New Relases from Scholatic Storybook Treasures

It's February, and time for some new DVDs from Scholastic Storybook Treasures, which are always anticipated in our home.

First up, in honor of Black History Month, is Stories About African American Heritage featuring MARCH ON! ($24.95)

This 3 DVD set contains 13 stories, both fiction and non-fiction celebrating African-American history, culture, and heroes.  Stories include Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears, Martin's Big Words, and Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa, and of course, the title story.  It's a fun and moving way to teach children about African-American history and heritage.

Another title which celebrates heritage and culture is Stone Soup and Other Stories from the Asian Tradition ($14.95).

I've long admired the Stone Soup story, and have liked sharing it with my sons.  I'm pleased that The Stonecutter is included here too, which is another favorite.  I value its lesson of being satisfied with what skills and place you are given in life, and hope its message conveys itself to my kids.  The story Lon Po Po is also in the collection, which I didn't know prior to this set but which is similar to the Red Riding Hood story.

Another title being released on February 12, 2024 is The Red Hen and More Cooking Stories ($14.95) which is a delight for someone like me who enjoys being in the kitchen and hopes to pass that love along to my sons.

Narrated by Lily Tomlin (she's great as Ms. Frizzle in Scholastic's Magic School Bus series!) and Michael McKean, this collection of 4 stories includes Arnie the Doughnut, Bread Comes to Life, How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? and The Red Hen.

Soren and I have read The Little Red Hen many times, but enjoyed this more colorful, whimsical version more than the dated Little Golden Book we have, especially that the amazing Ed Emberley is the illustrator and his daughter Rebecca is the author.  Its didactic tale of hard work and its payoff (and the bonus of teaching kids how cake--or bread, in the original story--is made) is of interest to me.  Bonus is that the set includes an easy-fo-follow recipe for "Splendid Cake"!

While we haven't heard of the other 3 stories, that doesn't matter.  They're still enjoyable and have encouraged me to hunt them down at our local library.  And as usual with Storybook Treasures, one can read along on the screen as the tale is narrated and animated.  Hopefully you'll pick up a few of your own Scholastic Storybook Treasures and support your child's reading interest.
Disclosure: I received copies of these DVD sets from Scholastic for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.