Treasured children’s stories, from the Velveteen Rabbit to Where the Wild Things Are, delight both children and their parents. Some of these beloved tales are retold on video and DVD, featuring heartwarming and stirring stories, enchanting narration, and original illustrations. We’ve rounded up our favorites here. All of these recommended videos and DVDs are narrated stories rather than movie adaptations. As such, they encourage the concept of storytelling and reading, effectively celebrating some of the world’s most celebrated books!

We Recommend:

 

Scholastic Video Collection

 

All of the stories featured on videos and DVDs from the Scholastic Video Collection are based on real books. Whether kids are familiar with the stories or not, the books on which they are based are as accessible as a quick trip to the library (and in some cases, to a family’s own bookshelves). This way, the videos encourage reading, and what a rewarding educational experience it is!

There are currently 11 volumes available on both video and DVD. Note that the DVD editions are extras-loaded, featuring bonus stories and read-along options--they feature much more content than the videos.  

Also available is the Scholastic Video Collection Jumbo Box of Storybook Classics, which includes six volumes: “Where the Wild Things Are...and other Maurice Sendak stories”, “Chrysanthemum...and more Kevin Henkes stories”, “Harold and the Purple Crayon...and more Harold stories”, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom...and lots more learning fun!”, “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day...and Miss Nelson is Back”, and “Pete’s A Pizza...and more William Steig stories”. This collection features a whopping 35 stories and represents a fantastic value for quality "edutainment".

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy Jumbo Box of Storybook Classics (Scholastic Video Collection) at Amazon.com]

 

Some of our favorite editions in the Scholastic video series include: Chrysanthemum...and more Kevin Henkes stories", a collection of stories by Kevin Henkes. The title story is such a warm and witty tale, all about how a sweet little mouse deals with her rather “unwieldy” birth name. Another favorite story on the video is A Weekend With Wendell, a delightful story about a visit from a difficult young boy mouse. The stories are completely charming and offer social lessons. As with all volumes in the series, bonus stories, read-alongs, and subtitles are offered on the DVD edition. [For more information, user reviews, or to buy Chrysanthemum and More Kevin Henkes Stories (Scholastic Video Collection) (VHS) Chrysanthemum and More Kevin Henkes Stories (Scholastic Video Collection) (DVD) at Amazon.com]   Click Clack Moo Cows that Type...and more fun on the farm, featuring farm-themed stories. This fantastic product includes the Caldecott prize-winning title story that will charm kids of any age, including parents--and even a Spanish bonus version (on the DVD). Highly recommended. [For more information, user reviews, or to buy Click Clack Moo - Cows That Type & More Fun on the Farm (Scholastic Video Collection) (VHS) Click Clack Moo - Cows That Type & More Fun on the Farm (Scholastic Video Collection) (DVD) at Amazon.com]

The Velveteen Rabbit

 

Part of the Looking Glass DVD series, The Velveteen Rabbit is a fabulous narrated telling of a classic story about a boy's love for an old stuffed rabbit. Beautiful music and superb narration by Meryl Streep do the classic, heartwarming story justice in The Velveteen Rabbit, available both on VHS and DVD. 

[For more information, user reviews, or to buy The Velveteen Rabbit (VHS) or The Velveteen Rabbit (DVD) at Amazon.com]

 

 

 

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