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

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

Email: info@carlemuseum.org |www.carlemuseum.org

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 STAR… AND 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?”

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.

Halloween DVD celebration from Scholastic Storybook Treasures

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