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I
received my videos yesterday in good condition. Thank you for your prompt
mail order service.
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-John, Bakersfield,
CA
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Parenting.com - Mom-Tested! Best DVDs of the Year
By: Bruce Kluger |
Birth - 2 Years
Baby IQ: The World Around US
A baby's eye-view of everyday images, with oodles of color-drenched eye
candy: animated paint droplets, puppets, and even a toddler twosome eating
ice cream. |
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2 and Up
Go Potty Go
A sweet, animated toilet-training tutorial, in which a pair of pandas
give the inside poop on potty etiquette, from knowing when it's time to
go to tips on the wipe-and-washup. Rhyming verse and darling ditties drive
the lesson plan, which at one point features a cute parading posse of panty-clad
animals. |
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5 and Up
Flower Child
Give the Hannah Montana episodes a rest and try this breezy batch of
classic poems (think Whitman and Dickinson), read aloud and set to clips
of real-life kids at play. It celebrates the beauty of language and nature,
and features a rich backdrop of folk and world music. A perfect intro to
the world of verse. |
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School Library Journal
December 2007 |
| Whistlefritz: Vamos a Jugar (Let's Play) DVD |
Bright graphics, live-action footage of
children, an engaging young teacher, songs, and games present basic
Spanish language terms such as parts of the body, numbers, colors,
articles of clothing, and more. In a format reminiscent of Blues
Clues, the
children and the teacher are shown against animated backgrounds, giving
variety and visual appeal to the presentation. Covering questions
such as “Como esta?” and “Que es…?”, as well as statements like “Vamos
a cantar una cancion” and “Vamos a aprender…,” the well-structured
DVD uses context and repetition to clarify meaning. The sense
of playing a game is continuously maintained. The total
immersion technique is consistent throughout and the use of repetition
is excellent. Young
children will be happy to join in and will pick up phrases and words
easily. A short “Translation Guide” lists all the words
and phrases used in the DVD in the order in which they appear. Navigational
tools appear in the lower left corner of the screen, allowing for easy
navigation between chapters. The program is definitely better
in both quality and execution than Kids Love Spanish (Brock
Sisters Prods., 2006) and for a slightly older audience than the excellent “Osmosis” series
( Casa and Cuerpo, both Osmosis, 2006). Though
clearly aimed at the home market, the program is an excellent tool for
beginning instruction in Spanish and will be useful in the classroom
as well. |
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School Library Journal
September 2007 |
| Biscuit Brothers: Old MacDonald's EIEI Radio CD |
K-Gr 5 — The opening cut, "This
Farm/Theme Song," sets the tone for the recording. It's definitely country,
casual, and upbeat fun featuring the cast of the Emmy Award-winning PBS
show, The Biscuit Brothers. Set up as an "old-time" radio broadcast,
the concept recording gets off to a running start and just doesn't stop.
Short interludes are inserted between musical production selections, serving
as segues between numbers. Some are instructional, covering topics such
as musical dynamics and tips for learning a new song, and some just add
humor. Excellent arrangements breathe new life into traditional tunes such
as "Oh Susanna!" (an updated arrangement features tight harmonies), "I've
Been Workin' on the Railroad" (cool and jazzy), "She'll Be Coming 'Round
the Mountain" (a slow tempo makes this hot), and "My Bonnie" (with body
music enhancements added). The Fields/ Donovan classic, "Aba Daba Honeymoon,"
is updated with ukulele, xylophone, and kazoos. Original songs by Allen
Robertson and Jerome Schoolar are catchy and singable. Highlights among
the original songs include "Chickens Playing Bongos" (a Bossa Nova featuring
different musical instruments) and "P.B. & J." (an empowering tune about
making one's own lunch). Fans of the TV show will be thrilled with this
recording.
- Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH |
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School Library Journal
July 2007 |
| Flower Child DVD |
PreS-Gr 3 — Take beautiful poetry, mix it with images
of active, happy children, and viewers will be captivated. Poetry written
by well-known authors, but not identified on the DVD, such as Walt Whitman,
Langston Hughes, and Emily Dickinson, is spoken mostly by children, with
a little assistance from an occasional adult voice. Multiethnic kids are
expertly captured playing, jumping, sleeping, smiling, dancing, twirling,
and eating—all in perfect sync with the flowing language. There is
the wonderful music of drums and guitars, along with the sounds of nature,
adding yet another dimension to the rhythm of this offering. Words and
numbers from the many short poems are often displayed artistically on the
screen. There is a liquidity and flow to this DVD that will hypnotize both
children and adults. It is a good fit with poetry units and creative writing
assignments. These images could also be used without sound to inspire kids
to write their own poetry. This DVD gives new meaning to the phrase "poetry
in motion!"
-Marilyn Heresh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI |
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Entertainment Weekly
July 13, 2007 |
| Joe McDermott: Everybody Plays Air Guitar CD |
 There
are lots of rockin' - out CDs for kids that blast right past their ears
in order to impress parents, but this is not one of them. On one track,
McDermott expertly explains the finer points of assuming the air guitar
position— "Stand up straight, put your legs like an A.../Wiggle your
hip, bit your bottom lip" (yes, Jack Black would approve). On another,
"Momma's Gonna Have a Baby," he tells a lovely story from a brave older
sibling's POV. A-
-Eileen Clarke
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School Library Journal
July 2007 |
Elizabeth Mitchell: You Are My Little
Bird CD 
There's a good reason why Mitchell was scooped up by a major record label:
she's the heir to Ella Jenkins, the first lady of children's music.
Mitchell sings folk songs, but she keeps her repertoire up-to-date
with tunes from the likes of Neil Young, Lou Reed, Gillian Welch, and
Bob Marley. She's also been known to team up with her husband, Daniel
Littleton, and her former college roommate, Lisa Loeb.
Of course, anyone can sing traditional folk tunes and strum a guitar,
but to do it well and receive universal acclaim, well, that's another
story. Mitchell's a cappella turn at "Little Liza Jane," her ethereal
reading of "If You Listen," and her acoustic, rock 'n' roll cover of
"What Goes On" emphasize her strengths as a subtle but powerful performer.
This is a superb and eclectic group of songs performed uniquely, yet
flawlessly.
*Don't miss this track: "If You Listen"
Frances England: Fascinating Creatures CD
England's quietly powerful album presents songs about riding a tricycle,
reading one's favorite books, and eating pancackes—y' know, things
that are important to kids. This CD began as a project to raise money for
her son's preschool, but word of mouth soon turned it into an underground
hit.
Pretty much all you're going to hear on this album is England's voice accompanied
by guitars and occasional percussion. But listen closely: it's the spaces
between the notes that make the difference. Just check out the title track,
which is the aural equivalent of a gauzy curtain swaying in a summer breeze.
The chorus of "Busy as a Bee" makes a great toddler-time sing-along, and
the scatty "Charlie Parker" introduces a veritable who's who of bebop.
This is a true indie-rock kids' album, and everything from England's stellar
performance to her folksy cover art sets a high standard. To top it off,
she's only two credits shy of getting her MLIS.
*Don't miss this track: "Fascinating Creatures"
Putumayo Kids: Latin Playground CD
This is an outstanding introduction to world music provided by the folks
at Putumayo. Latin Playground presents music from Venezuela,
Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, and Cuba, among other nations, performed by
artists with roots in South and Central America. Kids can liven up their
parties with Cubanismo!'s "Mardi Gras Mambo," Nazare Pereira's "Rodopiou,"
Rudy Y Chévere Regalado's "America Baila," and Carmen Gonzalez
and Koral Y. Esmeralda's "Chocolate."
Wanna dance? Then check out Fraco Jiminez's "De Bollon Pin Pon," Omara Portuondo's
"Guantanamera," and Ruben Rada's "Yo Quiero." Even San Antonio, TX, native
Terri Hendrix turns in a great tejano-style song, "Lluvia de Estrellas,"
that was originally on her kids' album Celebrate the Difference. Latin Playground
is a great place to begin exploring the music of the Americas with your little
ones.
*Don't miss this track: "Chocolate" by Carmen Gonzalez and Koral Y Esmeralda
Putumayo Kids: Caribbean Playground CD
The Putumayo Kids label has become amazingly adept at introducing children
to music from around the world. Their secret? They go out and find the
real deal—rather than recording some guy from our suburbs playing a
Tibetan folk song on a synthesizer. Caribbean Playground is a collection
of tunes from Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, and many
other countries.
Desmond Dekker's "Jamaica Farewell," MissionIriez's "Reggae Dancin'," and
Kali's "Tambou Dan tche Nou" will inspire nonstop dancing while Jose González
y Banda Criolla's "Bomba Te Traigo Yo" and Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues'
"Great Big Boat" provide a great laid back groove. This is yet another fabulous
collection of world music that should not be missed.
*Don't miss this track: "Great Big Boat" by Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues
Dog On Fleas: Cranberry Sauce Flotilla CD
Dog on Fleas has been performing together for several years now, and it
shows on Cranberry Sauce Flotilla, their third CD for kids. Recorded
mostly with a single microphone in band leader Dean Jones's living
room in upstate New York, the songs exude loads of organic vitatily.
The group's use of fiddles, tubas, mandolins, acoustic guitars, and
an upright piano, combined with their down-home song selections, will
make you feel like you're listening to The Band, playing at Big Pink.
Bassist John Hughes's "Happy," fiddler/mandolin player
David Levine's "Little Bird," and guitarist Jones's title track could
be the springobard for a greatest-hits compilation; the songwriting is
that strong. The band enthusiastically tackles traditional tunes like
"Weevily Wheat" and add their own earthy touch to standards like Hoagy
Carmichael's "Lazy Bones" and Woody Guthrie's "Bling-Blang." This is
wonderful music from a fantastically talented group.
- Warren Truitt
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School Library Journal
July 2007 |
Susie Tallman
Let's Go!: Travel, Camp and Car Songs CD |
PreS-Gr4
Susie Tallman's latest release is her best yet. Energetic and playful,
Tallman and her fellow musicians use a variety of traditional instruments
to create a non-traditional sound. Strong, comfortable harmonies paired
with clever styling result in an impeccable album. The lyrics to these
26 mostly familiar camp songs are silly and inviting. "Boom Chicka Boom"
features several different musical styles, changing from country to jazz
to opera, and even incorporating an Elvis impersonation. Many songs have
surprises, such as "The Ostrich Song" and "A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea,
Sea." "To Morrow" is a clever play on words that may be less familiar,
but will quickly become a favorite with older listeners. Also included
are "Going on a Bear Hunt," "On Top of Spaghetti," "You Are My Sunshine,"
"Ain't Gonna Rain No More," "There's a Hole in the Bucket," and many
more. This album will well serve story time presenters looking for musical
tie-ins to camping themes, as well as providing an excellent addition
to general listening collections.
- Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI |
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School Library Journal
May 2007 |
| All
About Airplanes and Flying Machines DVD |
PreS-Gr 5-This live-action film will entertain
and engage viewers. Garrett, a young airplane enthusiast, hosts the film
and introducers many different aspects of aviation. Opening at a model
airplane competition, Garrett then takes his first flying lesson. viewers
learn about the history of aviation, including a segment about Orville
and Wilbur Wright, and see different types of airplanes. Historic footage
is included throughout the film. Ballooning, blimps, helicopters, hang
gliding, and paragliding are among the topics covered in other segments.
The audience sees Yosemite National Park from a hang glider, watches
the Blue Angels aerobatic flying team, and more. Special features include
a segment on the principles of flight. Sure to delight aviation enthusiasts.
-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA |
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| Buzz
E Bee: At the Rainy Day Zoo DVD |
PreS-K-The first of a projected series, this
DVD is configured for two audiences: one under age 2 (featuring visuals
and music only) and the other over age 2 (featuring visuals, music, and
narration). A strong wind carries Buzz E. Bee, an animated character,
and his watch Ticky to The Rainy Day Zoo. Buzz reads rhyming text as
live-action footage features elephants, hippos, kangaroos, gorillas,
snakes, polar bears, penguins, flamingos, camels, seals, ostriches, tigers,
and other animals. "Animal Facts," a DVD extra, provides brief information
about the 16 animals featured in the film. "Special Features" include
a charming music video featuring Joel Frankel singing "I'd Be a Bee,"
information about the origin of Buzz E. Bee, and a DVD-Rom link to the
Buzz E. Bee Web site. The animation is flat, two-dimensional color graphics
over live-action footage. A mixed bag.
-Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH |
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| Fins and Grins CD |
PreS-Gr 3-Johnette Downing's sixth children's
album is her most delightful yet. Mostly influenced by Cajun and Zydeco
from her native New Orleans, these original and traditional songs have
a common theme: sea animals. Downing's gentle voice invites listeners
to sing and move along with the music. Traditional songs have new lyrics
written by the artist, as Downing sings about penguins, frogs, stingrays,
and seahorses. Among the 16 songs are "Clamshell Clap," "A Sailor Went
to Sea, Sea, Sea," "Stingray Shuffle," and "I Went to the Aquarium."
The album is dedicated to New Orleans' marine animals from The Aquarium
of the Americas, lost in Hurricane Katrina. This inspiring music will
be welcomed by teachers and librarians.
-Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI |
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Video Librarian
May/ June 2007 |
| Buzz E Bee at the Rainy Day Zoo DVD |
24 min.
Meet Buzz E. Bee, who always speaks in rhyme, and his friend Ticky,
a time-telling frog. Buzz is a curious, adventurous little animated
fellow who leads viewers on a live-action tour of the city zoo, visiting
many of the usual suspects, such as the tiger, giraffe, and lion, as
well as some more unusual critters, including the penguin, ostrich,
and camel. The DVD contains two different audio tracks: one is aimed
at the two-and-under crowd and features music only, making it a sort
of virtual zoo visit with a funny cartoon bee swooping around. On the
second track, Buzz tells young viewers interesting facts about each
animal, such as its name, origin, diet, and common behaviors. A very
affordable program that is both fun and informative (and kids will
love the bonus music video of children's entertainer Joel Frankel singing"I'd
Be a Bee"), this is recommended. Aud: K, P.
-E. Geischen |
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Baby & Children's Product News
2007 |
| Go Potty Go DVD |
The new DVD "Go Potty Go!," available May 22 from Mazzarella
Media, is an animated 30-minute introduction to Paige and Parker, twin
pandas. The pandas, along with their friends Elephant, Duck, Moose, Sheep,
Fish, Camel, Grizzly, and Penguin, show kids that anyone and everyone
uses the potty and how fun and easy it is to learn.
Channeling their inner Dr. Seuss™, creators Mark
and Tony Mazzarella combine snappy rhymes, toe-tapping original songs,
colorful animation, and adorable characters to engage and entertain
children and guide them in learning to use the potty.
From the peppy opening number "Go Potty Go!," Paige
and Parker show kids that "Diapers are for Babies" and the many things
they're going to be able to do because they're "Gonna Be a Big Kids"
now. They introduce the potty chair, show different things kids can
do while sitting on it (and reinforce that it's okay if the process
takes a while), demonstrate how to wipe their bottom, and how everyone
must wash their hands with soap and water when they are done.
"Go Potty Go!" will also be available in Spanish for the Hispanic market.
Both versions carry a suggested retail price of $14.95 and are ideal
for children ages 18 months to three years. |
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School Library Journal
March 2007
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| Start Smarter: Girls Gotta Dance with Ballerina Jen DVD |
K-Gr 5- Young girls are introduced to this dance form by
ballerina Jen and her students, seventh and eighth grade girls from the
Woodward Academy, who prepare and present two numbers. For each performance,
the girls warm up, learn about the dance, stretch, and perform different
ballet positions. In the first dance, Jen and the girls discuss various
types of fish and what inspired them and their performance. Next, the girls
create their costumes and practice their routine. Before the performance,
the girls describe putting on their stage makeup. Jen and a few of the
students narrate the film. Some of the youngsters are self-conscious in
front of the camera, and the descriptive terms "pretty" and "nice" are
sometimes overused. Finally, the actual performance is shown. The same
preparation is shown for the second performance, "The Dance Match." In
this number, the ballet dancers have a competition with jazz dancers. The
enjoyable footage will engage young ballet aficionados. A useful addition
for public libraries.
-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA |
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