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The Buzz - 2006

MonkeyDoos: Things That Go! DVD
Rock 'n Learn: Money & Making Change VHS & DVD
The Biscuit Brothers: Go Make Music! Volume 1 DVD
Dear Mr. President DVD
Jamarama Live DVD
Squibs, Vol. 7—In Motion: Light, Heat & Energy DVD
Squibs, Volume 9—In the Ground: Geology, Tectonics and Rocks DVD
We Are the Laurie Berkner Band DVD
Dinosaur George Live! DVD
The Best of Big Kids, Volume 1 CD
We Are the Laurie Berkner Band DVD
Squibs - In the Body: Organs, Health, and Nutrition DVD
Squibs - Inside: Cells, DNA & Adaptation DVD
Squibs - In the Environment: Organisms and Ecosystems DVD
Squibs - In the Clouds: Air, Weather & Water DVD
Firefighter George & Fire Engines, Volume 2 DVD
Firefighter George & Today's Mighty Trains DVD
Cowboy Mike and the Joyful Fairy: Come Over & Play CD
Squibs: In Space - Earth, Moon, Sun & Beyond DVD

School Library Journal
November 2006

MonkeyDoos: Things That Go! DVD

PreS-Gr 1- This sure-fire exercise starter for young children groups original transportation-themed songs with exercises. It opens with a brief "ABC's of Safety" and includes a warning about consulting a doctor before beginning any exercise program. As each exercise/song begins, children's voices call out the name of the activity. A female instructor demonstrates and explains how to execute exercise. The children then perform the exercise on an animated background with three animated monkeys often participating. The diverse group of children then perform the exercise on an animated background with three animated monkeys often participating. The diverse group of children, ranging in age from 5 to 8, all wear loosely fitted t-shirts and sneakers, but some of the girls are inappropriately dressed in skirts; the instructor is dressed in a t-shirt and jeans instead of exercise clothing. Exercises focus primarily on gross motor skills such as bouncing, marching in place, and twirling, but also include a few aerobic activities. Among the upbeat songs and ballads are the jazzy "Paddleboat" (rolling arms in front of the body), "My Magic Bicycle" (lying on the floor, pumping legs), "Clickety Clack" (marching in place, pumping arms), and the 1960's inspired "Surf's Up" (balancing). A healthy snack craft demo ("Plane Delicious") and a downloadable helicopter craft activity round out the video.
-Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

Rock 'n Learn: Money & Making Change VHS & DVD

K-Gr 3 - Viewers learn about money and making change in this educational and entertaining program hosted by two animated characters. Penny is a singing and dancing coin, while Bill, a paper dollar, plays the guitar. Together they perform songs that introduce coin values from pennies to silver dollars. They show how to count coins and different combinations that add up to one dollar. The duo then move on to teach youngsters about paper money and discuss the different values of dollar bills from one to one hundred. Throughout the video, interesting facts are introduced. Although the music and lyrics are not as sophisticates as those on School House Rock (Scholastic), the disco lights and psychedelic video backgrounds will entice elementary students.
-Cynthia Grabke, Halifax Elementary School, MA

Video Librarian
September/October 2006

The Biscuit Brothers: Go Make Music! Volume 1 DVD

3 and 1/2 stars
The Biscuit Brothers (dressed in matching overalls, plaid shirts, boots, and hats) sing, talk about music (and rhythm and pitch), and show viewers around Old MacDonald's farm EIEIO ("Environmental Institute for Every Instrument in the Orchestra") in the three PBS-aired episodes compiled here. In addition to animated clips featuring a pig who sing "MY Way" and a horse who can beat his hooves in time to "Mairsy Dotes," the show features characters such as Sister Buttermilk and Tiny Scarecrow (a completely enchanting rod-arm puppet), "crazy classics" music videos, and entertaining sketches (in one segment, "ER EIO," a tuba is taken in to emergency surgery after producing strangely flute-like noises). More on the entertainment end of the "infotainment" scale than the educational Magical Music Express: It's Fun to Learn About Music (VL-7/06), this is a big hit with my kids (five and two), even if MacDonald's fake Scots burr makes my hair stand on end. DVD extras include a half hour's worth of bonus songs. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Reagan)

Dear Mr. President DVD

3 stars
Following the journey of five teenage girls from Israel and Palestine on a cross-global trek to meet President Bush, filmmaker Debra Sugerman's documentary begins with the reading of a letter requesting an audience with the president to discuss how America can help resolve Middle East conflicts. The girls' first stop is in Los Angeles, where they board a hug RV bound for Washington, D.C., visiting iconic American sites along the way and talking with people about the struggles back home. The group's encounters with various Americans are often poignant (including visits with a Holocaust survivor, Arab and Israeli immigrants in Dearborn, MI, and African Americans in Detroit), but perhaps the most compelling segment is during a radio interview on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, in which the host explains why a number of Native Americans enlisted in the armed services—despite the fact that their lands were taken from them in the past, many still felt compelled to protect their nation. Although more information about the girls' backgrounds would have added context to their stories (also, the girls never actually meet with the president —scheduling conflicts, natch), this is an insightful and timely documentary on Middle East woes, presented from a teen perspective. Recommended. Aud: H, P. (C. Block)

Jamarama Live DVD

2 and 1/2 stars
Designed for kids ages two and up, this program compiles live songs and segments from Jamarama, "the country's first-ever children's music festival." The Ohmies—a quartet dressed as characters representing basic yoga poses (the butterfly, the downward facing dog, etc.) —attempt to engage the young crowd with songs that include "Butterfly" and the hip-hoppish "Up/Down Dawg," encouraging kids to mimic their movements. They are followed by —arguably the most famous and polished group here —The Laurie Berkner Band, with front woman Berkner donning a pig "hat" and singing "Pig On Her Head," as well as the marching anthem "We Are the Dinosaurs." After three songs by Milkshake ("Bottle of Sunshine," "Milkshake R 'n' R," and the accordion-accompanied "ABC of Me" adaptation of the alphabet song, with sign language), the program concludes with the grand finale, "So Much Fun Together"—a song that essentially consists of all the performers coming out on stage and repeating the title over and over. In addition to the songs, Jamarama Live features clips of kids dancing and hugging the costumed Noggin characters Moose A. Moose, Zee, and Miffy. The low price and burgeoning popularity of Jamarama help to offset the short running time and lackluster production values here, making this a strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)

School Library Journal
July 2006

Squibs, Vol. 7—In Motion: Light, Heat & Energy DVD

Gr 4-6-Each of the 20 two-minute segments covers one important concept within the larger topic of light, heat, and energy. Among the topics covered are "Energy and States of Matter," "Thermal Energy Transfer," "Molecules in Motion," "Inside Every Atom," " What's a Wave," " The Truth about Shadows," "A Tale of Two Lenses," and more. Each segment features graphics, live-action video, and music. Some are sung like rap songs, others are staged to feel like commercials, some play like a movie, and others feature cartoon characters. However, imagery and vocabulary come at viewers so rapidly that there is no time for processing. Some concepts and vocabulary, when presented in just two minutes, are too difficult for the targeted age group to assimilate. The program might be better aimed at older students and used to review individual topics.
-Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

School Library Journal
June 2006

Squibs, Volume 9—In the Ground: Geology, Tectonics and Rocks DVD

Gr 4-6-The Squibs' cast of animated characters is back with Mr. Einstein, Mr. Big Head, X and Y, and Flip and Flop as well as such new faces as Richter (as in Richter Scale), Penelope Paleontologist, and Jeanine (fast talking reporter at large). These signing, wisecracking characters present complex and important science concepts for young learners. While the animation, songs and dialogue make learning fun, the science concepts presented are challenging. The program covers geologic and absolute time; the four laws of relative dating; paleontology, fossil clues, the earth's crust, mantle, and core; plate boundaries and tectonics; continental drift; volcanoes; earthquakes; the rock cycle; chemical and mechanical weathering; and the secret life of soil. In all, there are 22 very short (about 2 minutes each) episodes that cover a lot of ground presented in rapid fire delivery. The concepts are presented through humorous, animated skits and songs with plenty of live-action video, still photography, and graphics. The illustrations are profuse and first-rate. The narration is clear, even though the vocabulary is challenging. Students and teachers will find the glossary helpful. Teachers will appreciate the chapter format, which makes it easy to play a particular clip or repeat a segment for emphasis. It will be best to view individual segments to support text and classroom discussion. Kids will be glued to the screen.
-Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA

Video Librarian
May/June 2006

We Are the Laurie Berkner Band DVD

Acclaimed New Jersey professional rock musician and Rutgers alum turned children's entertainer Laurie Berkner, her bassist husband Brian Mueller, and keyboard player Susie Lampert turn on the super-kid-friendly antics and charisma in this compilation of 10 music videos. Kicking off with the days-of-the-week ditty "I'm Gonna Catch You," other standout tunes on the nouveau-Sharon, Lois & Bram-like band's debut DVD include "Victor Vito," the calypso-style "Under a Shady Tree," "Bumblebee," "The Goldfish," the fanciful "Pig On Her Head," and the a capella "Moon Moon Moon." Although some of the lyrics are repetitive, most of the songs are spot-on for the intended preschool audience, as evidenced in clips of happy children pleasantly singing and dancing along. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes video montage, the extra live cut "I'm a Mess," an alternate version of "Moon Moon Moon," and a bonus five-song audio CD. Recommended.
Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)

Dinosaur George Live! DVD

Dinosaurs are a perennial hot topic with many kids aged 5-12, and George Blasing knows just how to reach them with a skilled combination of showmanship and expertise. This is not your father's dinosaur film: Blasing, known as "Dinosaur George," is widely knowledgeable about his subject, but he's no stuffed paleontologist shirt, cavorting about the stage in this live production and throwing out tidbits of dino lore laced with humor, while answering a ton of dino questions. "Why did dinosaurs become extinct?" "Why aren't flying reptiles like pterodactyls true dinosaurs?" "How did they get to be so darn big?" "How did they find enough to eat?" A fun and informative look at the lumbering behemoths of yesteryear, this opening volume in The Dinosaur World Classroom Series (c'mon George, you can be more creative than that!) is recommended.
Aud: E, P. (J. Carlson)

School Library Journal
May 2006

The Best of Big Kids, Volume 1 CD

PreS-Gr 3—This CD gathers together 12 of the best songs from some of the best albums that Big Kids has produced. Included are "House Party" by Dan Zanes; "Riding My Bike" by Imagination Movers; "Goin' Down to Mexico" by Lucas Miller; "Baby Kangaroo" and "Great Big World" by Joe McDermott; "Three Blind Mice" by Mother Goose Jazz Band; "I Like Silver, I Like Gold" by Ben Rudnick; "Brontosaurus Got a Sweet Tooth" by Justin Roberts; "Are We There Yet?" by Trout Fishing in America; "Deep in the Jungle" by Joe Scruggs; "The Alphabet Song" by Susie Tallman; and "The Couch" by Kevin Kammeraad. For those libraries with small music CD budgets, this album will provide a taste of several excellent performers at their best.
-Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

We Are the Laurie Berkner Band DVD

PreS-Gr 2—Children's music superstar Laurie Berkner and band (Susie Lampert and Brian Mueller) sing, dance, hop and swing to one traditional and ten original lively songs. A number of multiethnic youngsters also sing and bounce along. Berkner plays guitar, while the other two members of the band back her up with keyboards and bass guitar. A couple of songs feature cute, minimally animated characters. In colorful outfits on sets decorated appropriately for each song, Laurie, the band, and the children sing "I'm Gonna Catch You," "We Are the Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," "Walk Along the River," "Under a Shady Tree," " Bumblebee," "O Susannah," " The Godfish," " Pig on Her Head," "Moon, Moon, Moon," and "Telephone." Most of the songs are in a folksy rock musical style. "O Susannah" is sung in beautiful barbershop harmony, and "Moon, Moon, Moon" is sung a capella in barbershop harmony. The three bonus features include a look behind the scenes at the taping while "I Know a Chicken" plays; "I'm a Mess," a chant with hand claps; and the band teaching the hand motions for "Moon, Moon, Moon." The bonus CD contains four of the songs from the DVD plus "The Happiest Song I Know." This wonderful production will have young viewers singing and dancing along for hours.
-Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Squibs - In the Body: Organs, Health, and Nutrition DVD

Gr. 4-6—Students will enjoy this fun-filled look at organs, health, and nutrition presented by a variety of animated characters are set in the distant future when robots rule the world. There are more than 20 very brief videos, each dealing with a topic related to the human body. Difficult vocabulary words can be defined via a glossary link. By clicking on a "Friends" link, youngsters can meet the characters that perform throughout the program. Students are introduced to the body through music videos, mystery stories, and "news" reports, all filled with illustrations and photographs. The Smalltime Boyz start the show with a music video, "What I'm Made Of," all about the elements that make up our bodies. The program ends with a blooper reel of Mr. Skeleton and his costume fittings. This entertaining and informative program will be an excellent choice for elementary or middle school science collections.
-Lisa W. Baker, Chocowinity Middle School, NC

School Library Journal
March 2006

Squibs - Inside: Cells, DNA & Adaptation DVD

Gr. 5-7—An amazing amount of scientific information about cells, DNA, and adaptation is packed into these 10 one- to two-minute episodes. Among the topics covered are plant cells, animal cells, mitosis, heredity, anatomy of organisms, phenotypes, the scientific method, and more. Almost every episode has a different engaging format, from an animated mock interview between a reporter and a scientist to a music video featuring vibrant photographs of micro-organisms and lyrics about cell structure. A combination of still photos, diagrams, stylized animation, and video is used to visualize the technical information that is sung to various types of music or narrated. Information is also provided as subtitles, charts, or labels. The effect is a diverse and well-crafted collection of mini selections that will get students' attention. However, the complex scientific information is given so fast that students will need a background on each topic or much more explanation in order to understand it. The episodes could be used to introduce, review, or supplement science lessons.
-Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Squibs - In the Environment: Organisms and Ecosystems DVD

Gr 4-6—With rapid fire sound bites, this title tackles a myriad of topics ranging from "structure vs. function" to "ecological communities" to "Biotic and abiotic" and much more in 17 one- to two-minute video clips. Add a variety of characters/narrators singing, rapping, even reciting poetry and techniques including live-action footage, animation, and graphics, and the result is a lively introduction to important biology concepts. Students will find the program engaging, entertaining, and informative. Teachers will appreciate the DVD format that encourages accessing specific chapters to enrich and illustrate discussion points, and the easy interface between the "tough words" glossary and pertinent video clips. The animation is creative and appealing with characters such as Handsome Pete (an ectothermic frog), Mike and Drew (two hapless students in Mr. Einstein's science class), and Flip and Flop (indecipherable opposites). Live-action shots range from the microscopic to animals in their natural habitats, while graphics and photographic stills illustrate a variety of concepts such as plant structure and the flow of energy. The narration is catchy and requires good listening skills, but the clever tongue-in-cheek delivery will hold the attention of all students. Science videos haven't been this much fun since Bill Nye!
-Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA

Squibs - In the Clouds: Air, Weather & Water DVD

Gr. 4-6—This refreshingly well-done animated production features colorful visuals, crisp narration, interesting facts, and fast-paced segments. Each of the 19 one- to two-minute video clips is long enough to provide all the pertinent information and short enough to hold the attention of students. These clips are styled as news interviews, classroom and movie theatre scenes, raps, and more. Science concepts covered include: the five layers of the atmosphere, cloud formation, wind, El Niño, the water cycle, the water table, rivers, the watershed, deltas, waves, tides, meteorologists, the Greenhouse Effect, and why weather is not the same everywhere. All key facts are printed across the screen to reinforce learning. A glossary of "tough words" is also included. A fun way to learn science.
-Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

Firefighter George & Fire Engines, Volume 2 DVD

PreS-Gr 4—Featuring live-action footage of firefighters in action, this DVD is sure to enchant young fans of fire engines. The production is hosted by "Firefighter George," who, aside from his slightly patronizing tone, displays considerable enthusiasm for his topic. There are two lessons: one for younger children, which offers a tour of the inside of the fire engine and fire house with "Fire Dog Maggie," and another, more in-depth look at the parts of the fire truck for older viewers. The second section in particular uses very specific terminology and offers more detailed information than is normally found in such programs. Young fire engine aficionados will be thrilled.
-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Firefighter George & Today's Mighty Trains DVD

PreS-Gr 3—The fifth title in the series features Firefighter George, Firefighter Christie, and a group of Junior Engineers. The program is divided into two lessons. The first one, for preschoolers, features four children learning about several types of trains and the items they carry: freight trains (cargo), passenger trains (people across the country), electric trains (people in the city), and circus trains (animals). Both diesel and electric trains are shown. Firefighter George details the types of cars on a train and their purpose, including hoppers, flat cars, boxcars, and tank cars. A view inside of a locomotive points out the controls the engineer uses, with their names written onscreen. Also covered are the warning mechanisms used by trains, how cars are coupled, and the function of a caboose. The second lesson is for young school-aged children and offers more detail about how electric trains operate, how the engineer's controls work, and what is found in a railroad yard. A circus train and a passenger train are toured. Fascinating facts about trains are sprinkled throughout. Train safety tips are stressed. Web sites featuring trains are given in closing credits. A treat for train lovers.
-Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dauton Metro Library, OH

Cowboy Mike and the Joyful Fairy: Come Over & Play CD

PreS-Gr 2—Children's educator Joy Williams joins Cowboy Mike (aka Michael Hayter) on this recording featuring the duo's original songs. The relaxed voices, accompanied by bass, dulcimer, guitar, keyboard, and drums, are peaceful and restful. Songs such as "Mommy and Daddy Wake Up," "I Like to Take a Bath," "Come Over and Play," and "We'll Be There In Just a Little While," address themes with which children will identify. "Listen to the Jungle," "Ice Cream" and "Land of Dreams" transport listeners to a dreamy, imaginative place. This title will be useful for themed story times as well as leisure listening. A solid addition to general collections.
-Kirsten Martindale, formerly, Menomonie Public Library, WI

School Library Journal
February 2006

Squibs: In Space - Earth, Moon, Sun & Beyond DVD

Gr 4-6—This DVD consists of 18 short segments dealing with specific topics related to astronomy. Viewers learn about the Earth—its seasons, rotation, and revolution. The moon is also examined—phases, lunar terms, and its far side. Information about the sun and stars includes solar storms, magnitudes, and how stars burn. Planets and other objects in the solar system are briefly explored and defined, and viewers learn about spacecraft, eclipses (both solar and lunar), interstellar distance measurements, the Big Bang theory, how a meteorite might have killed the dinosaurs, how the solar system might have been formed (planetesimal vs. nebular theory), and the types of scientists who study all of the above. Narrators and style vary from segment to segment. Some parts are lectures, others are songs, cartoons, or in the style of an infomercial or travel advertisement. Excellent graphics that clearly show the highlighted principle, fun animation, and photographs are found throughout. Segments can be watched in order or selected by topic. All terms are defined in context, but the DVD includes a glossary to offer specific definitions if needed. There is humor here, but never enough to detract from the central educational purpose. A hidden video clip shows the "Solar Storms" segment in Japanese. This would be an excellent adjunct to astronomy units, providing quick reinforcement on key principles.
- Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

click here for more reviews: 2007 / 2005 / archive