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 20^th 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

Halloween happenings part 3: Seasonal videos

Halloween Pumpkin by Petr Kratochvil

 

 

In addition to pumpkin-picking and trick-or-treating, Halloween fun is available in the video realm with some fun releases for this season.

First off, from Anchor Bay Entertainment comes the delightful comedic romp The Dog Who Saved Halloween – perfect for family and animal lovers alike who are fans of the previous The Dog Who Saved Christmas and The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation films.

Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing for Anchor Bay says, “We’re very excited to offer The Dog Who Saved Halloween on DVD to help kids and families get into the spirit of the season – and celebrate all year long.” She adds, “This latest installment of the ‘Dog’ film series, featuring recognizable talent and filled with engaging magic and mystery, is sure to be a hit with families for years to come.”

TV’s popular Mayim Bialik (CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory”) and Joey Lawrence (ABC Family’s “Melissa & Joey”) share the screen in this Dog Who Saved installment when they join the film’s pack of talent as the voices of the ruff and tough Bernese Mountain Dog, “Medusa”, and the beloved Labrador Retriever “Zeus.”

This all-new adventure features George, Belinda and their kids Kara and Ben Bannister as they move into a new house – just in time for Halloween. Initially, everything seems to be fine…until they notice eerie glowing lights and strange sounds coming from their neighbor’s house where creepy Mr. Cole (Lance Henriksen) lives with his protective pooch Medusa. Then, when a black cat suddenly goes missing, George Bannister (Gary Valentine) insists on investigating the matter himself. Ultimately, Banister enlists an odd yet familiar pair (Dean Cain, Joey Diaz) to help.  But, after the trio and Belinda Bannister (Elisa Donovan) get trapped inside Mr. Cole’s spooky house, it’s once again up to Zeus to save the day. 

Directed by Peter Sullivan, The Dog Who Saved Halloween carries a suggested retail of $19.98 and is available to watch instantly through Amazon.com video for only $3.99, or purchase direct for $10.49.

For your viewing enjoyment, below is the official trailer for the Dog Who Saved Halloween.

 

From Scholastic Storybook Treasures and the award-winning production house, Weston Woods Studios comes a collection of witches, ghosts and goblins that are presented in a not-so-scary and kid-friendly fashion in this New Video release, TEENY TINY AND THE WITCH-WOMAN…AND MORE SPOOKY HALLOWEEN STORIES!

This 56-minute DVD (plus extras) provides animated book adaptations of classic children’s picture books that support reading skills, creativity and self-esteem.

The lead story, “Teeny-Tiny and the Witch Woman”, is a tale about a boy who outsmarts an old witch-woman before she can cook him and his brothers for dinner.  Other stories include: “The Boy with Two Shadows” by Margaret Mahy;  a poem, “Los Gatos Black on Halloween,”which introduces a spooky array of creatures and Spanish words narrated by Maria Conchita Alonso; “What’s Under My Bed” by James Stevenson, and the superstition-filled  “King of the Cats” by Paul Galdone. 

In addition to Scholastic’s innovative read-along function, an interview with “Los Gatos Black on Halloween” author Marisa Montes is included.

Suggested retail price for TEENY TINY AND THE WITCH-WOMAN…AND MORE SPOOKY HALLOWEEN STORIES! is $14.95, with currently best available online pricing from cdUniverse for $10.99.

For more fun Halloween entertainment ideas you may want to see:

Halloween happenings part 1: Pumpkin picking

Halloween happenings part 2: Go 'Boo at the Zoo'

New entertaining DVD from celebrated children’s author/illustrator Mo Willems

THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG…AND MORE STORIES BY MO WILLEMS

This October, “Sesame Street” veteran, Emmy Award®-winner and one of contemporary kid lit’s best-selling author/illustrators, Mo Willems, returns to DVD featuring his best-loved characters in, THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG…AND MORE STORIES BY MO WILLEMS.

This newest compilation of Willems' five-star children’s picture books offers excellent animated adaptations presented under the quality banner of Scholastic Storybook Treasures™, and is produced by the award-winning Weston Woods Studios.  

THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG…AND MORE STORIES BY MO WILLEMS is set for nationwide release by Newkideo.com on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011.

In the lead story, “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog” (a sequel to Willems best selling “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”) has Pigeon finding a delicious hot dog, but a sly and hungry duckling also wants a bite – a test of who will be the more clever bird. This fast, funny feature is narrated by the author and his daughter, Trixie.

Additional stories on the DVD, which combined have won more than ten prestigious awards including Caldecott Honor, Parents Choice Gold and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video include, “Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity,” and “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed”, both of which are also narrated by Willems and Trixie.

Bonus featurettes, “Getting to Know Mo Willems” and “Animating Pigeon” plus an interview with Willems himself, making THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG are included on this DVD.

This latest New Video release helps enhance children’s reading skills with an innovative read-along function, and highlights cooperation as well as problem-solving skills in an enjoyable and entertaining way.

Total running time for THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG…AND MORE STORIES BY MO WILLEMS is approximately 64 minutes, plus the bonus features. The DVD carries a $14.95 suggested retail price, with current best-available pricing through Family Video.com for $6.99, where it may be pre-ordered with shipment to take place on the October 18 release date.

Scholastic Storybook Treasures to release ‘My First Collection Volume 2’

'My First Collection Volume 2 releases September 20

This September, Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ inspires and fosters early literacy and lots of fun with the second volume in their new “MY FIRST” Collection.

In May, Scholastic launched the MY FIRST series, an exciting new line of DVDs created specifically to support early literacy skills and promote a love of reading for pre-and early readers. 

The set, which was named a 2011 DVD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine, created such a marketplace buzz, Scholastic put together a second collection.

MY FIRST COLLECTION VOLUME 2 is comprised of three individual DVDs: SPOON…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT FRIENDSHIP; DEM BONES…AND MORE SING-ALONG STORIES, and THAT NEW ANIMAL…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT THE NEW BABY. All total, this value-priced 3-DVD set contains 13 adorable stories for young children, which support cooperation, friendship and problem solving.

Many of the featured stories have won notable awards such as the Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable Video and an  American Film Festival Blue Ribbon Award.

Toddlers are sure to be up and dancing with “Spoon”, welcoming home a new baby in “That New Animal”, singing along with the classics “Dem Bones” as well as “The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night,” and learning about the importance of family with Mia Farrow’s beautiful narration of “I Love You Like Crazy Cakes.”

Among the other stories included are Mercer Mayer’s “A Boy, A Dog and a Frog”, Rosemary Wells’ “Otto Runs for President”, the whimsical and colorful “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!”  and Robert McCloskey’s beloved “Blueberries for Sal."

The set also offers enlightening and entertaining bonuses such as the lively documentary on creating the music for “Spoon” and an interview with “Spoon” author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and an interview with “Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!” Author/illustrator Bob Barner.

The set features Scholastic’s innovative read-along that allows children to follow along with the narrator.

Aside from being part of the MY FIRST COLLECTION VOLUME 2, each of the DVDs will also be available individually for $12.95 (suggested retail price).

MY FIRST COLLECTION VOLUME 2 provides 120 minutes (plus extras) of engaging entertainment and carries a suggested retail price of $24.95.

The official national retail release date for the DVD set is for September 20, 2011, but is available for pre-order, and release-day delivery for most continental U.S. addresses through Amazon.com for $22.49.

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:

Splat the Cat;    Hondo & Fabian;    Picnic;    Leo the Late Bloomer;    The Story About Ping;    Goose;    The Most Wonderful Egg in the World;    Duck on a Bike;    Rosie’s Walk;    The Napping House;    Each Peach Pear Plum;    Drummer Hoff;    Bear Snores On, and  Wild About Books.

 

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:

Good Night Gorillla;    Happy Birthday Moon;    The Napping House;    The Rainbabies;    Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin;    Elizabeth’s Doll;    Danny and the Dinosaur;    The Island of Skog;    T is for Terrible;    Stanley and the Dinosaurs;    The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash;    Doctor De Soto;    Flossie and the Fox;    First the Egg;    What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?  and  Joey Runs Away.

 

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:

I Stink!    Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel;    Trashy Town;    The Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle;    The Beast of Monsieur Racine;    Arnie the Doughnut;    I’m Dirty!    Burt Dow: Deep Water Man;    The Paperboy;    Stars! Stars! Stars!    Fletcher and the Falling Leaves and  Johnny Appleseed.

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.

2010 Holiday Guide: DVDs and videos

Last week we began this series covering the Gifts of Music, with more choices in that category to follow in the coming weeks.

Today we turn our attention to some of the finest new DVD and videos that have been released this year that are perfect for holiday entertainment gift giving for children and teens.

From now until December 21, 2010, new offerings will be featured in many entertainment categories in addition to music, DVDs and videos, so you may wish to bookmark this page to enable further explorations of the highlighted links at your leisure.

The products, which appear below have been researched for quality as well as value, and are geared to provide the children in your life with many hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.

Best pricing options, available at the time of this posting are provided below, but it is suggested that you cross-compare DVD and video pricing with your favorite online as well as stick and brick retailers when available.

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

Enjoy the visual journey as there will be many choices provided, covering a multitude of viewing tastes. Simply click on the links to further explore each title in depth, some include viewing previews.

THE SECRET OF KELLS

 

A visually enchanting stylized hand-drawn animated adventure fantasy that garnered worldwide recognition with numerous nominations and awards, which included a 2010 Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year.

The story revolves around the fictionalized character of “Brendan,” a young Irish lad and his connection to one of the finest literary treasures in all of Ireland, The famed Book of Kells.

There is no MPAA/CARA rating for Secret of Kells, but you may connect to parent/audience reviews from the original feature film presentation through IMBD.

The DVD/Blu-ray combo pack includes two discs; a running time of 75 minutes with special bonus features from Amazon.com for $26.49.

SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES

It’s always a pleasure to introduce parents and caregivers to the outstanding lineup that is consistently offered under the Scholastic Storybook Treasures banner. Every visual adaptation includes high production values along with professional narrations produced by Weston Woods Studios, considered one of the foremost creators of audiovisual adaptations of classic picture books for children.

Here are several of this year’s releases that will delight.

THE ROSEMARY WELLS COLLECTION

This two-DVD set release includes eight literary works brought to the screen from beloved author/illustrator Rosemary Wells whose career has spanned more than 40 years and has included 140 books treasured by children.

The stories presented on the ROSEMARY WELLS COLLECTION include such classics as “Max’s Chocolate Chicken;” “Max’s Christmas;” Morris’s Disappearing Dog;” “Otto Runs for President;” “Noisy Nora;” “Emily’s First 100 Days of School;” “Voyage to the Bunny Planet” along with “Reading to Your Bunny,” a special presentation that includes advice about the importance of reading books to the child in your life.

Also included in the 153-minute set are enhanced read-along and comprehension questions for building early literacy skills, plus Spanish Versions of “Noisy Nora” and “Max’s Christmas” and a “Gonna Read to My Bunny” music video.

Available for $10.49 from Amazon.com.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS SING-ALONG TRAVEL KIT

Something to keep kids entertained as you hit the road traveling during the holidays.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS KIT provides two musical DVDs that features 15 animated literary classics; a CD with 13 sing-along songs; a 34-page booklet that includes crayons and assorted games and activities designed to reinforce math and early reading skills. And, everything is packed in a portable child-sized mini-case, which includes some travel tips just for parents and caregivers.

Specifics about the two featured DVDs and CD are:

The first DVD -"The Wheels on the Bus...and more sing-along favorites" is adapted from the picture book by Paul O. Zelinsky, and the classic children's song is brought to life with Zelinsky’s artwork and musical score by The Bacon Brothers. The DVD also includes six additional stories.

The second DVD -“There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly...and more sing along favorites” is visually adapted from the picture book by Simms Taback with musical interpretation provided by Cyndi Lauper, plus seven more stories for more than an hour’s worth of sing-along fun.

The separate audio CD features the following sing-along story songs: “The Wheels on the Bus;” “The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night;” “Dinosaur Bones;” “Chicka Chicka 123;” “Donut Make You feel So Good;” “Dem Bones;” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands;” “Everything’s Better (When You Come Together);” “Over in the Meadow;” “The Erie Canal;” “Frog Went A-Courtin’;” “Tooth School Anthem” and “Gonna Read to My Bunny.”

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS KIT is available from Amazon.com for $11.49 and you may a view a video excerpt by simply following the above link and clicking on the small icon that is provided beneath the product picture.

ADVENTURES AT SCHOOL

Fourteen stories on three DVDs for total running time of 179 minutes are included in this hilarious and whimsical collection, which features such classic tales as “Crazy Hair Day;” “The Teacher From the Black Lagoon;” “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day,” and “How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?"

ADVENTURES AT SCHOOL is professionally narrated by notable actors Zach Braff, Calista Flockhart, Alexander Gould and Alfre Woodard, among others.

Perfect for children ages three through nine and available through Amazon.com for $16.99.


FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED... AND MORE FAVORITE CHILDREN'S STORIES                                                                                                                                      

A unique offering that teaches children the art of sign language, which helps promote the development of fine motor skills, and also includes vocabulary lessons and quizzes for each story that assist in reading comprehension.

Cherished stories, “Little Quack” and Mercer Meyer’s “There’s Something in My Attic” are presented with pleasant voice narration, musical score and sign language.
The 38-minute DVD is available through Amazon.com for $11.49/

Two additional sign language formatted releases of beloved children’s books, GOODNIGHT MOON…AND MORE GREAT BEDTIME STORIES and A POCKET FOR CORDUROY AND MORE STORIES ABOUT FRIENDSHIP are available from Amazon.com, both priced at $6.99 each.

By following the above link for Goodnight Moon, an excerpted video is available to view by clicking on the icon immediately under the product picture.

CRAZY HAIR DAY...AND MORE BACK-TO-SCHOOL STORIES

                                                  
Based on Barney’s Saltzberg’s popular picture book, “Crazy Hair Day,” the 60 minute DVD features the title story as well as Roger Duvoisin’s “Petunia,” James Stevenson’s “Monty”, and Miriam Cohen’s “Will I have a Friend?” narrated by Zach Braff (Scrubs, Garden State.)

The disc also includes a Spanish version of “Monty” and an interview with Barney Saltzberg.
Available at Amazon.com for $13.49.