Sing Along Stories: Vol. II

PreS-Gr 3—This collection features four reissued short films centered on and set to music. Paul O. Zelinsky's classic The Wheels on the Bus is performed by the Bacon Brothers, and viewers will enjoy following the bus and its passengers all around the town on a rainy afternoon. In Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3, Lois Ehlert's vibrantly colored collage illustrations are animated and brought to life by Crystal Taliefero's catchy music and vocals. Wiggling, bouncing numbers from one to 100 race up the apple tree only to be chased back down by a swarm of buzzing bees. Kadir Nelson's mixed-media illustrations, depicting scenes of ordinary family life, enliven He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, from stargazing to kite flying to fishing. Taliefero's vocals capture the warmth of this classic folk tune. Lastly, singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie's famous folk song is memorably performed by his son, Arlo, in This Land Is Your Land as Kathy Jakobsen's detailed artwork highlights American life from coast to coast. The "About Woody Guthrie" bonus, narrated by Guthrie's daughter, Nora, contains black-and-white photographs as well as Guthrie's original sketches of moments he captured while traveling the country during the 1930s and 1940s. Each includes a learning guide to help teachers weave these songs and stories into their curriculum.