Books on the Small Screen

Previously available only to the school and library markets, the award-winning line of Weston Woods's children's videos is being released to retailers for the first time. These animated adaptations of picture books have been arranged into several anthology-like titles under the Scholastic Video Collection umbrella. Making their debut in September are Where the Wild Things Are... and Other Maurice Sendak Stories, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom... and Lots More Learning Fun, Chrysanthemum... and More Kevin Henkes Stories and The Night Before Christmas…and More Christmas Stories. Each title contains three or four complete picture-book tales and top-notch musical accompaniment. In addition, many of the stories are narrated by such acting talents as Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Lithgow and Mary Beth Hurt. DVD editions contain bonus programming ranging from biographical information about the authors to a special read-along option for viewers. (Dist. by New Video, 212-206-8600, each, VHS $9.95, DVD $14.95, ages 2-8, Sept.)