pricing through Amazon.com for $10.99 or Amazon Marketplace for $8.52.)

To explore each of the titles further in depth, simply click on links below to the original books, which are also offered through Amazon.com.

THE NORTH STAR (Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, narrated by Tim Curry) In this classic storybook about lifelong learning, children of all ages will be inspired to navigate their full potential and follow their dreams.


THAT BOOK WOMAN (By Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small, narrated by Walker Harrison) This is the moving story of the Pack Horse Librarians, whose bravery and commitment helped rural children find something wonderful in books.


PLAYERS IN PIGTAILS (By Shana Corey, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon, narrated by Zooey Deschanel) One brave girl proves that she’s in a league of her own as she strives to become a player in the first-ever All-American Girls Professional Baseball league.


YO! YES? (Written and illustrated by Chris Raschka) Two lonely boys who don’t know each other meet on a city street with a simple greeting in this heart-warming tale of friendship and cooperation.


SWAMP ANGEL (By Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, narrated by Alison Moorer) Angelica, or “Swamp Angel,” the greatest woodswoman in Tennessee, takes on a huge ravenous bear known as Thundering Tarnation. Can she tackle this beast?”

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Book Report: Sharing the latest in books, apps and literary marketplace news


Welcome to another edition of “The Book Report.” This weekly column is dedicated solely to the best in books, apps, audio and video adaptations, technology updates as well as literary news and events. Like our sister columns, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features the information on toys and travel, music, and movies, this weekly post highlights the important world of literature as positive entertainment for children and teens. Be sure to check back each Wednesday.

NEWS

‘Scientific American’ Brings Science Home

All during the month of May, Scientific American, the ever-popular science magazine that is set to celebrate 166 years of providing topical and understandable scientific information to laymen and professionals, has initiated an online campaign that brings the world of scientific discovery to children, with their Bring Science Home initiative.

The goal of “Bring Science Home” is not only to inspire young people about science, but to help them connect with science through everyday activities that reinforce literacy for those all- important STEM educational concepts - science, technology, engineering and math. 

Each day, the Scientific American magazine’s website as well as their Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages, provides a different science (hands-on) activity that parents and children easily explore together utilizing common household items.

A wide range of topics covers everything from finding the DNA in a banana, to bending water with static electricity.

Take a look at the video below, which will show you how yeast “live and breathe.” It’s a fun and simple activity to share. 






AWARDS AND HONORS

J. Patrick Lewis Designated Children’s Poet Laureate

On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, prolific author/poet, J. Patrick Lewis, was honored and named Children’s Poet Laureate by The Poetry Foundation during a ceremony at the foundation’s headquarters in Chicago.

Lewis is now the third Children’s Poet Laureate, and follows such illustrious predecessors as Jack Prelutsky and Mary Ann Hoberman.

As part of his two-year tenure to help raise awareness of the importance of poetry in children’s lives, Lewis received a $25,000 cash award.

Lewis’ laureate activities will also include advising the Poetry Foundation on children’s literature, and two major public appearances for children, their families, teachers and librarians.


APPS

Pat the Bunny

Based on the beloved children’s picture book classic by Dorothy Kunhardt, comes a wonderful reinvention of Pat the Bunny for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

Taking the original idea of engaging a toddler with interactivity, this new offering, after 70 years, provides 14 scenes for in-depth exploration by little hands. Children can pop bubbles, play hide and seek, make music and even look at themselves in a mirror.

There are three ways to read Pat the Bunny: Listen to narration and view the highlighted text; read each page at your own pace, or even record your own voice and play it back.

Pat the Bunny carries a special introductory price of $2.99 and may be ordered direct from the publisher, Random House Children’s Books.

A preview of Pat the Bunny is available in the video below.



VIDEO

Tikki Tikki Tembo…and more stories to celebrate Asian Heritage

It is a true art form when classic picture book stories come visually alive on DVD, and such is this rendering; another excellent production by Weston Woods Studios for Scholastic Storybook Treasures.

The 66-minute collection plus extras, presents six best selling stories that have consistently entertained children. Included in this offering are the following: (Production notes provided by distributor New Video, where the DVD may be ordered direct for $14.95 US or $16.95 CAN.

To explore each of the titles in depth, simply click on links to the original books offered through Amazon.com.

TIKKI TIKKI TEMBO (Written by Arlene Mosel, illustrated by Blair Lent) This Chinese folktale explains why great long names are no longer chosen for their children.


THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCKS (Written by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon, narrated by B. D. Wong) A compassionate couple risks their lives to reunite a pair of Mandarin ducks.


GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY (Written and illustrated by Allen Say, narrated by B. D. Wong) A touching story about Grandfather’s travels from Japan to the United States and back again.


THE STONECUTTER (Written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott) Tasaku is a lowly stonecutter who longs for more power in this Japanese folk tale.


LON PO PO: A RED-RIDING HOOD STORY FROM CHINA (Written and illustrated by Ed Young, narrated by B. D. Wong) This Asian version of the classic fairytale brings lessons about strangers, trust, and courage.


SAM AND THE LUCKY MONEY (Written by Karen Chinn, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu, narrated by Ming-Na Wen) On Chinese New Year Sam meets a stranger who helps him make the perfect decision on how to spend his lucky money.


Monday, January 17, 2011

Children’s books and DVD honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and civil rights icons that changed the course of history

In celebration of Dr. King and other civil rights icons that changed the course of American history, by their words and through their inspirational deeds, Scholastic Storybook Treasures in conjunction with Weston Woods Studios, the award-winning audio/visual division of Scholastic Media, provide an outstanding children’s DVD, MARCH ON! THE DAY MY BROTHER MARTIN CHANGED THE WORLD…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY.

Today, as we honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of peace, this DVD is more relevant than ever before.

MARCH ON makes history come alive for children ages five-through-ten in this hour-plus excellent compilation of audiovisual adaptations of classic children’s picture books, all based on historical facts and produced with narration, interwoven music and a special highlighted read-along feature that helps bolster the abilities of emerging readers.

Altogether, the four featured books on which the DVD is based have garnered a total of 15 awards that include such prestigious honors as: the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video; the Caldecott Honor Award, and as a “Notable Video” selection from the American Library Association

The DVD’s title story, March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World (based on the book written by Dr. Christine King Farris and illustrated by London Ladd) chronicles the life of Dr. Martin Luther King through the observations of his sister, Christine, and highlights the events that brought Dr. King to the day of his momentous “I Had a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. Beautifully narrated by Lynn Whitfield with music by Michael Bacon, the story unfolds through the use of the book’s visual renderings as well as photographs from the era. Included are song clips of singer, Mahalia Jackson, and stirring excerpts from Martin Luther King’s dramatic speech that changed the course of history.

Martin’s Big Words (adapted from the book by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Michael Collier) is the second story on the DVD and covers the promise Martin Luther King made to himself as a child, “to get big words,” which he used, years later, to promote racial harmony and help make a difference in this world. Exquisite clips of Collier’s watercolor and collage artwork from the book are effectively combined with Dr. King’s own “words” and Rappaport’s text.

Rosa (based on the book of the same title written and narrated by Nikki Giovanni with illustrations by Michael Sporn) is about the caring and talented Montgomery, Alabama seamstress, Rosa Parks, whose 1955 act of civil disobedience (when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man) sparked a national awakening to the plight and mistreatment of persons because of their race.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad (based on the book by Ellen Levine that was illustrated by Kadir Nelson) is the fascinating account of Henry Brown, a slave, who during his life endured the separation from his mother and enforced labor at an early age, the loss of his wife and children when they were sold off in a slave market, and his own eventual escape to freedom when he literally (in 1849) mailed himself in a wooden crate, to a “place where there are no slaves.”

In addition to the four featured stories on the DVD, there are two “extras” included – interviews with authors Farris and Levine.

MARCH ON! THE DAY MY BROTHER MARTIN CHANGED THE WORLD…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY DVD is available direct from Scholastic at a special sales price of $11.96.