Category Close-Ups

Children's Audio/Video for Spring
Compiled by Shannon Maughan -- 2/5/01

A-L | M-Z | Video

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AUDIO BOOK CONTRACTORS
P.O. Box 40115, Washington, D.C. 20016; (202) 363-3429

A Wonderbook for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Read by Flo Gibson. A collection of mythological tales, including "The Gorgon's Head" and "Pandora's Box." Unabridged, four cassettes, 4 hrs., 8 mins., $29.95, ages 9-up, Jan.

AUDIO BOOKSHELF
174 Prescott Hill Road, Northport, Maine 04849; (207) 338-1713

Joyful Noise/I Am Ph nix by Paul Fleischman. Performed by Scott Snively, Melissa Hughes, et al. Two of Fleischman's award-winning p try collections, filled with p ms created for more than one voice, come to life. Unabridged, 1 cassette, $35 mins., $17.95, CD $17.95, ages 8-up, Jan.

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (And What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull. Read by Melissa Hughes. Latest in the irreverent biography series profiles 20 influential women, including Joan of Arc and Indira Gandhi. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $15.95, CD $14.95, ages 10-up, Jan.

The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child by Francisco Jiménez. Read by Adrian Vargas. Jiménez recounts his experiences growing up in an immigrant Mexican family. Unabridged, four cassettes, 3 hrs., $21.95, CD $29.95, ages 10-up; Spanish edition, 3 hrs., 30 mins., cassette $24.95, CD $29.95, Jan.

AUGUST HOUSE
That's What Mamas Do
by Donald Davis. Read by the author. In these four stories, Davis celebrates mothers and confirms that Mom d s indeed know best. One cassette, 1 hr., $12, CD $16.95, ages 10-up, May.

Father Was a Wise Old Man by Donald Davis. Read by the author. The wisdom of fathers weaves through these five tales. One cassette, 1 hr., $12, CD $16.95, ages 10-up, May.

BABY EINSTEIN (dist. by Penton Overseas)

Language Nursery by Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra. Vocabulary-building activities in seven languages, set to classical music. Enhanced CD $12.98, ages 3 mos.-up, Jan. Also available in CD/video combo pack, $15.98.

These previously released titles are now available in CD/video combo packs:Baby Bach and Baby Mozart.

BAREFOOT BOOKS
Tales of Wisdom &Wonder
retold and performed by Hugh Lupton. A collection of folktales from around the world. CD, 70 mins., $15.99, all ages, Feb.

Tales from Old Ireland retold by Malachy Doyle. Performed by Maura O'Connell. Seven tales from the Irish storytelling tradition. Two CDs, 100 mins., $19.99, all ages, Mar.

The Fabrics of Fairy Tale retold and performed by Tanya Batt. Batt collects folktales from various cultures that have a common theme--fabric and weaving. Two CDs, 100 mins., $19.99, all ages, Apr.

Pirate Stories retold by Richard Walker. Performed by Richard Hope. An anthology of pirate tales from many cultures. CD, 70 mins., $15.99, ages 5-10, May.

Princess Stories retold by Caitlin Matthews. Performed by Margaret Wolfson. Persia, Africa and China are a few of the settings in this collection of folktales starring princesses. CD, 70 mins., $15.99, ages 5-10, June.

THE CHILDREN'S GROUP
1400 Bayly Street, Ste. 7, Pickering, Ontario, L1W 3R2; (800) 668-0242

The Queen, the Bear &the Bumblebee by Dini Petty. Three friends realize wishes do come true in this classical-music adaptation of Petty's picture book. Cassette, 40 mins., $10.98, CD $18.98, ages 4-up, Mar.

CLARION
The Wall
by Eve Bunting, illus. by Ronald Himler. Read by Diego Arcibiegas. A boy and his father visit the Vietnam War Memorial to search for the name of the grandfather the boy has never known. Paperback book and cassette, 9 mins., $9.95, ages 5-8, Apr.

The Three Bears by Paul Galdone. Read by Jane Staab. The classic nursery tale. Paperback book and cassette, 13 mins., $9.95, ages 4-8, Apr.

HAP-PAL MUSIC
P.O. Box 323, Topanga, Calif; (818) 885-0200

Can Cockatoos Count By Twos? by Hap Palmer. A new, expanded edition of an award-winning recording that blends rhythm, melody and activities. 55 mins., cassette $9.95, CD $14.95, ages 2-6, Jan.

HARMONICA MUSIC PRODUCTS (dist. by Penton Overseas)

How to Play Harmonica... Instantly by Marcos Habif. Teaches children and adults how to play this instrument. Songbook, cassette and Hohner Bluesband harmonica, $TBA, ages 6-up, Jan.

How to Play Guitar... Instantly and How to Play Keyboards and Piano... Instantly by Marcos Habif. Teaches children and adults how to play these instruments. Each, songbook, cassette &video, $TBA, ages 6-up, Jan.

HARPERCHILDREN'S AUDIO
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson. Performed by Robert Sean Leonard. A special friendship helps a boy deal with personal tragedy in this adaptation of the Newbery-winning novel. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., $22, ages 10-up, Jan.

Biscuit Finds a Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illus. by Pat Schories. Biscuit the puppy befriends a lost duckling in this beginning reader title. Paperback book and cassette, $8.95, ages 3-5, Jan.

Sammy the Seal by Syd Hoff. Sammy, a favorite I Can Read character, ventures outside the zoo for a day on the town. Paperback book and cassette, $8.95, ages 4-8, Jan.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary. Performed by Neil Patrick Harris. The adventures of the irresistible Henry Huggins, first published 50 years ago, come to audio. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., 30 mins., $18, two CDs $20, ages 8-12, May.

Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers. Reader TBA. Award-winning author Myers recounts his days growing up in Harlem during the 1940s and '50s, and how he transformed himself from troublemaker and truant to successful writer. Unabridged, four cassettes, 5 hrs., 30 mins., $24, ages 12-up, May. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins/Amistad hardcover.

A Series of Unfortunate Events. The darkly comic escapades of the Baudelaire orphans are at the heart of this series by Lemony Snicket. Performed by the author. Titles: The Wide Window and The Miserable Mill. Each, unabridged, two cassettes, 3 hrs., $18, ages 10-up, May.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine. Reader TBA. Sisters Addie and Meryl are different as night and day. But when disaster strikes, shy Addie must face her fears to save her sister and their kingdom. Unabridged, four cassettes, 6 hrs., $25, five CDs $29.95, ages 10-
up, May. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover.
HarperChildren's Audio is reissuing the following titles:Berenstain Bears' Stories written and performed by Stan and Jan Berenstain. One cassette, 1 hr., $12, ages 5-up, Feb. Babar Audio Collection by Jean de Brunhoff and Laurent de Brunhoff, performed by Louis Jordan. Two cassettes, 3 hrs., $18, ages 5-up, Mar. Madeline Audio Collection by Ludwig Bemelmans, performed by Carol Channing. Two cassettes, 3 hrs., $18, ages 5-up, Apr.

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN
Polkabats and Octopus Slacks: 14 Stories
by Calef Brown. Performed by Daniel Pinkwater. Children's book author and NPR commentator Pinkwater reads Brown's quirky p try set to a jazz beat. Book and CD, 13 mins., $18, ages 4-8, Mar.

Happy Birthday, Rotten Ralph by Jack Gantos, illus. by Nicole Rubel. Peformed by the author. Ralph, the cantankerous red cat, celebrates his big day. Book and cassette, 14 mins., $9.95, ages 4-8, Apr.

Jorge el Curioso by Margaret and H.A. Rey. Performed by Diego Arciniegas. An English-Spanish edition of Curious George. Book and cassette, $9.95, ages 4-8, Apr.

KIDZUP (dist. by Penton Overseas)

Let's Multiply by various artists. An effective package that promotes key multiplication concepts using music and math activities. Book, CD &cassette package $12.99, ages 8-up, Jan.

KIMBO EDUCATIONAL
P.O. Box 477, Long Branch, N.J. 07740; (800) 631-2187

Four Baby Bumblebees by various artists. Classic singable songs include: "Whistle While You Work," "Do Re Mi" and "On the Good Ship Lollipop." 40 mins., casssette $10.95, CD $14.95, ages 2-7, Mar.

Castles, Knights and Unicorns by RONNO. Songs of fantasy and fun for young children. 40 mins., cassette $10.95, CD $14.95, ages 3-7, June.

Sing 'n Sign Holiday Time with Gaia: Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah Songs by Gaia. A guide packaged with this title includes lyrics as well as the illustrated American Sign Language signs for basic words. 40 mins., cassette $10.95, CD $14.95, all ages, May.

LISTEN &LIVE AUDIO
P.O. Box 817, Roseland, N.J. 07068; (201) 798-3830

All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor. Read by Suzanne Toren. The sequel to All-of-a-Kind Family continues the adventures of a family on New York's Lower East Side in the late 1800s. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., $21.95, ages 9-up, Apr.

LISTENING LIBRARY
The Last Book in the Universe
by Rodman Philbrick. Read by Jeremy Davies. Philbrick's fast-paced drama stars a young hero in a dangerous future world. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., 30 mins., $22, ages 11-up, Jan.

The Magic Tree House Collection: Volume 2 by Mary Pope Osborne. Read by the author. Adventure-seeking siblings Jack and Annie return in four more titles adapted from this popular early reader series. Includes: Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, Sunset of the Sabertooth and Midnight on the Moon. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 5-10, Jan.

When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune by Lori Aurelia Williams. Read by Heather Simms. Williams's debut novel about a Texas girl who sees first-hand how complicated life is when children are forced to grow up too fast. Unabridged, six cassettes, 8 hrs., $30, ages 10-up, Jan.

The Time Warp Trio Series: Volume 1 by Jon Scieszka. Read by William Dufris. J and his friends are transported through time when they open up a magical book. Titles include Knights of the Kitchen Table, set in Camelot, and Not-so-Jolly Roger, in which the boys meet the pirate Blackbeard. Unabridged, two cassettes, 1 hr., $18, ages 6-up, Jan.

Junie B. Jones Collection: Books 13-16 by Barbara Park. Read by Lana Quintal. The exploits of kindergartner Junie B. are available on audio for the first time. Titles: June B. Jones Is (Almost) a Flower Girl, Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine, Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket and Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 4-8, Feb.

Wild Blood by Kate Thompson. Read by Niamh Cusack. Third in the trilogy that includes Switchers and Midnight's Choice. Unabridged, four cassettes, 5 hrs., $25, ages 9-up, Feb.

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Read by Cherry Jones. Life begins to look up for lonely, 10-year-old Opal when she adopts a stray dog she finds at the Winn-Dixie supermarket. A 2001 Newbery Honor book. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., 30 mins., $18, ages 8-up, Feb.

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan. Read by Sarita Choudhury. Bound by the traditions of her family and country, an Indian girl named Koly finds herself married and widowed by the age of 13. Winner of the 2000 National Book Award. Unabridged, two cassettes, three hrs., 30 mins., $18, ages 8-up, Feb.
Marc Brown's Arthur Chapter Books: Volume 5 by Marc Brown. Read by Mark Linn-Baker. The popular aardvark and his pals star in King Arthur, Francine, Believe It or Not and Arthur and the Cootie-Catcher. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 6-8, Feb.
6-321 by Michael Laser. Read by Jerry O'Connell. When his sixth grade class, 6-321, becomes involved in a feud with another class, Marc must find the strength to assert himself and effect change. Unabridged, two cassettes, 3 hrs., $18, ages 9-up, Feb.

Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger. Read by Mark Webber. John and Marisol bond over their similar family situations and a shared interest in creating zines. But the friendship gets complicated when John confuses their growing intimacy with love. A 2000 Printz Honor book. Unabridged, four cassettes, 6 hrs., $25, ages 12-up, Feb.

Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick. Reader TBA. After accidentally being left behind, 10-year-old Z must brave the sea to find her parents in this futuristic fantasy. Unabridged, two cassettes, 3 hrs., 30 mins., $18, ages 9-up, Mar.

Chet Gecko--Private Eye by Bruce Hale. Read by Jon Cryer. It's two mysteries in one, as super sleuth Chet Gecko makes the scene in recordings of The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse and The Mystery of Mister Nice. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., 30 mins., $18, ages 5-up, Mar.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Reader TBA. Mama and Rosa are forced to leave their comfortable life in Mexico for a much harsher one in a Mexican farm labor camp in California. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., 30 mins., $22, ages 9-up, Mar.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children move in with their new guardian--a decidedly creepy distant relative named Count Olaf. Titles: The Bad Beginning and The Reptile Room. Each, unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 9-up, Mar., Apr.

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. Reader TBA. When 11-year-old Rob Horton discovers a caged tiger in the woods, he is soon faced with some very big decisions. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 8-up, Mar. Simultaneous release with the Candlewick hardcover.

Heaven Eyes by David Almond. Reader TBA. Erin Law and her friends are orphans who know they can get along just fine on their own. To prove the point, they run away, finding both darkness and unlikely joy along the way. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., $22, ages 10-up, Apr. Simultaneous release with the Delacorte hardcover.

Getting Near to Baby by Audrey Couloumbis. Reader TBA. Willa Jo and her family are devastated when their new baby suddenly dies. As Mama takes time to grieve, Willa Jo and Little Sister stay with an aunt and find their own special way to heal their broken hearts. A 2000 Newbery Honor book. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., 30 mins., $22, ages 10-up, Apr.

Dancing in the Cadillac Light by Kimberly Willis Holt. Reader TBA. Jaynell's mama always tells her to stay away from the Pickens, a poor family from the wrong side of the tracks. But when her grandfather dies, Jaynell learns of a secret that makes her see the Pickens and other folks in need in a new light. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., $25, ages 9-up, Apr. Simultaneous release with the Putnam hardcover.

The Grey King by Susan Cooper. Read by Richard Mitchley. As the last-born of the immortal Old Ones, Will must raise a worthy army for the last battle between the Dark and the Light. Unabridged, four cassettes, 5 hrs., 30 mins., $25, ages 10-up, Apr.

Notes from a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko. Reader TBA. A concerned teacher sees the truth behind Antonia's lie-telling ways, a fact that causes big trouble between Ant and her mother. Unabridged, four cassettes, 6 hrs., $25, ages 8-12, May. Simultaneous release with the Putnam hardcover.

Junie B. Jones Collection: Books 9-12 by Barbara Park. Reader TBA. More adventures of this silly kindergartner include the stories Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook, Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal, June B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy and Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 4-8, May.

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz. Reader TBA. Fourteen-year-old Alex knows his uncle was murdered, but is unaware that he was killed while on a dangerous, top-secret mission for the government. Unabridged, three cassettes, 4 hrs., 30 mins., $22, ages 10-up, May. Simultaneous release with the Philomel hardcover.

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. Read by the author and a full cast. In the finale to the His Dark Materials trilogy, Lyra battles intensified forces of evil with her devoted friend Will by her side. Unabridged, 12 cassettes/14 CDs, 14 hrs., $39.95/$69.95, ages 12-up, May.

The Transmogrification of Rosc Wizzle by David Elliott. Reader TBA. Ten-year-old Rosc Wizzle is a normal, hamburger-loving kid, until he starts turning into a bug. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 8-up, May. Simultaneous release with the Candlewick hardcover.

The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley. Reader TBA. Sylvie, a princess starring in a storybook, longs to break the confines of her book's pages and do a Great Good Thing. Unabridged, two cassettes, 3 hrs., $18, ages 8-up, May. Simultaneous release with the Atheneum hardcover.

Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm. Reader TBA. When she leaves Miss Hepplewhite's Young Ladies' Academy for the wilds of the northwest (and her true love, William), refined 16-year-old Jane Peck isn't quite prepared for the crude life that awaits her. Unabridged, four cassettes, 5 hrs., $25, ages 10-up, June. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover.

The Doll People by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin. Reader TBA. The Doll family (and their dollhouse) has been in the Palmer family for over 100 years, so when the plastic Funcraft family moves into the youngest Palmer's bedroom, their lives are thrown into a tizzy. Unabridged, two cassettes, 3 hrs., 30 mins., $18, ages 8-12, June.

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot. Reader TBA. Ninth-grader Mia's funky Manhattan lifestyle receives a jolt when she learns she is sole heir to the throne of a tiny country called Genovia. Unabridged, four cassettes, 6 hrs., 30 mins., $25, ages 10-14, June.

The Color of My Words by Lynn Joseph. Reader TBA. Ana Rosa is a blossoming writer struggling to find her voice in a country that fears the power of words. Unabridged, two cassettes, 2 hrs., $18, ages 8-12, June.

Down the Yukon by Will Hobbs. Reader TBA. Jason Hawthorne and his girlfriend Jamie enter a treacherous race down the Yukon River to test their courage--and to win the $20,000 prize. Unabridged, four cassettes, 5 hrs., $25, ages 10-14, June. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. A violent teenager brutally attacks a classmate and is banished to a remote Alaskan island as punishment, a practice inspired by Native American tradition. Unabridged, four cassettes, 6 hrs., $25, ages 10-up, June.

These previously released titles are being reissued in new trade packaging:Half Magic by Edward Eager, performed by the Words Take Wing Repertory Company; Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park, read by Dana Lubotsky; Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede, performed by the Words Take Wing Repertory Company; Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, read by Anne Bobby.

LIVE OAK MEDIA
P.O. Box 652, 2775 Church St., Pine Plains, N.Y. 12567; (518) 398-1010

Mama Don't Allow by Thacher Hurd. Performed by Tom Chapin. When Miles and his pals form the Swamp Band, they soon have the hottest gig around--the alligators' all-night ball.
Paperback book and cassette $15.95, ages 5-9, Jan.
Mystery on the Docks by Thacher Hurd. Read by John Beach. Ralph, a short-order cook and opera lover, helps save his favorite singer from kidnappers. Paperback book and cassette $15.95, ages 5-9, Jan.

The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz. Read by Jim Weiss. A poor man dreams of treasure in a faraway city, only to learn that what's truly valuable is at home. A Caldecott Honor Book. Paperback book and cassette $15.95, ages 5-9, Jan.

Mole Music by David McPhail. Performed by Jim Weiss. Mole diligently practices the violin in his underground home, unaware that his music has a profound effect on the above-ground world. Hardcover book and cassette $24.95, ages 5-9, Jan.

Minnie and Moo series by Denys Cazet. Read by Barbara Caruso. Bubbly bovines Minnie and Moo have some humorous adventures in this series for beginning readers. Titles: Minnie and Moo Go to the Moon, Minnie and Moo Go Dancing, Minnie and Moo Go to Paris and Minnie and Moo Save the Earth. Each, paperback book and cassette, $15.95, ages 6-9, Jan., Mar.

Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy and Sammy Keyes and the Runaway Elf by Wendelin Van Draanen. Read by Tara Sands. Junior-high sleuth Sammy untangles a theft at St. Mary's Church, and solves a dognapping and disappearance in these two latest Live Oak Mysteries. Mercy: four cassettes/five CDs $29.95/$44.95; Elf: three cassettes/four CDs $23.95/$34.95, ages 10-13, Jan.

LYRICK
The Wiggles Toot Toot!, The Wiggles Wake Up Jeff!
and The Wiggles: Wiggles Dance Party by the Wiggles. Murray, Jeff, Anthony and Greg, a singing and dancing foursome from Australia, are the Wiggles. They stir new and traditional songs, rhymes and stories into a playful blend. Each, cassette $6.98, CD $10.98, 30 mins., ages 2-6, Jan.-Apr.

VeggieTales: Veggie Tunes 3 by the VeggieTales characters. Songs from the popular animated character-based video series. Includes tracks from Madame Blueberry, Esther and King George and the Ducky.


M-Z

MONTEREY SOUNDWORKS
566 St. Charles Dr., Thousand Oaks, Calif. 91360; (805) 494-7199

Audio Theatre series. Performed by the St. Charles Players. Full-cast, radio-drama-style adaptations of classic literature. Titles: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle and Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Each, abridged, 100 mins., $16.95, ages 8-up, June.

MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
P.O. Box 1460, Garberville, Calif. 95542; (818) 559-9766

Ragtime Romp by Ric Louchard. This piano tribute to composer Scott Joplin includes "Elite Syncopations," "The Entertainer" and more. Cassette $9.98, CD $15.98, all ages, Feb.

Toddler Favorites Singalong--Volume 1 by various artists. Familiar sing-alongs for toddlers, performed by toddlers. Song book and cassette $12.98, song book and CD $19.98, ages 3-7, Mar.

Birthday Song Singalongs by various artists. A roster of children and adults perform these birthday and party favorites. Cassette $3.98, CD $6.98, ages 2-8, Apr.

TOMMY NELSON
Adventures in Odyssey
series by various artists. Episodes of the popular radio drama that emphasizes faith lessons for children. Titles: The Big Picture (#35) and Drive Time: Adventures in Odyssey Classics #7. Each, 6 hrs., cassette or CD $24.99, ages 8-up, Feb., Apr.

The Veritas Project: Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti. This energetic storyteller reads his novel. Unabridged, 3 hrs., cassette $14.99, ages 12-up, Feb.

PENTON OVERSEAS
2470 Impala Dr., Carlsbad, Calif. 92008-7226; (800) 748-5804

20 Classic Fairy Tales by various artists. A Hollywood cast dramatizes favorite stories, including Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Ten cassettes, 7 hrs., $34.95, ages 3-9, Jan.

The Wonderful World of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Peformed by the cast of the Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air. The first five of Baum's classic stories are brought to life via a full cast and original musical score. Ten cassettes, 7 hrs., $34.95, ages 4-10, Jan.

Learn in Your Car for Kids series by various artists. Kids can learn a foreign language at home or on the go with this program that teaches words, phrases and basic sentence structure. Includes an activity book. Titles: Spanish, German, French and Italian. Each, 70 mins., cassette and CD, $19.95, ages 7-12, Jan.-Apr.

Ready, Set, Sing series by various artists. Collections of favorite sing-along songs. Titles: Fun Activity Songs, Mother Goose and Friends, All-time Favorite Songs. Each, 60 mins., cassette $4.49, CD $4.99, ages 1-5, Jan.

RIVERTREE PRODUCTIONS (dist. by Penton Overseas)

The Rage of Hercules by Odds Bodkin. Master storyteller and musician Bodkin reveals the mythical hero as a multi-faceted man haunted by uncontrollable rages. 1hr., 40 mins., two cassettes/two CDs $19.95/$24.95, ages 12-up, Jan.

ROCK 'N LEARN
P.O. Box 3595, Conr , Tex. 77305; (936) 539-2731

Phonics by various artists. This newly revised program teaches phonics rules through song and rhyme. Book and two cassettes or two CDs, 100 mins., $19.99, ages 5-7, Jan.

Presidents and U.S. Government by various artists. Historic facts set to upbeat music. Book, cassette &CD, $19.99, ages 8-12, Jan.

SONY WONDER
550 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022; (212) 833-8000

Elmo &the Orchestra by various artists. Elmo and Big Bird learn about classical music as they listen to various orchestra instruments and compositions by Bach, Beethoven and others. 50 mins., cassette $9.98, CD $13.98, ages 1-5, Jan.

SOOZAROO MUSIC
402 Elder Ave., Northfield, N.J. 08225; (800) 948-9303

Stand Up! Speak Out! by Sooz. Singer-saxophonist-songwriter Sooz introduces songs that encourage children to "do the right thing" as they face bullies, prejudice and other challenges. 50 mins., CD $14.95, ages 5-up, Jan.

TYNDALE HOUSE
Kidz Tunz Bible Songs, Vol. 5 &Vol. 6
by various artists. New Bible-inspired sing-alongs full of energy and excitement. Each, 60 mins., cassette $4.99, CD $8.99, ages 3-9, Mar.
Wee Sing Musical Bible by various artists. Singable songs that correspond with this collection of favorite stories from the Bible. Hardcover book and cassette, $12.99, ages 2-6, Mar.

VIDEO

ANCHOR BAY
1699 Stutz Dr., Troy, Mich. 48084; (248) 816-0909

Thomas' Trackside Tunes &Other Thomas Adventures. Six all-new sing-alongs performed by a children's chorus, as well as two train story adventures, join the library of beloved Thomas the Tank Engine material. 34 mins., $14.98, ages 2-6, Feb.

BABYSCAPES
P.O. Box 370238, Las Vegas, Nev. 89137-0238; (888) 441-5437

ZOOper Phonics. Children's voices encourage viewers to name the animals that march across the screen in this computer-animated video. Includes music from composers such as Strauss and Sousa. 30 mins., $14.95, ages 2-5, Feb.

WALT DISNEY HOME VIDEO
Dinosaur.
The computer-animated feature film highlighting these amazing prehistoric creatures comes to video and DVD. VHS $26.99, DVD $29.99, ages 6-up, Jan.

Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. An all-new, direct-to-video sequel to the classic animated film Lady and the Tramp. Scott Wolf and Alyssa Milano headline the cast of voice talent. VHS $26.99, DVD $29.99, ages 3-up, Feb.

FANCY MONKEY STUDIOS (dist. by Tommy Nelson)

Little Dogs on the Prairie: A Tale of Two Dogs. Two new animated tales in which the humorous dog characters impart lessons about selfishness and sharing. 35 mins., $14.99, ages 3-8, Apr.

GLOBALSTAGE
1210 Union St., San Francisco, Calif. 94109; (415) 749-6840

How Much Land D s a Man Need? Performed by Liam Vincent, Mary Knolls and Jenny Lord. This video, shot in Montana, captures a stage production based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy about greed. 50 mins., $27, ages 7-up, Mar.

LYRICK
Barney's Musical Castle Live!
by Barney and Friends. A concert video of the musical stage show that has been touring since fall 1999. Features 20 songs and rhymes. 70 mins., $14.95, ages 2-up, Mar.

A-Z with Barney by Barney and Friends. A two-video pack that contains the cowboy adventure Howdy Friends and the alphabet title What's in a Name? Two videos, 60 mins., $16.95, ages 2-up, May.

VeggieTales series. Performed by VeggieTales characters. Animated stories of faith, courage and character, starring talking vegetables such as Junior Asparagus. Titles: Esther and Lyle the Kindly Viking. Each, 30 mins., VHS $12.99, DVD $14.99, ages 3-up, Jan., Mar.

MONTEREY SOUNDWORKS
The Tell-Tale Heart
by Edgar Allan P . Performed by Michael Sollazzo and Robert E. Reynolds. A dramatic adaptation of P 's short story. 25 mins., VHS/DVD $24.95, ages 10-up, Jan.

A Journey in Verse by Edgar Allan P . Performed by Ray Mastrovito, George Reese and others. A dramatic performance of some of P 's p try. 34 mins., VHS/DVD $24.95, ages 10-up, Jan.

PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Snow Day.
The feature film about an unexpected no-school, no-rules snow day. VHS $14.95, ages 5-10, Jan.

Blue's Clues series. Steve, his dog, Blue, and their friends look for clues and solve puzzles in these adventures from the Nick Jr. TV program. Titles: All Kinds of Signs and Playtime with Periwinkle. Each,$9.95, ages 2-5, Feb., May.

Maurice Sendak's Little Bear: Little Sherlock Bear. Little Bear and his pals star in four new animated tales, including "Duck Loses Her Quack" and "Exploring."

Rugrats in Paris: The Movie. The Rugrats travel to the City of Light and Chuckie gets a new mom as this feature film hit comes to video and DVD. Susan Sarandon and John Lithgow headline the voice talent. VHS $TBA, DVD $TBA, ages 2-up, Mar.

Charlotte's Web. The animated adaptation of E.B. White's classic novel debuts on DVD. $TBA, ages 2-up, June.

Little Bill series. The Nick Jr. animated program created by Bill Cosby comes to video. Titles: Big Little Bill and Me and My Family. Each, $12.95, ages 2-6, June.

Dora the Explorer series. A new Nick Jr. program about a seven-year-old Latina action-adventure heroine makes its video debut. Titles: Wish on a Star and Swing into Action. Each, $12.95, ages 2-6, June

PORCHLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT (dist. by Tommy Nelson)

Jay Jay the Jet Plane: Together Teamwork. The animated plane and his friends learn the importance of working together. 33 mins., $12.98, ages 2-7, Jan.

ROCK 'N LEARN
Multiplication Rock.
Via upbeat music, kids can learn to recall multiplication tables through the number 12. 30 mins., $14.99, ages 8-10, Jan.

SMALL FRY PRODUCTIONS (dist. by Penton Overseas)

Bilingual Baby series. Introduces languages to young children via the Total Immersion Method. Titles: Italian, Japanese, Russian, English, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Greek, Hebrew. Each, 45 mins., $16.95, ages 1-5, Jan.

Brainy Baby: Right Brain and Brainy Baby: Left Brain. Videos focus on stimulating activity controlled by specific sides of the brain. Each, 30 mins., $16.95, ages 8 mos.-5 yrs., Jan.

SONY WONDER

Rainbow Fish series. The animated TV show, based on Marcus Pfister's books, appears on video. Titles: We Get Along Swimmingly and Rainbow's Musical Adventures. Each, 45 mins., $9.98, ages 2-5, Jan.
Elmo's Musical Adventure: The Story of Peter &the Wolf. Baby Bear attends a Boston Pops Orchestra performance of Peter &the Wolf and tells Elmo and the gang all about it. Concert footage included. 45 mins., VHS $12.98, DVD $19.98, ages 1-5, Jan.

Arthur's Storybook and Arthur's Mystery Files. These videos feature episodes of the PBS-TV program, adapted from Marc Brown's books about the popular aardvark. Each, 40 mins., $9.98, ages 2-8, Jan.

Elmo's Magic Cookbook. Tips from the Sesame Street gang, chef Emeril Lagasse and others inspire kids to get cookin'. 50 mins., $12.98, ages 1-5, Mar.

TLC ENTERTAINMENT (dist. by Tommy Nelson)

The Legend of the Three Trees. The classic legend about three young trees who dream of doing great deeds; narrated by Hal Holbrook. 30 mins., $14.99, ages 3-7, Feb.


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