The Best Videos of 2005 for Children

With the glut of children’s videos heavily advertised on the market, how are teachers to know which ones would be the most suitable for use in their classroom? Thanks to the Association for Library Service to Children, teachers have a resource for finding exactly the right videos that will help them teach invaluable life skills to their students. The Association’s website states that their mission is to "develop and support the profession of children’s librarianship by enabling and encouraging its practitioners to provide the best library service to our nation’s children." Each year they release a list of the videos that they consider to be the most notable of the year.

This year’s list includes a number of videos produced by Weston Woods, the most innovative company involved in the translation of picture books into audiovisual media. Weston Woods provides faithful adaptations of classic children's picture books designed to motivate and encourage beginning, struggling, reluctant, and limited English language readers. Diary of a Worm by Weston Woods is the story of a young worm that gives children a view of his daily activities from beneath the ground. This animated version of the book by Doreen Cronin is brought to life with the vocal talents of Alexander Gould.

Weston Woods also created The Dot, which is perfectly narrated by Thora Birch. Young Vashti is frustrated and discouraged by staring at a blank piece of paper with no inspiration, until the gentle encouragement of a caring teacher helps her realize her dream of being a capable, confident artist. The animated adaptation of Peter H. Reynolds’ book teaches children to "just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Five of the other top videos were also produced by Weston Woods. Duck for President tells the story of Duck trying to run his farm, the state, and the country while campaigning. Duck’s animated escapades are based on the writings of Doreen Cronin and narrated by Randy Travis. The roar of the garbage truck and the jazzy musical stylings of Joel Goodman bring to life I Stink!, the entertaining and amusing tale by Kate and Jim McMullan, narrated by Andy Richter. A magical journey into the life and work of the famous Mexican potter, Juan Quezada, is vividly depicted in The Pot That Juan Built, narrated by Alfred Molina. The video is based on the award-winning book written by Nancy Andrews-Groebel.

The Wheels on the Bus, based on the classic children’s song, is an updated version with the bus heading to the library. This animated version of Paul O. Zelinsky’s adaptation is perfectly matched by the lively music of The Bacon Brothers (one of whom is actor Kevin). Another musical actor, Mandy Patinkin, lends his energetic vocal talents and narration to This is the House That Jack Built, a colorful animated film based on the book illustrated by Simms Taback.

The National Film Board of Canada was responsible for producing three notable children’s videos this year. The ErlKing is Shubert’s adaptation of the haunting poem written by Goethe. The sand-on-glass animation created by Ben Zelkowicz provides a kaleidoscope of disturbingly beautiful images that constantly change to tell the story of the ErlKing. Through My Thick Glasses uses clay puppets to tell the tragic tale of a Norwegian grandfather’s experiences during World War II, as he relates them to his granddaughter. Science, Please consists of 26 short segments that explain scientific phenomena in humorous fashion by merging old film footage and clever new animation. The teachers’ guide included with the video helps match each clip with appropriate age and grade levels.

Two of this year’s notable videos for children ages 5-10 were produced by Spoken Arts. The reactivation of an old fireboat on 9/11 is told in Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey, the adaptation of Maira Kalman’s version of a true story. The video is framed by interviews with the author and the crew of the real John J. Harvey. Thank You Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving gives children a humorous look at Sarah Hale, the woman who championed the official national recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Nature and environmental videos claimed two of the spots, with Journey of the Loggerhead documenting the aquatic odyssey of one of the world’s most beloved endangered species, the loggerhead turtle. The video, produced by Box Lunch Media, includes spectacular photography and interviews with marine scientists. Life on the Edge: A Guide to Pacific Coastal Habits by Earthwise Media is a beautifully photographed and informational film about Pacific Coastal habitats and animals.

The Liberty’s Kids Series presented by WHYY-TV/PBS is two episodes of history where the American Revolution is shown from a first-person perspective. A diverse mix of historical figures and fictional characters are brought to life by a variety of celebrity voices and colorful animation that makes history fun. WGBH Boston Video produced the timeless classic Pollyanna, the beloved novel by Eleanor H. Porter. This Masterpiece Theater presentation breathes new life into the story of how a young orphaned girl transforms her spinster aunt and an entire English village. And last but not least, Let’s Get Real by New Day Films shows actual middle school students talking about serious issues they deal with such as bullying, racial and religious differences, disabilities, and sexual orientation, speaking honestly about what they face in their daily lives. Due to its subject matter, this video is for older children ages 12-14, and contains bonus features including an interview with the director.

The Association for Library Service to Children’s list of notable videos for 2005 offers a wide diversity of subject matters and timely topics to help teachers help children learn—from history to nature, from humor to tragedy, these videos can be valuable additions to any children’s program of study.