The Laurie Keller Library, Vol, I.

K-Gr 3—The author's popular picture books are enhanced by these video adaptations, rereleased here in this collection. Keller's humorous characters, U.S. states, have greater personalities in their animated forms accompanied by dramatic voices and accents, and the two stories are packed with visual jokes, along with in-depth character development. In "The Scrambled States of America," viewers are treated to morning rituals of the states, brushing teeth, sharing a bowl of oatmeal, and reading the newspaper. (Nebraska's thought process is a flashing neon sign.) The states excitedly prepare for their party, blowing up balloons, checking coats, passing out name tags. They eat, dance to zydeco music, socialize, and fall in love. Interactions flow smoothly, accenting the small details from the margins of the books and adding some new ones. In "The Scrambled States of America Talent Show," the states' performances are highlighted in comedic detail—Vermont asks the others what their abbreviations are, and the answers—HI, OR, OH, ME, and OK—are performed who's-on-first—style. Bonus interview with author Laurie Keller enlightens viewers about how she began imagining the inner lives of inanimate objects and that, like Georgia, she has suffered from stage fright.