AMERICAN LITERATURE

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 11-12
12-20 minute lessons

This series brings to life the characters and the stories of American Literature, as well as the men and women who wrote them. Using a variety of dramatic techniques, each program presents students with the broad scope and vitality of American Literature from the revolutionary period to the present.

1. Revolutionary Period
2. Awakening of the American Imagination-Edgar Allen Poe & Washington Irving
3. The Sage and Sayer-Ralph Waldo Emerson & Henry David Thoreau
4. The Saturday Club - James Russell Lowell, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Greenleaf Whittier, & Oliver Wendell Holmes
5. Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville
6. Letters to the World-Emily Dickinson & Walt Whitman
7. Local Color - Bret Harte & Mary Wilkins Freeman
8. Tall Tales and Folklore
9. Mark Twain
10. Twentieth Century Poetry I
11. Twentieth Century Poetry II
12. Contemporary Prose

---

AMERICAN PASSAGES: A Literary Survey

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 9-12
16 - 30 minute lessons

The video programs place literary movements and authors within the context of history and culture. The course takes an expanded view of American literary movements, bringing in a diversity of voices and tracing the continuity among them. For more information, instructor’s guide and study guide, visit: www.learner.org.

1. Native Voices – Native Americans had established a rich and highly developed tradition of oral literature long before the writings of the European colonists. The program explores that richness by introducing Native American oral traditions through the work of three contemporary authors: Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna Pueblo), Simon Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo), and Luci Tapahonso (Navajo).

2. Exploring Borderlands – Chicana writer Gloria Anzaldua tells us that the border is “una herida abierta [an open wound] where…the lifeblood of two worlds is merging to form a third country – a border culture.” This program explores the literature of the Chicano borderlands and its beginnings in the literature of Spanish colonization.

3. Utopian Promise – When British colonists landed in the Americas, they created communities that they hoped would serve as a “light onto the nations.” But what role would the native inhabitants play in this new model community? This program compares the answers of two important groups, the Puritans and Quakers, and exposes the lasting influence they had upon American identify.

4. Spirit of Nationalism – The Enlightenment brought new ideals and a new notion of selfhood to the American colonies. This program begins with an examination of the importance of the trope of the self-made man in Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, and then turns to the development of this concept in the writings of Romanticist Ralph Waldo Emerson.

5. Masculine Heroes – In 1898, Frederick Jackson Turner declared the frontier as the defining feature of American culture, but American authors had uncovered its significance much earlier. This program turns to three key writers of the early national period – James Fenimore Cooper, John Rollin Ridge, and Walt Whitman – and examines the influential visions of American manhood offered by each author.

6. Gothic Undercurrents – What was haunting the American nation in the 1850s? The three writers treated in this program – Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Emily Dickinson – use poetry and prose to explore the dark side of nineteenth-century America.

7. Slavery and Freedom – How has slavery shaped the American literary imagination and American identity? This program turns to the classic slave narratives of Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass and the fiction of Harriet Beecher Stowe. What rhetorical strategies do their works use to construct an authentic and authoritative American self?

8. Regional Realism – Set in the antebellum American South, but written after Emancipation, Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remains a classic of American literature. This program compares Twain’s depiction of Southern vernacular culture to that of Charles Chestnutt and Kate Chopin, and in doing so, introduces the hallmarks of American Realism.

9. Social Realism – This program presents the authors of the American Gilded Age, such as Edith Wharton, and juxtaposes them with social realists like Anzia Yezierska. These writers expose the double world that made up turn-of-the-century New York: that of the elite and that of the poorest of the poor. Which of these realities is the more truly American?

10. Rhythms in Poetry – Amidst the chaos following World War I, Ezra Pound urged poets to “Make it new!” This call was heeded by a large range of poets, ranging from T. S. Eliot to Jean Toomer. This program explore the modernist lyrics of two of these poets: William Carlos Williams and Langston Hughes. What is modernism? How did these poets start a revolution that continues until this day?

11. Modernist Portraits – Jazz filed the air and wailed against the night. Caught in the sway, American prose writers sought out the forbidden – the slang, the dialects, and the rhythms of the folk and of everyday life. Writers such as Hemingway, Stein, and Fitzgerald forged a new style: one which silhouetted the geometry of language, crisp in its own cleanness.

12. Migrant Struggle – Americans have often defined themselves through their relationship to the land. This program traces the social fiction of three key American voices: John Steinbeck, Carlos Bulosan, and Helena Maria Viramontes.

13. Southern Renaissance – “My subject in fiction,” Flannery O’Connor tells us, “is the action of grace in the territory held largely by the devil.” One might do well to ask what, if not the devil, haunts the American South in this era between the wars. This program uncovers the re-visioning of Southern myths during the modernist era by writers William Faulkner and Zora Neale Hurston.

14. Becoming Visible – This program guides the viewer through the works and contexts of ethnic writers from 1945 – 1965. Starting with the works of Ralph Waldo Ellison, Philip Roth, and N. Scott Momaday, we explore the way writers from the margins took over the center of American culture.

15. Poetry of Liberation – For many, the 1960s mark the true end of modern America. Whereas the modernists remained serious about the transcendent nature of art, the artists of the 1960s wanted an art that was relevant. They wanted an art that not only spoke about justice, but also helped create it. This program explores the innovations made in American poetry in the 1960s by Allen Ginsberg, Amiri Baraka, and Adrienne Rich.

16. Search for Identity – Even as the poets were fostering a rebellion, contemporary prose writers began creating a new American Tradition comprised of many strands, many voices, and many myths about the past. This program explores the search for identity by three American writers: Maxine Hong Kingston, Sandra Cisneros, and Leslie Feinberg.

---

ARTHUR

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. K - 3
105 – 30 minute programs

101. Arthur's Eyes - For some reason, Arthur isn't doing very well in school anymore. Maybe he just needs some glasses? Problem is, Arthur hates having to wear them. But before he knows it, he's started a trend!
102. Arthur & the Real Mr. Ratburn - It's the first day of third grade and Arthur's biggest fear has come true-his new teacher is the dreaded Mr. Ratburn. A man who eats nails for breakfast, who turns into a vampire at night, who assigns homework EVERY DAY! But there's a surprise in store when Arthur and Buster get the chance to uncover the REAL Mr. Ratburn.
103. D.W. All Wet - The beach! The glorious beach! The crowded, sun-dazzled beach! The Reads are having a wonderful time, except for D.W. who simply refuses to have fun. Doesn't everyone know there are octopuses in the water? And-help!-Arthur's being attacked by one! Will D.W. come to the rescue?
104. D.W.'s Imaginary Friend - Someone only D.W. can see has moved in with the Reads. Her name is Nadine, and she follows D.W. everywhere. (Be careful where you sit, or what you say, because Nadine is VERY sensitive.) But when D.W. insists on bringing Nadine to the amusement park, that's the last straw for Arthur. Does he have to be embarrassed by D.W. in front of all of his friends?
105. Arthur's Pet Business - How can Arthur prove to his parents that he's responsible enough to take care of his very own puppy? "Get a job," suggests D.W., "and don't forget you owe me seven dollars." Within two days, Arthur's Pet Sitting Business has its first client. Meet Jaws-AKA "Perky"-enemy of mailmen and pet sitters alike.
106. Locked in the Library - Arthur and Francine are fighting. (If only Arthur hadn't felt compelled to call Francine a marshmallow.) But when they both get locked inside the Elwood City Library they either have to make up, or prepare for a long, dreary, scary evening.
107. Arthur Goes to Camp - Arthur and his friends go to summer camp, where it's strictly boys vs. girls.
108. Arthur's New Puppy - Arthur's new puppy is exactly what he wanted. He's cute and wriggly, and he follows Arthur everywhere. But training a puppy is harder than Arthur thought. Can he teach Pal to behave-and to pee outside-before his parents get too aggravated.
109. Arthur Babysits - You think running a marathon is hard? Try babysitting for the Terrible Tibble Twins. First you'll have to find them, then you'll have to deal with the "throw all your food on the floor" trick and the "tie your babysitter to a chair" game. Clearly, this is a job for-SWAMP THING!
110. Arthur's Birthday - Only four more days until Arthur's birthday party! But to Arthur's horror, it turns out Muffy's having her birthday party on the very same day. Muffy quickly raises the stakes-anyone who doesn't go to her party can't be her friend. Can Arthur find a solution that will make everyone happy?
111. Arthur's Baby - Arthur is not too sure he's ready for a new baby in the house. What do babies do besides cry…crY…crY…CRY! As the months fly by, Arthur imagines life with the new baby. Some of his fears seem to ring true: Kate doesn't like him. Or does she?
112. Arthur Writes a Story - Struggling with a school assignment, Arthur decides that his regular old life is just too boring to write about. But when his tale of getting Pal starts to involve invisible elephants and trips to outer space, Arthur loses his audience. Sometimes truth is more interesting than fiction!
113. So Long, Spanky - D.W.'s beloved bird gets very sick, and despite D.W.'s eager ministrations, (or maybe because of them) Spanky dies. But when a lonely frog decides to adopt D.W., she faces her greatest test-can she risk giving her heart to another pet?
114. Arthur the Wrecker - Arthur always seems to wreck things, and this time it's Mom's computer-not a great position to be in when your mom is an accountant and it's the middle of tax season. Can he get it fixed before Mom finds out?
115. Arthur's Family Vacation - What's got moldy bathrooms, lumpy beds and lots of rain? Arthur's family vacation. (And for this, he missed camp!) But as Arthur discovers, there's fun things to do in the rain. Like visiting alligators, eating fudge and watching happy people on sun-drenched beaches get eaten by sharks (at the movies, that is!).
116. Arthur and the Crunch Cereal Contest - A year's supply of Crunch Cereal is in store for the person who can write the new Crunch Cereal jingle. Arthur is sure he can do it, but when it comes to writing the song, something seems to be lacking-a melody, to be exact.
117. Meek for a Week - Muffy bets Francine she can't be nice to everyone for a whole week - and soon wishes she hadn't.
118. Arthur's Chicken Pox - The circus is in town! The whole family's excited-Father gets tickets, Mother gets film for the camera, and Arthur gets…CHICKEN POX! (Yuk.) Will he recover in time? Or will D.W. get to torment him forever?
119. D.W. Rides Again - In the heart of four-year-old lurks one big, gnawing desire.. TO GET RID OF THOSE TRAINING WHEELS! With Arthur's help, D.W. embarks on a crash course to learn the rules of the road (like how to use your brakes).
120. Arthur's Almost Boring Day - It's raining, it's pouring and boy is it BORING! D.W. and Arthur have played every game known they know, and worn their crayons out with coloring. But then, in Grandma Thor's attic, Arthur and D.W. discover some really FASCINATING stuff about their parents.
121. Sue Ellen Moves In - A new girl has arrived in town and no one knows anything about her. And judging by the strange things happening at her house no one wants to know. Is she an invisible spy from an alien nation? Or just a regular girl named Sue Ellen?
122. D.W.'s Snow Mystery - D.W. saves everything. But her most prized possession is a snowball from last winter. "My snowball is gone!" D.W. sniffles. It's time to find the culprit and detective Buster is on the case. Maybe it's Arthur? Maybe it's Grandma Thora? Maybe it's space aliens? Can anyone solve the case of the mysteriously vanishing snowball?
123. Bully for Binky - Is Binky Barnes really the most disgusting, nasty, horrible person on the planet, or is he just misunderstood? When someone-a girl, no less-dares to stand up to Binky, he gets a taste of his own medicine and discovers just how good it is to have friends.
124. Arthur's Tooth - It's bad enough to wear glasses all the time. But does Arthur have to be the last person in his class to lose his baby teeth? And will Francine ever quit teasing him about it?
125. D.W. Thinks Big - Once again, Arthur gets to do everything. Mostly he gets to carry the ring in Aunt Lucy's wedding. "Why can't I carry the ring?" D.W. grumbles. "Because you're too little," Arthur reminds her. But D.W. gets her chance when the ring falls in between the church organ pipes. Suddenly it's a good thing to be little, because only D.W. can save the day!
126. My Dad, the Garbage Man - FIELD TRIP! Mr. Ratburn's class is taking a field trip to visit parents at their jobs. After visiting Muffy's dad at Crosswire's Motors and Brain's mom at the Ice Cream Shop, Francine's not sure she wants the class to know her dad is a GARBAGE MAN. But, Francine soon learns that her dad is the coolest-just as she had always thought!
127. D.W.'s Blankie - D.W., tomboy, gymnast, has one little secret-her blankie. For sleeping, TV watching, and general, all-around comfort, there's nothing quite like it. When it mysteriously disappears, Arthur is pressed into service. Find that blankie-or else!
128. I'm a Poet - Challenged by Fern to enter a poetry contest, Arthur and his friends each write a poem to be judged by the famous poet Jack Prelutsky.
129. My Club Rules - The gang can't agree on rules for their club, and each starts his own.
130. Arthur's First Sleepover - Have you ever been afraid of the dark? Despite D.W.'s threat of aliens, Arthur sets his tent for his first sleepover. D.W.'s mad that she can't be a part of the sleepover, but she'll have some fun of her own-with the help of alien lights. But, who will have the last joke: Arthur & his friends, D.W., or the aliens?

201. Arthur Meets Mister Rogers - Mister Rogers is staying at Arthur's house! That's the bad news. The good news is that nobody knows about it. Yet, I mean, Mr. Rogers is a nice guy and all, and he really understands kids, and he's a lot of fun, but…his show is for babies!! Can Arthur keep his friends in the dark?
202. Binky Barnes, Art Expert - It's a nightmare come true-Arthur and Buster have to work with Binky. On an art project, which they're sure will be a disaster! I mean, what does a bully like Binky know about art? A lot more than they do, as it turns out.
203. D.W., the Picky Eater - It's Wrong to call D.W. a picky eater. Just wrong. The only things she won't eat are vegetables, fish, fruit, and meat. So it's not her fault when she has a tantrum in a restaurant-I mean, someone tried to slip her some spinach! Is this the end of D.W.'s nights on the town? Will she miss Grandma Thora's birthday bash?
204. Arthur Makes a Movie - Too young to see a real "James Hound" movie, the kids decide they'll make a film of their own. With Muffy directing and Arthur playing the dashing, urbane hero, how bad could it be? Hmmm-don't answer that.
205. Arthur's Underwear - Arthur thinks it's hilarious when Binky Barnes' pants split during class-until he starts having nightmares about it happening to him. Could there be anything worse than having people see your underwear? Arthur hopes he never finds out.
206. Buster Baxter, Cat Saver - A cat gets stuck in a tree and Buster Baxter saves the day! Risking life and limb! (Well, actually, the cat just jumped and landed on him.) It's not every day that your best friend is lionized, canonized and just plain admired… and Arthur, for one, is sick of it.
207. Arthur's TV-Free Week - It's trouble, right here in Elwood City. The kids-and their parents-have all pledged not to watch TV for one whole week. That's days, hours, and a whole bunch of minutes (10,680 to be exact, as Buster is horrified to discover). Can they last? Who will be the first to break?
208. Arthur vs. the Piano - "Local Boy Wrecks Concert!" "Bad, Bad Musician!" These are the headlines Arthur can all-too-easily imagine, after he gets stage fright during a rehearsal. Now he's terrified of playing to another audience. Will he be able to get through his recital without any mistakes? Or should he just move far, far away?
209. Lost - For an eight-year-old, Arthur is usually pretty cool. Except for D.W., there's not too much that upsets him. But one day, Arthur falls asleep on a bus and awakens in a strange-and scary-part of town. Will he ever find his way home? Can he keep himself from crying? And will D.W. ever forgive Arthur for scaring her like that?
210. D.W. Goes to Washington - "D.W.'s on her way to Washington. (Someone should have called ahead and warned the government). She's bored, bored, BORED by it all until she gets lost during a tour of the White House. A kind employee reunites her with her family and invites them all in for pizza. (Come to think of it, the guy sure has a nice office. And doesn't he look a little… familiar?)
211. D.W.'s Deer Friend - The Reads go on a camping trip, and D.W. wants to bring a little bit of nature back home-a rather large deer named Walter!
212. Arthur's Faraway Friend - Arthur's in the midst of writing a great adventure story with Buster when he gets some very bad news-Buster is leaving town to go live with his Dad for a while. Is this the end of their story? Is it the end of their friendship?
213. Water and the Brain - Is The Brain a snob? That seems to be the only explanation for why he won't go to Waterworld with the rest of his friends. But Arthur concludes that theory is all wet as he tries to discover what's really bugging the Brain.
214. Sue Ellen's Lost Diary - Poor Sue Ellen has lost the one thing she's never without-her diary. But as her friends help her look for it, they start to wonder-how come she won't let them read it? What's IN this diary anyway?
215. Grandma Thora Appreciation Day - Arthur and D.W. are planning a surprise party for Grandma Thora. They're doing it all by themselves-thank you very much-and they're not even fighting! But somehow, in the midst of all the party-planning mayhem, one teeny detail gets forgotten-the guest of honor!
216. Love Notes for Muffy - When Muffy tries to bribe the judges at the school science fair, Francine and The Brain plot revenge. But the thrill is short-lived after Muffy turns the tables, and the joke, on them.
217. Francine Redecorates - Francine likes bats and lizards, while Catherine's taste runs to lace. Normally, it's fun to be different, but not if you're two sisters sharing the same room. Space gets very tight at the Frensky's, when this odd couple decides they've had enough togetherness.
218. Arthur vs. the Very Mean Crossing Guard - Arthur and The Brain encounter a new crossing guard on the way home from school. This guard isn't just mean, he's nuts! He charges $10 to cross the street and if you don't pay, his goons will find you!! Is this guy for real?
219. D.W.'s Name Game - What's in a name? A lot of hurt feelings, sometimes. At least that's what D.W. and Arthur discover when their efforts to insult each other get out of control. Although the contest improves their vocabulary, the endless name-calling becomes, well, deleterious.
220. How the Cookie Crumbles - What's a budding entrepreneur to do when her homemade cookies hit the big time? Especially when the recipe isn't really hers? Should Muffy do the right thing-or just keep quiet and rake in the dough?

301. Buster's Back - Buster's coming home! Today!! The word spreads fast, but so does the fear that Buster will be…different, somehow. He has been traveling all over the world and even visited countries where they eat snails and stuff. Will he ever want to hang out with plain old Arthur again?
302. D.W. All Fired Up - What exactly is a fire drill anyway? When Ms. Morgan announces they'll be having one during preschool, D.W. wants no part of it - it sounds way too scary. Can she manage to stay home from school every day until the danger passes?
303. Arthur Goes Crosswire - Since they rescued Wilbur Rabbit (the guy who plays Bionic Bunny on TV!), Arthur and Muffy have been inseparable. Arthur figures it's best that "Friends of Wilbur" stick together, anyway. But the rest of their friends are growing tired of the new Arthur. Can he be "de-Muffified?"
304. Background Blues - Wouldn't it be way cool to find out that your ancestors were famous frontier explorers? Or royalty? Or owned a cheese shop? But what if, as Francine and Muffy are about to find out, they were just…plain folks?
305. The Chips Are Down - What a mysterious, beautiful thing a green potato chip is - and D.W. just ate a gigantic one! But then she hears a rumor that they're poisonous and she's resolved to live what's left of her life to the fullest because, well, it's only a matter of time…
306. Binky Rules - Writing your own name in graffiti all over the school wouldn't be very smart, right? Binky says he didn't do it, so detectives Fern and Buster are on the case. Can they work together to solve the crime or will their client go up the river?
307. Arthur Rides the Bandwagon - They all have their own names and personalities and they're so darned cute! They're Woogles, and Arthur's gotta have one. Especially now that everyone else (even the Rat!) is collecting them. But there aren't any more - stores are sold out. Will Arthur grow up Woogle-less?
308. Popular Girls - Sue Ellen and Fern take a popularity quiz they found in a magazine for teenagers. They change their personalities to become more likable, but why does it seem no one likes them anymore?
309. Arthur's Treasure Hunt - When Buster digs up an ancient arrowhead, everyone else wants to hunt for buried treasures, too. But how can Arthur become a famous discover of lost civilizations and stuff if his Mom won't let him dig up the backyard?
310. Attack of the Turbo Tibbles - If you think the Tibbles are bad now, imagine what they'd be like if they had super powers! After sneaking a peak at the forbidden "Terrific Turbo-Trooper Toy T-Bot Team" TV show, the Tibbles are out of control. And when the play gets rough, somebody could get hurt!
311. Double Tibble Trouble - Playing with the Tibble twins requires preparation, endurance and earplugs. But when one gets sick, playing with the other should be a lot easier - shouldn't it?
312. What Scared Sue Ellen? - Sue Ellen's not scared of much, but when she encounters a really creepy howling noise in the woods, she's scared for real. She musters the gang for a showdown. Will they face their fears and learn the source of the mysterious howls?
313. Arthur's Dummy Disaster - When painfully shy George brings a ventriloquist dummy to school, a popular kid is born! Suddenly, everybody want's to hang with George and his witty wooden pal, Wally. George and Wally remain inseparable, though, and the gang eventually gets pretty tired of talking to a dummy. Can George make it on his own?
314. Mom and Dad Have a Great Big Fight - When Mom and Dad fight over spilled milk, Arthur and D.W. fear the worst. Is it Arthur's fault or D.W.'s? And worse, will Mom or Dad have to move out?
315. Arthur and D.W. Clean Up - Arthur just might make it to Happy Crazy Wow Day at the park - if he and D.W. can work together to clean both their rooms!

401. D.W.'s Library Card - When D.W. discovers that she can get her own library card, she rejoices at the world of books waiting for her. (Now if only she could sign her name to get the card in the first place…) This show will be the centerpiece of an outreach effort to highlight library resources and activities.
402. Hide and Snake - The kids capture a snake and learn that it's possibly poisonous-but only after it gets lost in Arthur's house! Can they find the snake before Arthur's parents discover their slippery little secret?
403. Buster's Breathless - Will Buster's friends ever treat him the same after they learn he has asthma? Maybe the answer will be found on a guided tour through… Buster's lungs?!
404. The Contest - What would happen if Arthur and his friends entered a contest to write story ideas for their favorite television show? Holly Holland of Canadian, Oklahoma, winner of TV Guide's "Create Your Own Arthur Episode!", answers just that question. The kids realize that winning would be great, but that writing and sharing is the best part.
405. The Blizzard - A big blizzard comes to Elwood City, taking out the electricity (and-gasp-television!) and sending residents scrambling for supermarket supplies. Can neighbors find ways to help each other survive through the storm?
406. D.W. Tale Spins - What happens when you combine Greek Mythology with D.W.'s imagination? When Grandma Thor shows D.W. how to be an author of great stories without even knowing how to write, D.W. tells a fantastic tale (with a little help from Homer) that impresses even Arthur.
407. Binky Barnes, Wingman - Does Binky have a favorite pastime? Not until citywide Bug Week, when suddenly all he can think about is butterflies. But is Binky's obsession with catching Big Blue Butterfly destined to make him the Captain Ahab of Elwood City? And what will become of Moby Dick… er, Big Blue, if it falls into Binky's clutches?
408. 1001 Dads - When Buster cheerfully insists that he will miss the Father's Day picnic because he has other plans, Arthur is convinced that he's really sad about his parents' divorce and embarrassed to show up alone. Can Arthur and the gang find Buster a new dad in time for the picnic?
409. What Is That Thing? - Arthur and friends are all faced with seemingly impossible tasks, from fixing a model biplane to babysitting D.W. (!) But they each encounter a mysterious and magical device that solves all their problems. What is that thing?!
410. My Music Rules - It is the duel of the century as cellist Yo-Yo Ma faces jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman in the toughest gig of their careers… in the Elwood City Library! Whose music will rule after the greats duke it out in the battle of classical versus jazz?

501. Arthur and the Big Riddle - Alex Trebek lends his voice as Alex Lebek- host of the cool new game show, RiddleQuest - in this episode which poses the age-old riddle… is winning really everything?
502. Kids are from Earth, Parents are from Pluto - Francine's dad falling asleep in class? Arthur's dad telling food jokes in the cafeteria? Is it a bad dream?? No, its Lakewood Elementary Parents Open House! How will the kids survive a whole evening of their parents' embarrassing antics?
503. It's a No-Brainer - When Brain loses his cool and loses to Buster in the Math-a-thon, he abandons his books and nickname for a career in… stand-up comedy?!? Is The Brain gone forever?
504. The World Record - Why is Buster walking backwards… and Muffy not talking? They're trying to set world records of course! Everyone tries to go it alone, but Arthur and the gang discover that working together more readily creates success, fun… and the world's largest pizza!
505. The Lousy Week - An army of lice has descended on the heads of Lakewood Elementary. Who or what is strong enough to defeat them? Principal Haney? Nurse Flynn? Mayonnaise?
506. "\" The Election - I, Muffy Crosswire, do solemnly swear to uphold the office of the President of the United…\" Actually, it's only a mock election in Mr. Ratburn's class, but Muffy takes it just as seriously. How far will she go to win?
507. Sleep No More - Have you ever been so excited that you couldn't sleep? Buster is convinced that Pizza Paula's all-you-can-eat contest… free pizza for life!... is his destiny. But how can he possibly win such an important contest without any sleep?
508. The Last of Mary Moo Cow - D.W. is Mary Moo Cow's greatest fan. She watches the show every day and collects countless videos, toys, and clothes. When Mary Moo Cow is cancelled, D.W. is devastated. How can television - or life as she knows it - ever be the same?
509. Just Desserts - Arthur has a hard time resisting sweets, and one evening his overindulgence wins him an upset stomach and a series of rather \"Grimm\" dreams… starring Mr. Ratburn as a child-eating witch, the Tibbles as seven dwarves, and a fearsome giant made entirely of food!
510. Arthur's Family Feud - Who ruined Dad's perfect souffle'? The only thing Arthur and D.W. can agree on is that poor Pal was an unwitting accomplice. To solve this whodunit, Mom and Dad listen to both sides - and the siblings demonstrate some very imaginative storytelling!

601. Sue Ellen Gets Her Goose Cooked - Sue Ellen is the champion of the popular Internet game, Virtualgoose.com. She becomes so obsessed, however, that she starts imagining her friends as geese to be conquered! Can Sue Ellen give up Virtualgoose before she finally quaks… er, cracks?
602. Arthur Plays the Blues - Although Arthur's beloved piano teacher is retiring, she assures him that the new teacher is outstanding… and famous, too! Then Arthur meets Dr. Fugue - who's as strict as he is odd - and begins to doubt his own abilities. Will Arthur be fired from playing the piano?
603. Prunella's Special Edition - The latest book about everyone's favorite boy wizard - Henry Skreever, of course - is finally in stores! Every kid in town is lining up to get it … except Prunella, who's ordered a monogrammed, limited edition, coming all the way from England. She's in for a surprise, though, when they mix up her order and send a Braille version instead.
604. Muffy's Soccer Shocker - Muffy's proud that her dad is the new soccer coach … until he exhausts the team with demanding drills like the piston, the muffler, and the -- gulp! -- shock absorber. Even if Muffy survives playing goalie in the big game against Mighty Mountain, will the team survive her dad?
605. The Boy Who Cried Comet - Buster is convinced that he's seen real UFO's, and he uses Muffy's fancy new telescope to get the proof. What he discovers is much more terrifying - a comet hurtling directly toward earth! Can Buster convince his friends that this sighting is real in time for them to save the planet?
606. Citizen Frensky - After visiting The Elwood City Times, Francine decides to start her own paper - The Frensky Star! The tabloid, complete with embarrassing photos and sensationalized headlines, is a smashing success - until all her friends stop speaking to her.
607. The Boy with His Head in the Clouds - All the kids know that George is smart - so why does he sometimes have trouble reading and writing? With a little help from others with dyslexia like Principal Haney - and Leonardo DiVinci! … George and the gang discover that learning happens in all different ways.
608. Rhyme for Your Life - While struggling to write a poem for his mom, Binky falls asleep and gets trapped in Verseberg … where it's a crime not to rhyme! After tangling with the big purple orange and meeting poet William Carlos Williams, Binky finally escapes this curse - but will he be able to stop speaking in verse?
609. The Good Sport - When the Athlete of the Year Award doesn't go to Francine, she makes no effort to hide her hurt feelings from Jenna, the recipient. Michelle Kwan, world champion figure skater and graduate of Lakewood Elementary (who knew?), guest starts to teach Francine about good sports(wo)manship.
610. Arthur Loses His Marbles - When Arthur discovers that Grandma Thora is a marbles champion, he trains with her so he can beat all his friends. And though Thora teaches Arthur everything he knows, she doesn't teach him everything she knows… and it's Read versus Read in the first-ever Elwood City Marbles Tournament.

701. Cast Away – Arthur is thrilled when Dad invites him to go fly-fishing for the weekend. Finally – an escape from D.W.! But when a change in plans forces them to include her, Arthur’s had enough. Does D.W. Always have to get her own way?
702. Francine’s Split Decision –Lakewood Elementary is sure to win the big bowling tournament on Saturday, with Francine leading the team. So what if Francine’s cousin is having his Bar Mitzvah at exactly that same time? The amazing Francine can be in both places – or at least seem to be – and no one will be the wiser. Or so she thinks…
703. Ants in Arthur’s Pants – To excel in science, Mr. Ratburn’s class has to prove that they have P.A.N.T.S. – the ability to be patient, attentive, nosy, thoughtful, and systematic. And Arthur’s certain he’s got ‘em to ace his ant project – until the crawly creatures end up everywhere but in their ant-farm! Can Arthur’s P.A.N.T.S. save his project – and save the ants from the exterminator?
704. To Tibble the Truth – When the Tibble Twins’ constant lying lands them in constant trouble, they promise to tell only the truth. But is telling every truth any better? Tommy and Timmy try to be honest Tibbles before they lose all their friends – and each other.
705. Elwood City Turns 100! – Arthur and his friends commemorate their 100th episode in show-stopping style! Mr. Ratburn’s class is chosen to stage a musical tribute to Elwood City for its centennial celebration… which quickly becomes a drama of missed cues, inflated egos, and alien invasions. Ant that’s just behind the curtain!
706. Pick A Car, Any Car – The Read family car is broken, and so is Arthur’s heart. How can Mom and Dad even think of replacing it? “Car Talk” hosts Click and Clack the Tappet brothers (otherwise known as Tom and Ray Magliozzi) lend some much-needed advice as Arthur desperately tries to save the beloved vehicle.
707. D.W.’s Time Trouble – D.W. is sick and tired of being bossed around all the time and demands to know why she couldn’t have been born before Arthur! So she goes on a magical trip through time to see what life would be like with Arthur as her little brother. Surely D.W. would be much happier if she were in charge…wouldn’t she?
708. The World of Tomorrow – Since Binky’s repeating third grade, he’s totally dreading Mr. Ratburn’s annual class sleepover at the Science Museum. After all, he remembers how boring it was last year …wouldn’t the second time around be twice as dull? But an enticing new exhibit – on visions of the future! – shows Binky that science knowledge can really come in handy.
709. Prunella Sees the Light – To make everything perfect for her sleepover with Marina, Prunella happily styles her room to resemble a “Henry Skreever” book. But then she panics – since Marina is blind, will decorations she can’t even see offend her ... or worse, make her trip? Or will Prunella discover that her worries about protecting Marina – and their friendship – are more about Prunella’s own perceptions rather than Marina’s actual capabilities?
710. April 9th – April 9th begins like any normal day… until a fire destroys the teacher’s lounge and forces Lakewood Elementary to close. This unexpected event finds the children dealing with a wide range of emotional reactions: Sue Ellen is devastated when her diary is ruined. Binky sees the frightening flames up close but tries to act cool. Mr. Read escapes a school catering job unhurt – but now Arthur is constantly worried about his dad’s safety. And Buster feels totally left out because he overslept and completely missed the disaster! As Arthur and his friends struggle with their feelings about the fire, they wonder if life will ever return to normal. But with the support of parents, teachers, and community members, they discover that by reaching out and working together, they can help each other through the most difficult of times.

801. Dear Adil – Arthur is worried that his letters to his new Turkish pen pal, Adil, will be boring. After all, how can Elwood City compare to Arthur’s fantastical ideas about Turkey, where he imagines Adil riding a camel to school… and eating lambs-eyes! But are Arthur’s notions about Adil’s life even close to the truth?
802. Fernfern and the Secret of Moose Mountain – Fern can’t wait to climb Moose Mountain so that she can have exciting adventures like Zutzut, the famous comic-book hero! But Francine is assigned to be her hiking buddy, and the two girls fight all the way up the trail. Will Fern and Francine be able to work together and weather some unexpected challenges?
803. Arthur’s Snow Biz – Winter hits Elwood City and Arthur sees dollar signs! His snow-shoveling business is booming – that is, until Buster decides to get in on the action. As the temperature drops, the competition heats up … and the boys battle to be the best on the block.
804. Fernkenstein’s Monster – Inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Fern tells a tale so scary that Arthur and the gang become afraid of her! Can Fern prove her skills as a writer, and create a different story that’s fun instead of frightening?
805. Vomitrocious! – It’s just a regular day until Francine starts to feel queasy … and then throws up in the cafeteria! Now Francine is afraid to go back to school. Won’t the kids all laugh and call her – ugh! – “Barfine”?
806. Postcards from Buster – Buster’s going to New York City to meet his dad Bo, and the Reads are coming with him! He’s thrilled… but won’t his mom cry day and night, missing him? Luckly, Bitzi gives Buster a special present at the airport that will let him share his exciting trip with her – a video camera!
807. Desk Wars – It’s the hottest school day of the year, and tempers are even hotter. To keep the peace, Mr. Ratburn moves Brain and Arthur away from their usual desks ... and sets off a chain reaction resulting in the most explosive desk war in third grade history!
808. Muffy’s Art Attack – Arthur Ganson, real-life kinetic sculptor, guest stars in this episode about art appreciation. When Muffy sees Ganson’s machines, she brags that she can make even better ones … until the artist himself shows her that art is beautiful when created out of self-expression, not competition.
809. Flea to Be You and Me – Pal is itching like crazy and the culprit is Pepe, an Italian circus flea. To save himself from being “squeeshed,” Pepe enthralls Kate, Pal, and Amigo with the story of his heartbreaking separation from brother Sale – followed by an incredible journey across four continents!
810. Big Horns George – Koko Taylor and Taj Mahal guest-star in this episode celebrating “The Year of The Blues.” George is inspired to write and perform his own blues song when he’s introduced to the music of Koko Taylor. But stage fright and self-doubt overwhelm him … until Koko and Taj encourage George to keep singing those blues

901. Castles in the Sky/Tipping the Scales – The gang is devastated after their tree house collapses. Can architect Frank Gehry get them to agree on a new design and help them to rebuild? Then, everyone on Arthur’s chorus group is excited about their upcoming performance in Crown City. Everyone knows nothing beats that post-concert cheesecake at Finklemeyers! But when strict Dr. Fugue replaces fun Mrs. Krasny as their teacher, the gang worries – will music class ever be fun again?
902. Francine’s Big Top Trouble –
903. Arthur Weighs In/The Law of the Jungle Gym – When Arthur doesn’t fit into his costume for the play, he’s shocked to learn that he’s gotten “husky-sized.” Now he’s serious about getting in shape. Will he turn to an all-protein diet? Eat only herbs and berries? Or will he try something really radical… exercise?! Then, Muffy found the perfect place to take pictures with her new digital camera – the jungle gym. Unfortunately, it’s Tough Customer territory, and Molly wants to bully Muffy right out of her new studio. But Crosswires do not compromise! Or do they?
904. Buster’s Green Thumb/My Fair Tommy – Buster finds out that his collection of old food makes excellent compost – which makes for even better tomatoes! But he’s dismayed when he runs out of fresh veggies to give away …until his new friend who runs the community garden shows him what it takes to grow and care for his own plants. Then, neither of the Tibble twins has ever won the coveted “Good Behavior of the Week” cupcake award. When Tommy sets his sights on getting the prize, can D.W. show him how it’s done, or will Timmy stand in his way?
905. Lights, Camera…Opera!/All Worked Up – When Muffy’s Dad gives her concert tickets, she couldn’t be more excited – until she discovers that she’s going to the opera. How will she even understand what’s going on, let along stay awake? Opera singer Rodney Gilfrey guest stars to show Muffy why Bizet’s “Carmen” can be a whole lot more fun than ‘Tween Dream. Then, Arthur aced five quizzes in a row! But his luck runs out when Mom takes a new job. Did his streak end because Mom’s schedule is disrupting his perfect routine?! At first Arthur and D.W. get all worked up over this change at home, but they learn that they’ll always be priority number one.
906. Arthur Makes Waves/It Came From Beyond – Arthur Makes Waves – With the community pool closed for repairs and the temperature on the rise, Arthur and D.W. need a place to keep cool. After accepting an invitation to James’s pool, they discover that his older sister is Molly, leader of the Tough Customers! Can Arthur and Molly get along-and if they can, will their friends let them? It Came From Beyond – Grandma Thora takes in a stray, an adorable little dog named. Killer? It soon becomes clear that the name fits, as Killer bullies every person and animal in sight. Can Killer let her guard down long enough to make a few friends, or will she have to give up her new home?
907. Three’s A Crowd/A Is For Angry – Three’s A Crowd – Prunella’s favorite time of day is early morning, when she and her Mom do yoga. So when her best friend Marina joins them, will Prunella feel that more is merrier… or that three’s a crowd? Can Prunella learn to share her Mom – or will she have to give up yoga forever!? A Is for Angry – When Arthur decides to take-on Brian at an all school checkers competition, everyone rallies behind the underdog. That is until Arthur rejects all the fan support with a big “yowl.” Will Arthur get his fan support back and does he even want it back?
908. The “A” Team/Emily Swallows A Horse – The “A” Team – Francine and Brain are the best players on the soccer team and, well, sometimes they wish their teammates could take the game a bit more seriously. So when they make the Elwood City All-Stars Traveling Team, they’re as happy as they could be. Or are they? Is winning really everything – or is there something about playing with friends that can’t be beat. Emily Swallows a Horse – Emily really wants the sparkly ball D.W. just found, so she tells a little white lie about how Marie-Helene actually gave it to her. No harm done, right? But then Emily has to tell even bigger lies to cover her story! Will she be like that old woman in the fairy tale, who had to swallow the horse to eat her lie… er, fly?
909. D.W. Beats All/Buster The Myth Maker – D.W. Beats All – After the Tibbles get a set of drums to play at the music festival, D.W. is determined to get an even bigger and louder one. But when Mom tells her she can’t get everything she wants (gasp!) D.W. realizes that she can march to a different beat. Buster the Myth Maker – Buster is always telling the most incredible stories – like the one about the rat in the soda bottle, or grasshopper eyes in Crinkle-Chaw gum! Now he claims there is a tiger in the state forest, which of course explains all those missing dogs. (Huh?) Can Arthur help Buster separate fact from fiction in order to solve this mystery?
910. Binky Goes Nuts/Breezy Listening Blues – Binky Goes Nuts – When Binky discovers that he’s allergic to peanuts, he has so many questions: Will he be forced to live without Chinese food? Will he ever again be able to eat with his friends? And most importantly, will his Mom ever calm down? Binky learns that the best way not to go nuts is to be well informed, and to understand his allergy. Breezy Listening Blues – Much to his horror, Brain gets a “B-“on a test. That’s only one grade abovea C! What caused this disaster? Could it be the new “Breezy Listening” background music playing at the Ice Cream Shop? Brain is determined to get to the bottom of this before he loses what’s left of his IQ.

1001. Happy Anniversary – Arthur’s parents have been married for 10 years and it’s time to celebrate! But the festivities are cut short when the van breaks down, stranding the whole family. Will the Read’s miss their fancy dinner reservation? And what about Arthur’s special “Bionic Bunny” sleepover with Buster?! Just when things couldn’t get any worse, Arthur and D.W. end up locked in a diner storeroom – but when they hear the inspiring radio tale of Crooning Cowboy Kid Carter and his little sister sidekick, Arthur realizes that the best celebration of all is just being with his family.
1002. The Squirrels – After watching the classic horror movie, “The Squirrels,” Arthur and his friends are scared to step out into the playground…and just about everywhere else! Are squirrels suddenly trying to take over the world? Will Arthur ever be able to go outside again? Or, will he and the gang find a way to make friends with their furry neighbors?
1003. Desert Island Dish – When Mr. Ratburn challenges the class to find the perfect food for surviving on a desert island, everyone picks potato chips or ice cream! But Arthur and the gang soon discover that they cannot survive – or pass their assignment – on junk food alone. By working together, the kids learn about the importance of a balanced diet to overall health.
1004. Feeling Flush – When Elwood City experiences a drought, Francine bets Arthur that her family can use less water than his. But Francine is shocked to learn that, despite her conservation efforts, her water meter levels are twice as high as Arthur’s! What’s going on at the Frensky household? Will Francine find out who’s behind the flushing frenzy?
1005. D.W. Aims High – D.W. wants to be the first person to set foot on Mars! But what if scary purple aliens eat her? With help from her dad, D.W. separates fact from fiction and discovers the excitement of space exploration.
1006. The Curse of the Grebes – The Elwood City Grebes haven’t won the Baseball Championship since 1918. But with the addition of three players – voiced by real-life Red Sox players Johnny Damon, Mike Timlin, and Edgar Renterial – the title is finally within reach. There’s one problem: Whenever Buster is at the game, the Grebes lose! Is Buster the team’s curse?! Or can the players convince Buster that his loyalty as a fan is more valuable to them than winning?
1007. Unfinished – Arthur is completely riveted by a book and can’t wait to see how it ends. But…oh no! The last few pages are missing! Now what? Will Arthur ever find out what happens to Dr. Gustavius Boles and Caleb Trimingham on their round-the-world balloon adventure? Or will Arthur have to make up his own ending.
1008. Binky Vs. Binky – Binky may be tough and strong, but when it comes to sports, he always seems to choke. With some inspiration from champion bike rider Vance Legstrong, Binky discovers that the only competitor he really needs to beat is…himself.
1009. Do You Speak George? – Everyone at school is suddenly speaking their own made-up language. Whether it’s the girls’ secret code “Oola” or the boys’ lingo “Arster-Buther,” George can’t make sense of what anyone is saying. Is creating his own language the answer? Or can he convince the kids to put their differences aside and start communicating again?
1010. What’s Cooking? – Celebrity chef Ming Tsai is coming to judge Lakewood Elementary’s first-ever cooking contest! Arthur thinks he has a shot at winning – if only he can get his dad to strop telling him what to do. In the end, Arthur experiences the joy of cooking firsthand, and he discovers that culinary mistakes sometimes create the best dishes.

1101. Swept Away – It’s summertime! Arthur, D.W. and Buster are spending a few days at the beach where they discover the simple joys of building sand castles. But can they save their beloved creation from the inevitable ocean tide?
1102. Arthur Sells Out – To earn the money he needs to buy a new video game, Arthur decides to sell his old toys through his school’s Web site. At first, sales are slow – until Muffy helps Arthur discover how to sell the “sizzle” and not the “steak.” His toys fly off the (cyber) shelf but is bending the truth to earn money worth losing his friends?
1103. Buenas Noches, Vicita – Vicita Molina has lost her favorite books – a lovely South American tale of friendship and courage in the Amazon Jungle. No book means no sleep for Vicita – or for any of the Molinas. Since Vicita knows the story by heart, maybe D.W. and Arthur can help her find a way to re-create it and get the family back to sleep.
1104. Phony Fern – When Fern’s parents give her a cell phone for “emergencies only,” Fern is uninterested until Muffy introduces her to the joys of personalized ring tones, texting, and incessant chatting! Fern becomes hooked, and starts to believe that nail polish consultations are “emergencies.” But she realizes that although evolving technology is great, sometimes it’s better to communicate the old-fashioned way, in person.
1105. Baby Kate and the Imaginary Mystery – Nadine, D.W.’s imaginary friend is missing! Baby Kate, Pal, Amigo, and Nemo are all on the case and won’t give up until this mystery is solved – even if some fur gets ruffled along the way! Could the Tibbles be hiding Nadine? Or is the solution to the mystery closer to home?
1106. The Making of Arthur – Matt Damon guest-stars in animated form as the host of a new series, “Postcards from You.” When the Oscar winning star puts out a call for homemade videos for his TV show, he sets off a frantic rush among Arthur and his gang to film their lives. Could the experiences of kids from Elwood City really interest a television audience? They’ll have to wait and see of Matt Damon thinks so. (NOTE: This episode promotes the real “Postcards from You” initiative that encourages kids around the country to make their own videos.)
1107. Hic or Treat – D.W. gets a case of the hiccups that just won’t go away. No matter how much advice she gets from Arthur and his friends, she just can’t find the right cure. (Well, at least her Halloween costume as “Hiccup Girl” is all set…) Will D.W. ever get relief – or will she have the hiccups for the rest of her life and set the world record?
1108. Francine’s Pilfered Paper – Thanksgiving can be a time for a long, relaxing weekend with family and friends. But for Mr. Ratburn, it’s a chance to assign a five-page paper about the holiday! Instead of despairing like her friends, Francine finds the perfect Web site for her research, which she happily copies and pastes in a matter of minutes for her entire report. There’s nothing wrong with that…is there?
1109. D.W. on Ice – D.W. tells her friends that she’s a fantastic skater. The truth is, she can barely stand on ice! And with Emily’s skating party coming up, how will D.W. face everyone and tell them the truth?
1110. Big Brother Binky – In this special two-part episode, Binky’s family adopts a baby girl from China. Binky receives the news of getting a baby sister with great excitement, and he delights in helping prepare for her arrival and visiting China. Although at times Binky worries about how his life will change, and more importantly, whether his new sister will even like him! – Binky becomes the proudest big brother in Elwood City.

1201. Is that Kosher? Joan Rivers lends her voice as Francine’s sharp-tongued grandma, Bubba, in this episode about family traditions and communal celebration. Francine’s convinced that she can fast on Yom Kippur just like her older sister. But then Arthur winds a free pizza party for all his friends for that very same day! Will Francine be about to resist? With Bubba’s help Francine learns that there’s more to the special holiday than making it through a fast.
1202. Room to Ride – Lance Armstrong makes a special trip to Elwood City in this episode about bicycling and good citizenship. Wanting more room to ride, Binky and his friends take to the streets to convince residents to vote for new bike safety lanes. When all hope seems lost, Lance give Binky support and encouragement never to give up his cause.
1203. D.W.’s Stray Netkitin – D.W. is panicked when a “Scary Clown” virus ruins the Read family computer. Who will take care of her virtual Netkitin pet? “Tickly” needs her hair brushed just so and will only eat Net Nibbles! So D.W. turns to Arthur and Emily for help – but is she really ready to give up control.
1204. For the Birds – Brain dreams of being the first to spot a rare bird species called the green-tailed grebe. When Mr. Ratburn starts a bird-watching club at school, Brain is panicked! What if someone finds the grebe first and ruins his chances at fame and fortune? Or, can Brain learn that nature is a gift meant for everyone to share?
1205. The Chronicles of Buster – Buster is obsessed with the extended DVD version of the epic film “The Chronicles of Ahmayzzia,” with 1001 hours of behind-the-scenes footage! In fact, he’s so engrossed that he neglects his training for a class rock-climbing trip. After jeopardizing his relationship with best friend and climbing partner, Arthur, Buster finally learns that special effects can’t take the place of hard work when conquering real mountains.
1206. The Cherry Tree – Muffy will do anything to have a gigantic Dream Bouncy Castle at her party, or so she thinks. When her favorite cherry tree is cut down to make room for the castle in her yard, she starts to have regrets. Then to make matters worse, she learns that cutting down trees hurts the environment, too. What can Muffy do to fix the damage she’s done?
1207. War of the Worms – Brain is always taking the fun out of Fern’s storytelling by correcting her facts. She decides to teach him a lesson by spinning a tall tale that he can’t help but believe. But things get out of hand, when Fern convinces Brain that there really are giant worms attacking Elwood City!
1208. The Blackout - It’s the hottest day in Elwood City, when a total blackout leaves its residents without any electricity. Will Arthur and DW survive without AC and TV? Luckily, the Molina family steps in to teach the Reads a lesson on how to keep cool and have fun as a community even under the toughest of weather conditions!
1209. Home Sweet Home – Buster heads off to summer camp reluctantly, worried that he won’t know anyone. But equipped with a few stories of summer camp battles and triumphs from his older and wiser friend Fritz (who runs the community garden), Buster realizes it’s easy to make new friends after all.
1210. The Perfect Game – Francine is excited for Mr. Ratburn’s coolest assignment yet – he’s asked them to design their very own model cities! From minarets to fancy lights, Francine’s got plenty of good ideas. But as the deadline looms, she’s so obsessed with making everything perfect, that she can’t seem to get anything done at all.

1301. The Great Macgrady – When Mrs. McGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all act differently to the news – Arthur and D.W. rush to her side with heaps of chicken soup and stuffed animals, Muffy tries to pretend that nothing in her life has changed, and Francine is so upset she can’t even bring herself to visit Mrs. McGrady. In this two-part episode, parents and kisd learn how they can come together to support Mrs. McGrady and each other – and Lance Armstrong makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
1302. Silent Treatment – When quiet, shy George wonders if any of his friends really notice him, he has a great idea. He’s not going to speak to anyone until they notice! Well when they do in fact notice he’s been feeling sad, they decide to throw him a surprise party to make him feel special. But it backfires, when they need to avoid him to plan the party!
1303. Arthur’s Numbers Nightmare – When Arthur and friends discover what looks like a list of their class rankings in Principal Haney’s office, they are all taken for a surprise. If Arthur’s really Number Two, then he must be really smart! And is there anything Francine can do to move up rank? For Buster, Number Eleven is his new lucky number…for everything. Soon the numbers come to mean much more than they should to all the kids on the list.
1304. Macfrensky – When Francine and Brain are locked in a stiff competition to win student of the month, Muffy talks Francine into “borrowing” Buster’s toy and letting Brain take the blame for it. As the lies grow and the prize gets closer, however, Francine’s guilt increases. Can she come clean and wash her hands of this dastardly deed?
1305. No Acting Please – Actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman guest-stars as director Will Toffman in this episode about theater and the arts. When Fern lands a role in the Elwood City community production of “It Began with a Whistle,” she fears she’s not talented enough to be a star actress. But Will Toffman teaches Fern how to have fun, be herself and truly shine.
1306. When Carl Met George/D.W. Swims With The Fishes – George is excited about spending time with his new friend, Carl, who seems to know all kind of cool facts about trains and about… well lots of things! Then George learns that Carl has Asperger’s Syndrome – a form of autism that makes Carl see the world differently than most people. Can George and Carl remain good friends – and perhaps even learn from each other? --- D.W. and James enter the pre-school swim meet and recruit their big siblings to coach them. All goes swimmingly until Arthur and Molly start taking their jobs a little too seriously. Who’s this race about, anyway?
1307. Portrait of The Artist As a Young Tibble/The Secret Guardians – The Tibble Twins set out on a new business venture – selling their pre-school art masterpieces to earn enough money to buy the coveted Krummy Kreepy Kastle. As their business takes off, so does their own appreciation for their art. Is the Krummy Kreepy Kastle really worth giving up their masterpieces? --- When Arthur, Binky and Sue Ellen stumble upon a beautiful and private woodland oasis right by their homes, they vow to tell no one and keep it as their secret spot. Before long, however, they start to find evidence of human habitation. Have they discovered an ancient civilization? Or has someone known about this special secret place all along?
1308. Fernlets By Fern/Prunella and the Haunted Locker – As part of her latest business venture, Muffy talks Fern into writing poems for a new line of greeting cards which becomes the hit of Elwood City. But booming business causes Fern to burn out. Can Fern and Muffy find a way to make writing fun again? --- Prunella is assigned a new school locker, which is rumored to be haunted! She refuses to believe it…until mysterious and unexplained things start to happen. Will Prunella have seven years of bad luck (and bad grades) or can she get to the bottom of the mystery?
1309. Paradise Lost/The Pride of Lakewood – Baby Kate is growing up! She’s starting saying her first words. But strangely enough, the more words she learns, the less she seems to understand their dog, Pal. The two head off to the Children’s Zoo in search of the Dolly Llama for an explanation, and to see if they can reverse the process. Along the way, they learn that growing up is inevitable and maybe it isn’t so bad. --- To boost school pride, Arthur and his classmates from the Lakewood Pride Committee, which immediately and fervently adds members, distributes buttons and creates special chants. But Brain and Sue Ellen, feeling pressured, decide they don’t want to join – and are accused of not loving their school. Can they prove that they’re proud of Lakewood Elementary even if they’re not part of this new group?
1310. Looking For Bonnie/The Secret Origin Of Supernova – Famous rock musician Dean Lomas visits Elwood City and calls on George’s dad to fix his equally famous guitar, named Bonnie. Legend says that Bonnie is magical and, and Buster and George are convinced that just one strum will give them special powers. And during one late night sleepover, they sneak into Dad’s workshop to find out if it’s true… --- Arthur is dismayed when he learns an energy drink endorsed by his favorite comic book character is full of sugar – it doesn’t give you any special energy or magic powers at all! Will Arthur be able to find any superheroes who aren’t out to make money – or can he create his own?

1401. The Wheel Deal/The Buster Report – After an injury, Brain has to spend some time using a wheelchair. But now he can’t compete in a basketball tournament for charity! Or, can he? He meets a new friend, Lydia Fox, who just happens to be a wheelchair basketball player … and shows him how it’s done. (Lydia is the winning character of the “ARTHUR CVS All Kids Can” Contest). The Buster Report: The kids are assigned to write a report on someone they admire. To everyone’s surprise, most especially Buster’s, George picks … Buster! Will George focus on Buster’s joke telling, the sandwich named after Buster, or Buster’s famous food collection? Or … will George sing the praises of some of Buster’s other traits that often go overlooked?
1402. The Agent of Change/D.W. Unties the Knot – The latest animated hit in movie theaters about a boy and his truck has left Muffy and Francine disappointed. Why doesn’t there seem to be any cool female characters on screen? So with the help of a very talented artist, Molly, the Group of Three set out to make their own movie! D.W. Unites the Knot: After watching “The Wedding Channel,” D.W. wants to get married! And, having no idea what this really means, she starts planning herself the biggest unicorn wedding imaginable. But D.W. soon realizes that she’s getting more than she bargained for. Can she back out in time?
1403. Nicked by a Name/The Play’s the Thing – There is a virus spreading through Lakewood Elementary! It changes the way everyone acts and how they treat each other… it’s the new nicknames! Can Brain stop the virus he created or will everyone be mean to each other forever? The Play’s the Thing: The playground has been quiet lately – to quiet – and the Tough Customers don’t like it one bit. All the rest of the kids seem more interested in electronics than in good old-fashioned fun! Can the TCs save the playground or is everyone done playing for good?
1404. Falafelosophy/The Lint Rush – At the urging of guest-star author Neil Graiman (Coraline, The Graveyard Book)    Sue Ellen tries her hand at writing and illustrating a graphic novel. When Sue Ellen needs inspiration and encouragement, she turns to Neil – who pops up in unexpected places! – and to the philosophy lessons of her local falafel vendor! The Lint Rush: Mr. Toad is back! And he’s ready to corner the Sock Market, leaving everyone in Elwood City barefoot and bereft. Can Pal and Kate negotiate for their socks … or will there be another great sock depression like the Great Chilly Toes Scare of 1929?
1405. Tales of Grotesquely Grim Bunny/Pet Projects – When the local comic book store changes ownership, the new darker and scarier comics are right up Fern’s alley. But Arthur can’t seem to stomach them and now he’s worried. Is it wrong to be afraid? Maybe his friends will be more supportive than he realizes? Pet Projects: Arthur and Francine enter their pets to compete against each other in “The Perfect Pet” video contest. Pal is SO cute and Nemo knows so many tricks! Who will win? But after jumping through hoops – literally – Nemo and Pal decide that enough is enough. Can’t their owners love them for who they are?
1406. Around the World In 11 Minutes/Muffy and the Big Bad Blog Pal, Baby Kate, Amigo, and Mei Lin enthusiastically accept Nemo’s date to travel around the world and make it back in 11 minutes. After all, there’s a prized pork chop and a lot of pride on the line! Adventuring by plane, hot-air balloon and motor scooters, the gang encounters many obstacles along the way – mostly because of Nemo’s meddling! – but giddily experience the joys of global expedition. – Muffy discovers that web blogging is a great way to keep her readers up to date with her every move…whether they’re interested or not! But then she goes too far and publicizes a disagreement with Francine. Can Muffy learn that some things really are better left private?
1407. Follow the Bouncing Ball / Buster Baxter and the Letter From the Sea – Alberto Molina’s beloved soccer ball – signed by his favorite Ecuadorian soccer star, El Boomerang – is lost! Is it the same soccer ball bounding all over town, eluding potential captors?! This kicks off the first of 10 stories which follow the incredible journey of El Boomerang around the world! Come, follow the bouncing ball! – While on vacation with the Read family, Buster discovers a message in a bottle on the shore. Could it be an urgent message from the people of the lost city of Atlantis? Buster is determined to find out and sends them a message back…by throwing his own bottles in the ocean… Will he learn that keeping the beach and waters clean is the real message?
1408. Arthur Unravels/All The Rage – Grandma Thora teaches Arthur to knit and he’s really into this new hobby. But…he’s a kid! And a Boy! Knitting is a grandma thing…right? How long can Arthur keep his new hobby a secret before the yarn spills out of the bag? --- Muffy want to rock the fashion world like her fashion mentor Capri DeVapida! But creating a fad is a lot harder than it looks, especially when all her hot new trends turn out to be lukewarm flops. Can Muffy learn that it’s just better to be yourself?
1409. D.W., Queen of the Comeback/In My Africa – The Tibbles tease, D.W. fires back, the Tibbles taunt, D.W. has a snappy comeback, and round and round they go! Will it ever end? Perhaps an ancient Indian fable about a turtle and two wisecracking geese will be enough to teach D.W. to just let it go. --- D.W.’s new classmate, Cheikh, is Brain’s young cousin…and is also from Senegal, Africa! When D.W. realizes that she doesn’t know much about Africa she decides to learn through music – and she, Brain and Cheikh team up to write a song about all 54 countries on that continent!
1410. Buster Spaces Out/The Long Road Home – Buster wants to go to outer space! Well, someday. For not, it’d be really cool to build and launch a rocket! So Buster enlists his friends to help …but they can’t agree on anything and the mission stalls. Luckily, NASA astronaut, Mike Fincke guest-stars to teach the kids that only teamwork will accomplish this mission – and then it’s blast-off! … After costing the Lakewood Elementary the win in a relay race against Mighty Mountain, George wants to redeem himself. Ok, George might be a slower runner but he is determined to walk all the way from Crown city to Elwood City and raise money for charity. There’s just one problem – no one really thinks he can do it! This episode also marks the homecoming for “El Boomerang” and the suspense is – will the beloved soccer ball arrive from (believe it or not) Turkey in time for Alberto’s birthday? Everyone’s in for a surprise.

---

BASIC GRAMMAR

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------Gr. 4 - 5
3 - 10 minute programs

This series makes learning grammar fun! An animated circus illustrates adjectives and adverbs, and a robot introduces nouns and verbs through songs and whimsical objects.

1. Modifiers (Adjectives and Adverbs) – An animated circus illustrates various adjectives and adverbs while narrators discuss what modifiers do and how they can be differentiated. A lion, a dog, a clown, a dragon, and a gorilla, whose feet make cameo appearances throughout the series, illustrate grammar rules.
2. Nouns – A pixilated robot introduces persons, places and things for two off-stage humans, a narrator, and a young child. In a discussion illustrated by animated trees, train whistles, boots, and bugs, the humans develop ideas on what nouns are and how they work.
3. Verbs – The robot host and two people investigate verbs, developing grammatical rules with the help of the robot’s “guests.” The robot sings, gloved hands dance, and a number of other whimsical objects illustrate the functions of verbs, as well as their conjugations and irregularities.

---

BETWEEN THE LIONS

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. K - 1
70 - 30 minute programs

Between the Lions is named for a family of lions – Theo, Cleo, Lionel, and Leona – who run a library like no other on earth. The doors “between the lions” swing open to reveal a magical place where characters pop off the pages of books, vowels sing, and words take on a life of their own. The series combines innovative puppetry, animation, live action, and music to help children ages 4 – 7 learn to read.

101. Pecos Bill Cleans Up the West – A storybook tornado blows into the library and makes a terrible mess. Key word: west Word family: -est Target vowel: short e
102. The Lost Rock – A rock rolls out of his book and then can’t remember which book he belongs in. Key word: rock Word family: -ock Target vowel: short o
103. Little Big Mouse – Click’s feelings are hurt when Lionel and Leona start a fan club for a heroic storybook mouse. Key word: little Word family: -it Target vowel: short i
104. Farmer Ken’s Puzzle – Lionel won’t let Leona play a computer game for ages seven and up because she’s four and down. Key word: hen Word family: –en Target vowel: short e
105. Shooting Stars – The very sleepy Lion family tries to stay up very late at night, so they won’t miss the most spectacular meteor shower of the year. Key word: star Word family: -ar Target vowel: r-controlled a
106. The Hopping Hen – Everyone in the library goes crazy after Lionel puts up signs about new rules. Key word: hen Word family: -en Target vowel: short e
107. Touching the Moon – Leona keeps the whole family awake because she wants a queen to touch the moon. Key word: moon Word family: -oon Target vowel: double o
108. The Boy Who Cried Wolf – Lionel and Leona show a shepherd boy from a storybook how to cry “Wolf!” when his sheep are threatened, and then he doesn’t stop! Key word: big Word family: -ig Target vowel: short i
109. Fuzzy Wuzzy, Wuzzy? – Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he? Well, was he? Key words: fuzzy Word family: -uzz Target vowel: short u
110. Lionel’s Antlers – Just like the girl in the book Imogene’s Antlers, Lionel wakes up with antlers on his head. Key word: antlers Word family: -an Target vowel: short a
111. To the Ship! To the Ship! – Lionel and Walter Pigeon think all pirates were men, so they won’t let Leona and Clay Pigeon join their pirate game. Key word: ship Word family: -ip Target vowel: short i
112. The Chap with Caps – The lion family helps a writer fix a story about a chap, a cap, and lots of chattering monkeys. Key word: cap Word family: -ap Target vowel: short a
113. Pandora’s Box – Should Lionel and Leona open a mysterious box that has a “Do Not Open!” sign on it? Key word: box Word family: -ox Target vowel: short o
114. Lionel’s Great Escape Trick – Lionel ties himself up with ropes and tries to escape without magic words. Key word: trick Word family: -ick Target vowel: short i
115. There’s a Fly in My Soup – Everyone reads jokes to Click the Mouse to try to make her laugh. Key word: fly Word family: - y Target vowel: y (long i)
116. The Popcorn Popper – Lionel and Leona persuade Click to take a magic popcorn popper out of a book and then can’t make it stop popping! Key word: pop Word family: -op Target vowel: short o
117. Something Fishy – When Lionel reads the latest Cliff Hanger book to Leona, it gives her an idea about how to make one of her biggest dreams come true. Key word: fish Word family: -ish Target vowel: short i
118. Hug, Hug, Hug! – Leona helps a sculptor who falls in love with his statue. Key word: hug Word family: -ug Target vowel: short u
119. The Ram in the Pepper Patch – A rambunctious ram leaves his book, butts everyone and everything in the library, and won’t go back! Key word: ram Word family: -am Target vowel: short a
120. A Peck of Peppers – Lionel thinks he is the king of tongue twisters and nobody can write one that he can’t say. Key word: pepper Word family: -ep Target vowel: short e
121. Sausage Nose – Theo, Cleo, Lionel and Leona watch a video about a husband and wife, three wishes, a sausage, and a nose. Key word: wish Word family: -ish Target vowel: short i
122. Red Hat, Green Hat – Leona’s new hat stirs up trouble in the library. Key word: red Word family: -ed Target vowel: short e
123. The Lucky Duck – Lionel tries to help a very cute duck from a very cute book stop being cute. Key word: duck Word family: -uck Target vowel: short u
124. The Old Man – Writer Babs Caplan visits the library to write the world’s scariest story. Key word: man Word family: -an Target vowel: short a
125. A King and His Hawk – Leona thinks a book Lionel reads to her is too sad, so she tries to make sure nobody else can read it. Key word: king Word family: - ing Target vowel: short i
126. The Roar that Makes Them Run – Leona and Lionel try to get their dad to roar a mighty roar. Key word: run Word family: -un Target vowel: short u
127. Piggyback, Piggyback – Leona decides to ride piggyback on her dad’s back forever and ever. Key word: back Word family: -ack Target vowel: short a
128. The Fox and the Crow – Walter and Clay Pigeon want “The Fox and the Crow” banned from the library because they think the story makes birds look like birdbrains. Key word: drop Word family: -op Target vowel: short o
129. Giants and Cubs – Leona thinks scary giants are coming into the library to clobber lion cubs. Key word: cub Word family: -ub Target vowel: short and long u
130. Be Bop – When cool, jazzy shoes come out of a book and dance all over the library, everybody gets in the groove. Key word: bop Word family: -op Target vowel: short o
     

201. The Sad Dad – Theo reads a story, starring Bruno Kirby and Denny Dillon, about a sad dad who gets advice from a wise woman and ends up with chickens, goats, cows, and an elk I his house. Key word: bad Word family: -ad Target vowel: short a
202. Humph! Humph! Humph! – Lionel’s friend Gus gets humphy when Leona asks him to read to her. Key word: hump Word family: -ump Target vowel: short u
203. The Good Seed – Hee, hee, hee! Click the Mouse has a computer virus! Hee, hee, hee! Key word: seed Word family: -eed Target vowel: ee as long e
204. Icarus’s Wings – It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Barnaby B. Busterfield III! Key word: wing Word family: -ing Target vowel: short i
205. Zoop! Zoop! – Leona faces her fear of a scary fictional giant, with the help of her mother and a ukelele. Key word: zoop Word family: -oop Target vowel: oo
206. Clickety-clack, Clickety-clack! – Theo borrows a cow’s typewriter and doesn’t want to give it back. Key word: click Word family: -ick Target vowel: short i
207. Poetry Day – Two pigeons named Walter and Clay learn all about poetry on Poetry Day! Key word: train Word family: -ain Target vowel: ai combination
208. Bobby the Hopping Robot – Why is Bobby the Hopping Robot not hopping? Key word: hop Word family: -op Target vowel: short o
209. Teacher’s Pet – Cleo has the I-can’t-hear-or-tell-or-smell-if-someone’s-sneaking-up-on-me flu. Key word: teacher Word family: -each Target vowel: ea as long e
210. The Last Cliff Hanger – Lionel is very unhappy because author Livingston Dangerously has written The Last Cliffhanger. Key word: last Word family: -ast Target vowel: short a
211. Pebble Trouble – Leona is under a table and won’t come out. Key word: pebble Word family: -eb Target vowel: short e
212. Oh, Yes, It Can! – Can yams, gloves, and hammers talk? Oh, yes, they can! Key word: can Word family: -an Target vowel: short a
213. Five, Six, and Thistle Sticks – Can Lionel and Lenny still be best friends if they don’t like the same things anymore? Key word: six Word family: -ix Target vowel: short i
214. Bug Beard – A woodcutter and his wife, played by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, need the lion’s help with a man who has bugs, bugs, bugs in his beard. Key word: bug Word family: -ug Target vowel: short u
215. Trains and Brains and Rainy Plains – Lionel and Leona ride a train into a book called Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain. Key word: rain Word family –ain Target vowel: ai as long a
216. Quest, Quest, Quest! – Faith Prince stars in an adventure about two knights and a nasty villain, written by Babs Caplan with a little help from the lions. Key word: quest Word family: -est Target vowel: short e
217. The Spider and the Lie – It’s up to Judge Click the Mouse to find out who’s telling the truth – Leona or a shady monkey named Monkey C. Monkeydew. Key word: spider Word family: -ide Target vowel: long i
218. Why the Baboon’s Balloon Went Ka-boom! – A little bug goes ka-choo! And a baboon’s balloon goes ka-boom. Key word: ka-choo Word family: -oo Target vowel: oo
219. But, Mama, But… - Cleo is going away for a few days, and Leona thinks she’s too big to miss her mother. Key word: but Word family: -ut Target vowel: short u
220. Dreaming Shakespeare – Can Anthony Asbury help a chicken looking for a book about plumbing become a star in a Shakespeare play? Key word: dream Word family: -eam Target vowel: ea as long e
221. Rats – Rats – Sticks and stones can break your bones, but names can never hurt you. Or can they? Key word: rat Word family: -at Target vowel: short a
222. Tweet! Tweet! – Walter and Clay Pigeon meet face-to-face with Tyrannosaurus rex! Key word: tweet Word family: -eet Target vowel: ee as long e
223. Good Night, Knight – Orlando Furioso, the brave knight, will save the fair Angelica and lift the curse of Fallerina if he can be put back together again! Key word: knight Word family: -ight Target vowel: long i
224. The Chess Mess – It’s Alice Day! It’s Alice Day! Callooh! Callay! Hooray! Key word: chess Word family: -ess Target vowel: short e
225. Stop That Chicken! – It’s poultry in motion when Chicken Jane flies out of her book into the library. Key word: stop Word family: -op Target vowel: short o

301. Hay Day - Can Lionel, Leona, and Gus help a girl named Fay turn hay into gold in just one day? Designated reader: Al Franken. Key word: hay. Word family: -ay, (-ade, -ame, -ake). Target vowel: long a.
302. Pigs Aplenty – Theo and Cleo leave Marmy in charge of the cubs, and she throws a pig party in the library. Uh-oh… Designated reader: Jon Stewart. Key word: pigs. Word family: -ig, ick, (-in, -ing, -ink, -ip, -it). Target vowel: short i.
303. What Parakeets Need – Theo and Cleo give the cubs a pet parakeet… but will Sweety Tweety talk? Designated Reader: Kelly Ripa. Key work: parakeet. Target vowel: double e – ee
304. Too Cool – Lionel thinks the new kid at school, Derek Cheetah, is too cool to be on his baseball team. But what does Derek think? Designated readers: Jon Stewart, Mo Rocca, and Steve Carell. Key word: cool. Word family: -ool, oop. Target vowel: double o –oo.
305. You Can’t Catch Me! – Lionel gives Leona “The Gingerbread Man” book for her birthday. Will it spoil her party? Designated reader: Dan Elias. Key word: catch. Word family: -atch, -at (-an, -and, -ant). Target vowel: short a.
306. Huff and Puff – Whatever happened to the three little pigs after the wolf received his just desserts? Leona and Lionel want to know…so they write their own sequels to the story! Designated reader: Susan Lucci. Key word: puff. Word family: -uff, -ug, -uck, -ump. Target vowel: short u.
307. Out in Outer Space – Grandpa Lion visits the library to tell the cubs a true story about a friend who traveled in outer space. Designated reader: Vanessa Williams. Key word: out. Word family: -out, -ound, -outh, -ow. Target vowel: ou.
308. Help! – The search for a lost book helps Theo and Cleo teach the cubs about responsibility. Designated reader: Larry King. Key word: help. Word family: -ell, -elp, (-en, -ent, -ess, -est, -et). Target vowel: short e.
309. Treats! – An advertising Dream Team – creators of the Lions’ favorite “Wheaty Meat Treats” spot – is hired to create a commercial for the library. But it seems the team needs a little help. Designated reader: Melissa Etheridge. Key word: treat. Word family: -eat, (-eam, -ear). Target vowel: ea.
310. Two Coats, One Goat, and One Boat – Lionel’s copy of a very rare Cliff Hanger book is missing! Did some bunny take it? Key word: coat. Word family: -oat, -oan (-oad, -oak, -oast). Target vowel: oa. Target consonant: c.

401. Art Party – Can Lionel and Leona make sense of a mysterious painting? Designated Reader: Mo Lewis. Key word: party. Word family: -ar, -ark, -arm, -art. Target vowel: r – controlled a.
402. Dance in Smarty Pants – Lionel tries to teach is parents how to dance in Smarty Pants, the latest dance craze sweeping the library! Designated reader: Oliver Platt. Key word: pants. Word family: -ant, -an, -ance (-ack, -at). Target vowel: short a.
403. Grow, Mane, Grow! – Lionel is still a growing cub, but he’ll do anything to grow a grown-up mane like his dad’s! Designated reader: Larry King. Key word: mane. Word family: -ane, -ake, (-ale, -ase, -ay). Target vowel: long a.
404. Three Goats, No Waiting – Lionel writes and directs a play of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” but who in the library can act scary enough to be the hungry troll? Designated reader: Meredith Vieira. Key word: goat. Word family: -oat, -oast, (-oan). target vowel: oa.
405. Step by Step – The lions find a treasure map that belonged to Barnaby B. Busterfield III, and go hunting for library treasure. Designated reader: Melissa Etheridge. Key word: step. Word family: -ep, (-est, -ed, -et). Target vowel: short e.

501. Pigs, Pigs, Pigs/The Three Little Pigs – Its pigs galore for the Lion family! Pigs run amok in the story Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore! Then try to escape the wolf in a retelling of a classic folktale. Key words: pigs, house; featured consonant sounds: p, h.
502. The Carrot Seed/The Empty Pot –
503. Wings/What’s in the Box? – The cubs find out what warnings mean, and why it’s important to pay attention to them. Key words: wings, box; featured consonant sounds: w, b.
504. A Shower of Stars/Two Moons and One Lagoon – The Lion family stays up late to watch a beautiful meteor shower, and then reads a story about a queen who wants to touch the moon. Key words: stars, moon; featured consonant sounds: st, n.
505. The Golden Meaty Awards – Lionel is master of ceremonies of this first annual music awards show, featuring favorite tunes from the program and very tasty awards.
506. Click, Clack, Moo/The Little Red Hen – Farm animals have a lot to teach Lionel and Leona about the power of writing, and the value of helping. Key words: cows, hen; featured consonant sounds: c, h
507. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble/I Miss You, Stinky – It’s hard to be away from your family, especially when you’ve been turned into a rock, or the cheetah taking you home doesn’t want to leave the jungle. Key words: picnic, mama; featured consonant sounds: p, m
508. A Tasty Piece of cheese/The Lion and the Mouse – A taste for cheese leads a fox to trick a crow, and lands a mouse in the paws of a hungry lion. Key words: cheese, little; featured consonant sounds: ch, l
509. Earl’s Too Cool/When I Was Five – Making new friends and keeping old friends is too cool. Key words: too, five; featured consonant sounds: t, f
510. It’s Red! It’s Green!/Joseph Had a Little Overcoat – In these folktales, a red hat is really green (or is it red?), and an old overcoat is also a button. Key words: red, jacket; featured consonant sounds: r, j

601. Mrs. Mcnosh Hangs Up Her Wash/Knuffle Bunny – The cubs find some unusual items on Mrs. McNosh’s clothesline, but they’re reluctant to turn over their favorite things for a good washing.
602. Sheep On a Ship/Mississippi Skip and His Pirate Ship – Ahoy there, mateys! There’s lots of slipping, sliding, swabbing, and colliding when sheep and pirates take to the high seas.
603. Yo! Yes? & Very Loud, Very Big, Very Metal – Sometimes, making a new friend is as easy as saying yes. And Leona discovers that making her brother happy is as easy as showing him a music video with big, noisy construction vehicles.
604. I’ll Fix Anthon & Jamaica Louise James – A big brother and a jack-in-the-box could both use some fixing, and a budding artist draws up a plan for fixing up a dreary subway station.
605. Pete’s A Pizza and Pygmalion- With a little imagination, a father turns his son into a pizza, and some loving hugs bring a statue to life.
606. Here Come The Aliens & Abiyoyo – Strange creatures lurk in outer space, but even stranger creatures dwell right here on earth.
607. King Midas and The Dirty Smelly King – King Midas gets what he wished for, then wishes he didn’t, and King chuck the Mucky Muck wishes he weren’t so smelly.
608. Cheesybreadville & Stolen Smells – A disaster in the kitchen creates a tasty new treat, and a boy finds himself in trouble for smelling tasty smells without paying for them.
609. The Coyote and the Rabbit & The Gingerbread Man – A hungry coyote gets tricked by a clever rabbit who claims she can beat him in a race, and a gingerbread man who thinks he can outrun everybody gets tricked by a fox.
610. The Goat In the Coat – Lionel is upset when his copy of a new and extremely rare Cliff Hanger book vanishes from the library, but his friend Gus surprises him with a one-of-a-kind gift. (This special episode introduces a new character, Sierra, a mountain lion who tells some of the story in Spanish.)

701. The Problem With Chickens & An Egg is Quiet – What to do about chickens that don’t lay eggs and eggs that just sit there quietly and don’t hatch? Lionel and Leona have fun finding the answers.
702. Spicy Hot Colors & Yesterday I Had the Blues – What to do about chickens that don’t lay eggs and eggs that just sit there quietly and don’t hatch? Lionel and Leona have fun finding the answers.
703. Bear Snores On & Night in The Country – Cleo manages to sleep through a noisy party, and the cubs learn about the noises night creatures make while everyone else is sleeping.
704. How To Be a Good Dog & Not Afraid of Dogs – A cat tries to teach a dog to behave, and a boy learns that dogs aren’t so scary after all.
705. Dear Mr. Blueberry and I Wanna Iguana – How can notes help solve the mystery of a whale in a swimming pool, get an iguana as a family pet, and deliver the helicopter Lionel has always wanted?
706. Violet’s Music & What Instrument Does Alvin Play? – Lionel and Leona discover that there are so many wonderful instruments to play, and if you keep playing music, you’ll find someone who wants to join your band.
707. Moon Rope & Welcome To The Moon – Can you climb up to the moon on a rope? Is there really a fox on the moon? Leona is on a mission to find out.
708. The Three-Legged Pot & When Jabo Jammed – Pepe can’t get a pot with three legs to walk, but Leona can make it dance. An ordinary boy named Jabo doesn’t dance or sing, but he can really jam.
709. Charlie’s Dinosaur & Here Come The Aliens – There were all kinds of dinosaurs roaming the earth long ago, but could one of their relatives be in the library? And could strange creatures from outer space be lurking there, too?
710. Making Bread and Cheesybreadville – After Theo Lion’s failed attempt at making bread, a video and a book come to the rescue. Another bread-baking disaster in the kitchen creates a tasty new treat.

801. Ruby Sings The Blues/The Camel Dances – A very loud girl learns to sing, and Leona and a camel (and Lionel?) discover the joy of dancing.
802. Mole and the Baby Bird/Owen and Mzee – Lionel and Leona find out why some animals aren’t meant to be pets, and how some animals develop surprising friendships.
803. Stop That Pickle/Chicks and Salsa – The Lions and a sandwich chase a runaway pickle in the library, and Cleo’s Book and a Meal show leads to a lively fiesta.
804. Are You a Snail?/Wonderful Worms -  The information Hen helps some confused creatures determine whether they are snails or slugs, and a missing pet worm leads to an all-out search in the library.
805. Stone Soup/Bee-Bim Bop! – Lionel and Leona discover that you can make delicious soup from a stone and enjoy a popular Korean meal called Bee-bim bop.
806.  Bein’ With You This Way/How to Be – The Lions and friends sing about the ways they look alike and different, and describe the many traits that make a person a person.
807. No One Told the Aardvark/Sea Horse – Leona pretends to be different animals, and tries the sea horse’s trick of camouflage in the library.
808. Elephants Can Paint Too!/Jamaica Louise James – If elephants can really paint, can’t Leona’s stuffed animal Lovey paint too? A young girl’s paintings brighten up a subway station, inspiring Leona to decorate the library with her paintings.
809. Trosclair and the Alligator/The Coyote and the Rabbit – A clever boy tricks a hungry alligator, who give Lionel and his friend Keri a scare, and a hungry coyote gets tricked by a clever rabbit.
810. I Don’t Want a Birthday Party/Knuffle Bunny – Leona can’t understand why Roodles the Clown doesn’t want a birthday party, and she has everyone in the library looking for Lovey in all the wrong places.

901. Night Shift/Under Construction – The Lion family helps out a monkey who sells ice cream in the middle of the night and tries to figure out how to get rid of the enormous tree branch that fell into the library.
902. Bugs/Beetle Bop – Can Cleo and the cubs cure Theo of his fear of caterpillars? And get ready for the sensational singing group coming to the library: The Beetles!
903. Cliff Hanger, The Pheasant, and The Phone/Terrific – The Cliff Hanger fan club enjoys a long-lost adventure story, and Leona finds out why terrific doesn’t always mean terrific.
904. River Story/Salmon in Alaska – The cubs take a trip down the river, and the whole family heads to Alaska.
905. Pigs in Hiding/Stop That Pickle – The Lion family plays hide-and-seek, then joins a sandwich on the hunt for a runaway pickle in the library.
906. Priceless Gifts/King Midas – Is Lionel going to get his wish – to see Cliff Hanger get off the cliff? King Midas gets what he wished for, then wishes he didn’t.
907. The Popcorn Popper/Oh, Yes, It Can! – Lionel and Leona can’t make a popcorn popper stop popping, then meet a yam that can talk.
908. The Emperor’s New Clothes/The Hungry Coat – Lionel and Leona discover an emperor running around the library in his underwear, and Click the Mouse helps him find the perfect outfit for a Coat Party.
909. Like a Windy Day/Winter is the Warmest Season – In this animated special, the Lion family and Click the Mouse try not to let the wind spoil their picnic, and Lionel tries to convince Leona that winter is really warm.
910. Angelina’s Island/Chinese New Year – The Lions and friends celebrate their heritage, and an unusual visitor to the library introduces them to Chinese New Year.

1001. Three More Little Pigs/The Ants and the Grasshopper – Lionel, Leona, and the Wolf each try their hand at writing a sequel to The Three Little Pigs, and Leona finds a way to work and play.
1002. A Birthday for Cow!/Rabbit’s Gift – The humble turnip stars in this show about birthday celebrations, vegetables, and the gift of giving.
1003. City Mouse and Country Mouse/The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country! – Click the Mouse trades places with a real mouse, and the country comes to the Library.
1004. Pablo the Artist/Dream Carver – The Lion family is inspired to create works of art, and Gus is inspired when he and Lionel work on a page from the Cliff Hanger Coloring Book.
1005. Roller Coaster/What Do Wheels Do All Day? – Leona is finally ready – or is she? – to take the training wheels off her bike, and Squeaky the Wheel has the audience rolling with laughter in the library.
1006. Not Norman/Me and My Cat – Theo feels as unappreciated as a goldfish named Norman, and a malfunctioning computer gets the Lion family all mixed up.
1007. My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks/Just What Mama Needs – The Lion family turns a box of junk into self-portraits, and Leona tricks Lionel into cleaning her room.
1008. Castles, Caves, and Honeycombs/My House – Leona helps a snail find a new home in the library’s new All Different Kinds of Homes wing, and Lionel moves into a new home too.
1009. Deep in the Swamp/Trosclair and the Alligator – Lionel tries to frighten Leona with creepy, crawly swamp things, and a clever boy tricks a hungry alligator.
1010. Red Parka Mary/Not Afraid of Dogs – Leona and her friend Sadie are scarier than they think, and a boy learns that dogs aren’t so scary after all.

---

THE ELECTRIC COMPANY

Use Rights: LOAN ONLY------Gr. K - 5
40 - 30 minute programs

The Electric Company aims to entertain children while simultaneously teaching four crucial areas of literacy that are challenging for struggling readers:

• Decoding: Children will increase their ability to manipulate sounds in spoken words and map those words to print.
• Vocabulary: Children will expand the amount of words (vocabulary) that they use and understand.
• Comprehension of Connected Text: Children will learn strategies that good readers use to understand connected text (phrases and sentences).
• Motivation: Children will be motivated to read connected text and express themselves using text.

Like the original series, the new show filters these educational goals through pop culture – music, comedy, technology, and celebrities – to create a playful, hip, multimedia experience.

1. Skills – (Theme: The Body) Keith is invited to join the Electric Company, but before he can take the oath, Francine swoops in and steals his special skill. Can the Electric Company help him get it back, or will Keith be powerless forever? Decoding Goals: st; silent e; -oke
2. Scent of a Human – (Theme: Animals) On the day he is supposed to star in his own rap video, Hector is hypnotized into thinking he’s a dog. Can The Electric Company train Hector to use his human instincts, or will he have to rap with a doggie brain? Decoding Goals: short e; -ell, hard and soft c; sight word come
3. Lights, Camera, Beetles – (Theme: Animals) Jessica and Hector plan to surprise their cousin with a bug zoo for his birthday party. When Francine steals the prized rhino beetle, it’s up to the Electric Company to get it back in time to save the party. Decoding goals: short u; -ug; transformer h; ch; hard and soft g; gr
4. Call Me Tiki – (Theme: Animals) Jessica gets a job pet sitting Tiki Barber’s African Gray parrot. When the parrot flies the coop it’s up to The Electric Company to save the bird and Jessica’s reputation. Decoding Goals: -ight; sight words he, she, we, I, you
5. Lost and Spaced – (Theme: Space) At the school science fair, Lisa and her Skeleckian friend Dax get shrunk down and trapped inside their project – a perfect model of the solar system! Decoding Goals: short a; short o; r-controlled vowels
6. Trouble Afoot – (Theme: Games) Hector mysteriously loses his agility right before his big basketball game. Can The Electric Company get to the bottom of Hector’s sudden clumsiness before he loses to Manny Spamboni? Decoding Goals: short I, sight words with/without; f/fl
7. The Skeleckian Hiccups – (Theme: Body) Jessica is set to face Danny in a chess tournament but will she lose because of a case of the Skeleckian Hiccups? Decoding Goals: s; m; mp/mb
8. Dirty Laundry – (Theme: Space) Manny steals a Skeleckian meteorite in order to power his letter-stealing gizmo. It’s up to the Electric Company to get the meteorite back before Manny steals every letter in the neighborhood. Decoding Goals: -ou-; hard and soft g; -ing; sight words coming, going
9. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Just Frozen – (Theme: Games) Keith gets frozen like a statue when he’s zapped by one of Manny’s gadgets. The Electric Company has just one hour to help Keith – or he’ll be permanently frozen? Decoding Goals: short and long u; silent e; -ame
10. Scrambled Brains – (Theme: Science) With the help of her hypnotist uncle, Annie switches brains with Lisa. The Electric Company needs to find a way to switch them back before Annie ruins Lisa’s good name with her neighborhood pranks. Decoding Goals: -ai-; br, vowel y
11. Abracadabra Cadabra Ca-Green! – (Theme: Animals) Danny gets his hands on a book of magic spells and transforms Jessica into a lizard. It’s up to the Electric Company to get Jessica back to normal before she’s stuck eating flies forever. Decoding Goals: ee/e; r-controlled vowels; gr
12. Game On – (Theme: Games) Manny zaps Deek the Dino Dude out of Hector’s video game and into the real world. The Electric Company has to figure out how to get Deek back to his cyber home. Decoding Goals: oa; -oat; hard and soft c
13. War of the Words – (Theme: Body) When Hector is chosen to give a presentation on stamina to Jessica and Keith’s health class, the pranksters work overtime to keep Hector from getting some much needed rest. Will Hector have enough stamina to make the presentation? Decoding Goals: tr/dr; transformer h; sh
14. Mighty Bright Knight – (Theme: Games) Jessica and Manny compete to win the last copy of their favorite comic book, Mighty Bright Knight. But when it looks like Manny will win by cheating, will Jessica be tempted to cheat too? Decoding Goals: -ight-; br, sight words say/said
15. The Orangachoke – (Theme: Space) When Danny steals a Skeleckian orangachoke from Lisa’s friend Lottie, the Electric Company has to get it back in time for Lottie’s big Skeleckian celebration. Decoding Goals: ea; id/it; ay
16. Gravity Groove – (Theme: Body) When Lisa and Shock enter a dance contest, Francine does her best to sabotage them. Can Lisa and Shock overcome Francine’s pranks and win the contest with their Gravity Groove? Decoding Goals: short a/o; r-controlled vowels; sight words are, were
17. The Flube Whisperer – (Theme: Science) Keith sends away for a Skeleckian pet that lives in a biosphere. But when the biosphere malfunctions, will Manny save the day? Decoding Goals: fr/fl; short/long u; silent e
18. The Wordball is My Oyster – (Theme: Arts) Lisa gets a case of stage fright when she’s cast as the lead in Hector’s play. Can Lisa overcome her fears in time to save the play, or will she have to give her part to Annie? Decoding Goals: shot I; hard and soft g; -ing; sight words coming/going
19. Out to Launch – (Theme: Science) When Francine calls Hector a liar on a neighborhood billboard, The Electric Company has to work together to help clear Hector’s name. Decoding Goals: ee; e/ee; r-controlled vowels; -ore
20. Limerick-Off – (Theme: Arts) Jessica and Manny compete in  the annual Limerick-Off. Decoding Goals: -ick; m; -mb; mb/mp
21. Fromage Here to Eternity – (Theme: Space) Lisa is chosen to write a story on Skeleckian cheese-making for the school paper, but Annie is determined to scoop her. Decoding Goals: short u; transformer h; th; sight words they, them, with, without
22. Madame President – (Theme: Citizenship) Lisa and Francine face off in the election for Book Club President. Can Lisa’s campaign message win out over Francine’s dirty politics? Decoding Goals: -aw-; mp/mb
23. Jules Quest – (Theme: Discovery) Jessica discovers an ancient scroll that leads her on a scavenger hunt throughout the neighborhood. Will the scroll lead Jessica to hidden treasure…or an even bigger surprise? Decoding Goals: tr/dr; 2 sounds of s; st
24. Electric Accompany – (Theme: Arts) Annie hypnotizes Keith to sing an annoying jingle. The Electric Company needs to cure Keith in time for him to perform the song he wrote to his dad’s birthday. Decoding Goals: oa; -oat; silent e
25. Franscent – (Theme: Science) Francine ruins both her science project and Lisa’s. The two rivals need to find a way to work together on a new project or they’ll both fail. Decoding Goals: short e; -ell; hard and soft g
26. Pop Goes the Easel – (Theme: Arts) Jessica and Danny get stuck in a magical painting. The Electric Company needs to work with the mysterious artist to get their friends back into the real world. Decoding Goals: r-controlled vowels; oo
27. Friends or Aunts – (Theme: Friendship) Annie Scrambler and her aunt go head-to-head with Lisa and Hector on a semi-popular game show. Decoding Goals: fr, hard and soft c, coming/going
28. A Whole New Francine – (Theme: Friendhip) Francine decides to be a nicer person, but is it just a ploy to get invited into The Electric Company? Decoding Goals: r-controlled vowels
29. Mighty Bright Fight – (Theme: Friendship) Jessica and Manny work together on a project for the Mighty Bright Knight comic book convention. Decoding Goals: shortr e; transformer h; sh
30. Oh Danny Boy – (Theme: Friendship) Hector and Danny join forces in a doubles ping pong tournament. Will they find friendship in victory? Decoding Goals: -oa; -oat; hard and soft g; gr -
31. The Great Compromise – (Theme: Citizenship) The Electric Company and the Pranksters have to work together to preserve their ability to use their special powers in the neighborhood. Decoding Goals: br; vowel y
32. Goodnight, Robot – (Theme: Citizenship) The Electric Company circulates a petition to save a famous literary landmark from destruction. Decoding Goals: -ight; -ite/ight; silent e; -ame
33. The Potato Custom – (Theme: Citizenship) Jessica is named Junior Ambassador to the planet Skelecki, that is, until she makes an intergalactic faux pas. Decoding Goals: tr/dr; hard and soft g; -ug
34. Bluefoot – (Theme: Discovery) Hector tries to debunk the myth of a mysterious creature called Bluefoot. Decoding Goals: ee; ea; ee/ea; -mb
35. Revolutionary Doughnuts – (Theme: Discovery) Lisa tries to clear the name of an ancestor accused of being a traitor in the Revolutionary War. Decoding Goals: -ai; hard and soft c; cr-
36. Bananas – (Theme: Discovery) Annie’s Uncle Sigmund needs The Electric Company’s help to talk to an old friend who has come back to visit the neighborhood. Decoding Goals: -ou
37. Wicked Itch – (Theme: Storytelling) Lisa and the gang are making a movie! Will Manny Spamboni insist on making it all about him or will he learn to collaborate with The Electric Company? Decoding Goals: short I; -ink, short a/o
38. Unmuffins – (Theme: Storytelling) Something funny is going on. The Pranksters are being very helpful and The Electric Company is being awfully unfriendly. Will Jessica be able to fix things so everyone is back to normal? Decoding Goals: short u
39. One Smart Cookie – (Theme: Storytelling) The Electric Company and Francine pretend to be the characters from the Casey Calloway book series in order to solve a mystery and win the title of Master Detective. Decoding Goals: ai-; -ay; -aw-
40. One Bad Apple – (Theme: Storytelling) PJ has to write a story for his creative writing class, but his assignment has given him a bad case of writer’s block. Can Lisa help him write a Western that takes place in a refrigerator? Decoding Goals: short e; -ed
41. Off Target – A neighborhood hid, Marcus Barnes, has just found out he has the wordball power… well, kind of. The Electric Company tries to help Marcus improve his wordball throwing skills so he can join them. Meanwhile, Francine and Gilda, a new resident in Francine’s building and Prankster-in-training, ask Manny to build a machine that can help them prevent Marcus from becoming the newest member of The Electric Company.
42. Wordball Games – Right before the yearly Wordball Games, the neighborhood Olympics, Hector sprains his ankle. With Hector unable to compete, The Electric Company does not have enough players to participate against the 4 Pranksters! But when Manny also gets hurt, the numbers are even once again. Now the question is… can Marcus handle Hector’s event, the Word Obstacle course?
43. The Incredible Return-A-Ball – Marcus sees a commercial for Francine’s latest invention, The Return-A-ball, a ball that is supposed to come right back to you when you throw it. He can’t resist buying it but quickly discovers that it doesn’t work. The rest of The Electric Company pitches in to help Marcus prove that Francine faked her commercial so he can get his pride and his money back.
44. Pies For Puppies – It’s the Pies for Puppies charity bake sale, and Jessica, Danny Rebus, and others are competing to sell the most pies and become the puppy hero. But someone has taken all of Jessica’s pies! The Electric Company discovers that Danny Rebus is trying to cheat his way to victory, and it is up to them to put a stop to it.
45. When Shock Met Wiki Wiki Walter – Hector challenges Manny to find a beatboxer better than Shock. Shock panics! After his last beatboxing competition with his best friend Wiki Wiki Walter, their friendship was ruined! When Manny finds a competitor who turns out to be Shock’s old beatboxing pal, Wiki, and with Doug E. Fresh as the beatboxing judge, the competition gets a little more interesting.
46. Shrink, Shrank, Shurnk! – Manny has borrowed the Skeleckian Shrinkinator 3002, an invention with the power to shrink anything down to a very small size. When Marcus and Jessica accidentally get shrunk, The Electric Company has to get the Shrinkinator back from Manny to get them back to normal size! This becomes even more difficult when Manny shrinks himself and is nowhere to be found.
47. Spooky Summer Soiree – For the yearly Summer Soiree costume party, The Electric Company decides to dress up as animals dressed up as monsters. But Jessica and Marcus don’t have their costumes yet, and Annie Scrambler, with the help of Gilda, has bought all of the costumes at the discount costume store. Marcus and Jessica hit the neighborhood sidewalk sales to find what they need while staying within their budget.
48. Revenge of the Zeros – Upset about their score of zero points in the banana sculpture contest, Danny and Annie decide to ruin Paul the Gorilla’s banana festival party that is being held at The Electric Diner. The Electric Company catches on, and does everything they can to stop the pranksters and save the part and preserve Paul’s sanity.
49. Tip It Or Dip It – Marcus and Manny are this week’s contestants on a game show called Tip It Or Dip It Show host Rob Robson, played by comedian Sherrod Small, introduces this week’s surprise guest host and it’s Francine! Will Manny’s cheating prevent Marcus from winning?
50. The Junior Assistant – Francine Wants to be on the next season of “The Junior Assistant,” a reality show run by The Ronald, one of the most rich and famous people in the world. She must collaborate with Hector and The Electric Company to make six hundred cookies by five o’clock in order to prove she’s worthy of being on the show.
51. Prankster Holiday – Other than Marcus, The Electric Company has left town for the 4th of July. Manny and Danny could not be happier – with everyone gone, they can pull the ultimate prank – they plan to launch a giant wordball balloon that reads, “The Electric Company doesn’t like you.” Marcus enlists his friend Emily and Paul the Gorilla, to help him stop the pranksters and save The Electric Company’s reputation.
52. A Fistful of Confetti – It’s Neighborhood Record Day, and everyone in town is trying to break silly records. But Francine and Jessica are both trying to break the same record – filming the most broken records on record day – but when Francine tries to get in Jessica’s way by giving her fake tips, The Electric Company works together to lead Jessica to victory.

---

ENGLISH COMPOSITION: Writing for an Audience

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. 9 - 12
26 - 30 minute programs

This series introduces basic principles and strategies for communicating in writing to a variety of audiences and improving general composition skills. Throughout the series, students will meet a wide array of professionals whose work involves writing - not only authors, journalists, and teachers, but also musicians, judges, nurses, engineers, scientists, and athletes - who will discuss how they write with their specific audiences in mind.

101. School Writing/Real World - This program introduces the key concepts covered in the telecourse and shows how writing in the classroom relates to writing in the "real world." Students meet those who appear throughout the course, including authors, educators, and professionals in all fields who use writing on the job, and also first-year writing students from colleges and universities across the country. The program touches on many of the issues in the "Thinking/Writing Strategies" sequence.
102. Finding Something To Say - This program introduces the topics covered in the Writing Process sequence - invention, drafting, and revision - with the most basic English composition problem: How does a writer start "Inventing" ideas? Students learn to grapple with the intimidating process of selecting a topic to write about as well as the challenge of finding a unique angle when an instructor or boss selects the topic.
103. Description - Students, teachers, and writers share their observations on what makes good description and offer tips to help students develop strong and accurate description skills. Featured writing examples include a police officer's arrest report, a music critic's magazine story, and scene-setting and character development in the work of novelists Sue Grafton, Tom Robbins, and Joseph Wambaugh.
104. Reading As a Writer - English instructors, including CCC Journal editor Joe Harris, explain how reading is a part of the writing process. Students and writers - such as novelist Ernest J. Gaines and science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson - describe how they translate their joy of reading into better writing. Students also learn to move from reading for pleasure to deciphering academic texts.
105. Narrative Writing - This program shows the relationships among narrative writing, personal writing, and academic writing. Science fiction author William Gibson, mystery writer John Morgan Wilson, and novelist Charles Johnson present students with tips for telling a good story.
106. Voice - Writers choose their language and tone depending on the audience. In this program, students, teachers, and writers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Aregood and novelist David Gutterson, dissect both the esoteric and mechanical aspects of creating a writer's voice.
107. Process Analysis - This program provides examples of "process analysis/how-to" writing in action, from a marine biology student describing how to reproduce a scientific experiment, to football coach Bill Walsh explaining a lineman's technique, to Popular Woodworking magazine editor Steve Shanesy showing how to stain a walnut table.
108. Revision - This program explores the process of macro-revision and offers a variety of strategies to help the student writer revise. Emmy Award-winning scriptwriter David Mills (NYPD Blue and ER) and humorist/grammar expert Dave Barry share their views about and techniques for revision.
109. Writing Under Pressure - The skills learned in an English composition course can be applied in timed-writing assignments for other courses or writing documents under deadline on the job. Students learn how to adapt the processes of invention, drafting, and revision and find links between rhetorical strategies and real-life writing challenges in these high-pressure situations.
110. Freewriting and Generating - This program looks at ways to generate ideas and overcome writer's block, with advice from a variety of people including English composition expert Dr. Peter Elbow (University of Massachusetts), Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, keyboardist/lyricist Thomas Dolby, and comic actor Kevin Dorff of the Second City comedy troupe.
111. Computers in Composition - A variety of writers and teachers ranging from Chip Bayers of Hotwired magazine to Cynthia Selfe of Michigan Technical University discuss how computers are changing the way we read, research, organize, draft, and revise our written documents. The program also looks at how students in a distance-learning environment carry out collaborative writing.
112. Organizing Devices - This program explores different prewriting strategies including outlining, clustering, and listing as well as organization at the thesis, topic sentence, and paragraph levels. Writers and teachers - including humorist Tom Bodet, composition instructor John Lovas, and screenwriter Peter Farrelly (co-creator of the film There's Something About Mary) - discuss a variety of methods for organizing text.
113. Comparison and Contrast - Writers may find comparison and contrast to be helpful during the invention and drafting stages. A musicologist, a marine biologist, and a police officer show how these strategies - combined with critical thinking, persuasive writing, and narrative writing - work well in a variety of contexts.
114. Peer Feedback - Students, teachers, and professional writers demonstrate how the revision process often starts out - and sometimes works best - in a group setting. A federal judge and her clerks, a group of students, and a team of journalists illustrate how the whole can be greater than the sum of its writers.
115. Definition - Definition is used in a variety of writing contexts, from "defining yourself in the world" to technical definitions used in engineering or science courses. Definition is examined as an aspect of all other writing tasks: in argument, process analysis, and narrative writing, and in invention, drafting, and revision. Film producer Michael Moore and radio host Rush Limbaugh spar about the definition of "welfare."
116. Collaborative Writing - This program shows how people whose work involves writing can learn, research, draft, and revise as a team - creating better documents in the process. Instructors, students, and professionals, including writers and actors from the television series MAD TV and a pair of science fiction novelists, share strategies for successful collaboration.
117. Persuasion - In this program, students study the art of persuasion and how it is similar to and different from formal academic argument. Political activists, journalists, and advertising executives discuss techniques for persuading and influencing people to change their actions or views. Featured are author and "culture jammer" Kalle Lasn of Adbusters magazine and Jeff Goodby, originator of the "Got Milk?" ad campaign.
118. Reading As a Thinker - In this program, students explore ways to read critically. They'll learn to read and understand challenging college textbooks, no matter what the subject; to "own" the words in a dense text by challenging some of the author's ideas and agreeing with others; and to summarize and paraphrase an author's words, and then restate new ideas synthesized from those words.
119. Argument - The formal argument is the basis for most academic assignments, including research papers. Students learn about the process of writing a simple statement (a main-claim, thesis, hypothesis, or focus sentence) and supporting it with evidence. Featured writers and academics include political science instructor George Wright (California State University) and composition instructor Betsy Klimasmith (University of Washington).
120. Quotes and Citations - This program presents students with skills to properly paraphrase, quote, and use MLA or APA citations in academic work and other writing. People as diverse as Federal Judge Helen Gillmor, writer/musician David Ellefson (Megadeth), and English composition instructor Thomas Fox (California State University, Chico) examine ways to find the balance between unethically "borrowing" another person's words and artfully incorporating another writer's words into your own work.
121. Research - Librarians and instructors offer advice on research issues, such as how to evaluate the validity of evidence gained from the popular press, peer-reviewed academic journals, or the Internet. Students learn how to use research during each stage of the writing process, and filmmaker Michael Moore and novelist Tom Robbins note the value of research beyond school.
122. Editing: Sentences - This program helps students correct their own writing weaknesses, with a special emphasis on sentence structure problems. Students learn to identify and correct misplaced modifiers, comma splices, sentence fragments, nonparallel constructions, and other errors that can make otherwise coherent writing confusing. Author Frank McCourt, Geoffrey Philp (Miami Dade College), and Teresa Redd (Howard University) are among those who offer instruction.
123. Critical Thinking - Students and instructors contemplate the concept of "critical thinking," examining how it affects the relationship among students, their textbooks, and their teachers as well as its importance in good reading and writing. Students learn to recognize logical fallacies (with the help of Al Franken and Rush Limbaugh), "read" a variety of situations critically, and apply the process to writing.
124. Editing: Word Usage - In this program, students learn to recognize and correct errors in word choice, such as pronoun-antecedent disagreement, subject-verb disagreement, and homonym confusions. Featured teachers and writers include Sue Grafton, Betsy Klimasmith, Santi Buscemi, and humorist/grammar expert Dave Barry.
125. Writing Across the Disciplines - On a college campus, different departments emphasize different writing styles. This program highlights a variety of ways students can apply the writing processes and rhetorical strategies learned in an English composition course to situations across the curriculum, effectively summarizing the entire telecourse.
126. Editing: Mechanics - This program helps students proofread for problems with language mechanics. Students learn the importance of correcting mistakes that could ruin the credibility of a paper and ways to identify punctuation errors.

---

GETTING AHEAD: READING & WRITING

Use Rights: LOAN ONLY ------ Gr. K - 3
64 – 4 – 30 minute programs

This engaging collection of videos is an effective tool that will enhance letter recognition, word comprehension and spelling, skills that will help students to improve as communicators. As children learn what makes a story memorable, they will also see and hear how a beloved author, Roald Dahl, utilized these elements to create his most memorable characters and timeless stories, such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

LETTERS & READING

1 – 13. Letter TV: Letters A-M – This award-winning series is an entertaining introduction to the letters of the alphabet. Each episode (13 – 4 min.) uses verbal and visual reinforcement, humor, and songs to engage budding readers and develop phonemic and letter recognition skills. The featured letter is sounded out and shown in a variety of familiar contexts.

14. The Alphabet Dragon – After saving a dragon, a poor farmer and his wife are given 26 wishes – one for each letter of the alphabet. Each of their wish correlates to a letter of the alphabet. By the time the farmer and his wife get to “Z,” they are so burdened with possessions, they must decide whether to keep them or return to their old way of life.

15. Opposites: Before & After – A visit to a candle factory and the baking of a birthday cake presents entertaining examples in the concepts of “before” and “after.” A hard block of wax is melted into a liquid. Heating and cooling also transforms solid bars of chocolate into fun and familiar shapes. A delightful song, “Before and After,” reinforces what viewers have see and learned.

16. Ira Sleeps Over – In this film festival award-winning adaptation of Bernard Waber’s book, young Ira is invited to sleep at his friend’s house for the first time. He cannot decide whether or not to bring his cherished companion, a teddy bear, along. If he does, will his friend understand? Or should he be brave and leave the bear home?

WORDS & READING

17 – 29. Letter TV Letters N-Z – This award-winning series is an entertaining introduction to the letters of the alphabet. Each episode (13 – 4 min.) uses verbal and visual reinforcement, humor, and songs to engage budding readers and develop phonemic and letter recognition skills. The featured letter is sounded out and shown in a variety of familiar contexts.

30. The Spelling Dragon – The Alphabet Dragon is back in this delightful story that reinforces the basic concepts of spelling. The Dragon grants a prince any wish, as long as he can spell it. When the prince says he cannot spell, the Dragon reassures him, “Anyone can spell.” Children will be engaged by the fun animation and fairy tale setting, and will remember that to spell any word, all they need to do is: look; say; think; write; and check.

31. Storytelling – What are the elements of a good story? This program teaches viewers how to organize important characters and events in their storytelling, and how to order them for the clearest and most logical presentation that listeners will enjoy and remember.

32. John Henry: An American Legend – Ezra Jack Keats’ book about the larger-than-life folk hero, John Henry, vividly comes to life, presenting viewers with a timeless story about the rewards of physical labor, a thought-provoking theme of man versus machine, and an entertaining introduction to the fantasy element of legends.

LETTER COMBINATIONS & READING

33 – 45. Letter TV Letter Combinations – Letter TV is back on the air with interactive episodes (13-4 min.) that explore consonant letter combinations. Each program features numerous opportunities for beginning readers to hear the letter combinations and see them highlighted on the screen in context.

46. Sentences That Tell & Ask – In this fun animated program, capital letters, periods and question marks are discovered to be necessary for effective written communication when a wizard takes on the task of amusing the king.

47. Creative Reading & Writing with Roald Dahl:Humor, Horror, Thrills & Chills – Author Roald Dahl had four rules he used to write his celebrated books: make readers laugh and squirm, enthrall them, and keep them tense and excited with surprises. This fun and fast-paced program features interview segments with Dahl and examples from his stories to illustrate how Dahl used words to bring his tales to unforgettable life.

48. Make a Wish, Molly – This multi-film festival award-winning live-action adaptation of Barbara Cohen’s book beautifully conveys this story’s message of ethnic diversity. Molly, a young Russian-Jewish immigrant, is constantly teased for her ethnic mannerisms. She is torn when her first Passover in America conflicts with a friend’s birthday party.

CREATIVE READING & WRITING

49 – 61. Reading Rules – The Letter TV gang returns with more interactive computer animated episodes (13 – 4 min.) that explore phonemic rules, mostly related to vowel combinations. Each program features numerous opportunities for beginning readers to hear the letter combinations and see them highlighted on the screen in context.

62. Creative Reading & Writing with Roald Dahl: Characters, Metaphors & Similes – In this fun and fast-paced program, readers and budding writers will learn how Roald Dahl used metaphors and similes to make his characters more vivid. In Dahl’s own words and in examples from his beloved books, viewers learn how these tools make reading and writing more lively.

63. Creative Reading & Writing with Roald Dahl: Plot Twists & Turns – In creating his classic stories, Roald Dahl considered plots to be problem-solving opportunities. Dahl makes the writing process more accessible to viewers as he shares how he gathered ideas from the world around him, and how he kept notebooks to help him remember the details.

64. Molly’s Pilgrim – The Academy-Award© winning adaptation of Barbara Cohen’s book tells the story of a young Russian Jewish immigrant whose family comes to America to escape religious persecution. She wins her new classmates’ respect by comparing her situation to that of the original American Pilgrims.

---

GRAMMAR TIME

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------ Gr. 4 - 8
4 – 15 - 20 minute programs

This series highlights individual rules of grammar and usage with live-action scenes. Students understanding of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and commas are reinforced with a variety of sample exercises and review segments.

1. Adjectives and Adverbs – Well-chosen word modifiers help students add meaning, mood, and color to their written work. Rules for creating and using adjectives and adverbs are clearly defined and illustrated in this informative, entertaining program. Live-action scenes highlight individual rules of grammar and usage, and a variety of sample exercises and review segments reinforce learning.
2. Mission Noun – Take off aboard the “Grammarship” for an entertaining and informative exploration of nouns. Basic astronomy and the space program provide the backdrop for this enjoyable journey into the world of correct noun grammar and usage. Students will learn the rules, see examples, and participate in practice exercises, while learning some fun facts about space exploration and the universe.
3. Understanding the Comma – Just as pauses and tone of voice help convey meaning when we speak, commas help clarify meaning in our writing. This enjoyable, informative program outlines easy-to-follow rules for effectively using the comma. Demonstrations of each rule treat students to an engaging mix of humor, music, and live action, while showing them how to create clear, concise prose and avoid “comma confusion.”
4. The Verb – Verbs are the most exciting part of language. They launch the subject of each sentence into existence and stir the reader’s thoughts and emotions. This program introduces students to basic rules of verb grammar and usage with clear-cut definitions and entertaining examples. Humor, music, and live action create memorable illustrations of essential verb variations, such as linking verbs, verb phrases, and verb tenses. Practice exercises and review segments reinforce learning.

---

GRANDFATHER READS

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. K - 5
20 - 30 minute programs

Grandfather Reads is a video series designed to encourage children to read and to learn about the world around them. Its positive messages are refreshing. Its educational field trips are fun. And its host is a role model for all children.

103. Don't Be Grumpy
104. Lady Liberty
105. Magical Moon
106. Happy I'm Here
107. Pedro Goes to the Zoo
108. I Think I Can
109. Be Nice to Mice
110. Pedro for President

112. Tell the Truth
113. Lions & Bears

201. Horses & Hares
202. Pedro's Big Mess
203. A Pet for Pedro

205. Butterflies & Bees
206. Let's Make Music
207. Pilots and Planes

209. Boats and Barges
210. Pancakes for Pedro
211. You Can Do It
212. Web of Love
213. If Pets Were People

---

LITERARY VISIONS

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 9-12
24 - 30 minute lessons

Noted critics, authors, scholars, and actors enliven this exploration of literature and literary analysis. Dramatizations, readings, and discussions build skills in critical thinking and writing. Illuminating excerpts of short fiction, poetry, plays, and essays – both classic and contemporary – highlight standard literary forms and devices including plot, myth, setting, and character.

1. First Sight: An Introduction to Literature – This overview introduces the course content and approach.
2. Ways of Seeing: Responding to Literature – A focus on critical approaches to literature is presented by the scholars who will appear throughout the series. This program also previews selected dramatic scenes from upcoming programs and excerpts from the author interviews that highlight the series.
3. A Personal View: The Art of the Essay – A documentary segment traces the development of the formal essay and the birth of printing technology and their impact on the growth of political democracy. An interview with essayist Willie Morris focuses on the informal essay.
4. Reflected Words: The Elements of Short Fiction – A dramatization of Frank O’Connor’s “First Confession” and an interview with Ernest Gaines demonstrate the elements of fiction.
5. The Story’s Blueprint: Plot and Structure in Short Fiction – A dramatization of Stephen Crane’s “The Blue Hotel” exemplifies the relationship of plot, structure, and conflict.
6. Telling Their Tales Character in Short Fiction – Techniques of characterization and the importance of point of view become clear in a dramatization of Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing.”
7. In That Time and Place: Setting and Character in Short Fiction – Setting reveals character in Susan Glaspell’s “A Jury of Her Peers” while it magnifies meaning for contemporary short story writer Stephen Dixon. Both authors appear in this program.
8. The Author’s Voice: Tone and Style in Short Fiction – An interview with Maxine Hong Kingston highlights this examination of the impact of style on meaning.
9. Suggested Meanings: Symbolism and Allegory in Short Fiction – Symbolism is prominent in a dramatization of D. H. Lawrence’s “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter,” while myth predominates in the work of Native American writer N.Scott Momaday, who is interviewed.
10. The Sum of Its Parts: Theme in Short Fiction – Multiple themes are uncovered in “Everyday Use,” a dramatization of Alice Walker’s short story.
11. The Sacred Words: The Elements of Poetry – The role of poetry for the individual and the culture is suggested through visual essays. An interview with James Dickey includes his reading and analysis of his poems “The Performance” and “The Lifeguard.”
12. A Sense of Place: Setting and Character in Poetry – The historical settings of “My Last Duchess,” “Theme for English B,” and “Dover Beach” convey much about the characters and ideas of these poems. The New England landscapes of Maxine Kumin echo the themes of her poetry.
13. Tools of the Trade: Words and Images in Poetry – Poetry readings, visualizations of poems, and an interview with Lucille Clifton, who reads two of her favorite poems, “This Morning” and “Homage to My Hips,” reveal the beauty and the workings of poetic language and imagery.
14. Seeing Anew: Rhetorical Figures in Poetry – The power of metaphor, simile, and other figures of speech becomes clear through dramatizations of Anne Bradstreet’s “The Author to Her Book,” Nikki Giovanni’s “Woman,” and Daniel Halpern’s “Snapshot of Hue.” Gary Soto is interviews and reads and comments on his poem “Oranges.”
15. An Echo to the Sense: Prosody and Form in Poetry – X. J. Kennedy discusses and demonstrates the importance of rhyme and meter in his poetry. Dramatic readings of poems by Shakespeare, Dickinson, and Hopkins and contemporary poets like Dudley Randall and Leonard Adame are analyzed to show how prosody and form contribute to meaning.
16. Distant Voices: Myth, Symbolism, and Allusion in Poetry – Four poetic versions of the Icarus myth – those of Sexton, Spender, Williams, and Field – are dramatized and compared. Marge Piercy discusses the role of myth in her poetry.
17. Artful Resonance: Theme in Poetry – Dramatizations of six poems that share the same subject help clarify the difference between subject and theme. Close analysis of poems by John Donne and Donald Hall explore the interrelationship between poetic form and meaning.
18. Playing the Part: Characters and Actors in Drama – The development of dramatic character, by playwright and by actor, is illustrated through several interpretations of a single scene from Hamlet and an interview with Shakespearean actor John Vickery.
19. Patterns of Action: Plot and Conflict in Drama – A dramatization of Oedipus Rex demonstrates the classical plot structure. Dramatist A. R. Gurney discusses conflict and plot in contemporary American theater.
20. Perspectives on Illusion: Setting and Staging in Drama – An interview with set designer Chris Barecca and a documentary overview of types of theaters demonstrate the intertwining of text and technique in dramatic setting.
21. The Vision Quest: Myth and Symbolism in Drama – Alaskan playwright David Hunsaker’s dramatizations of Eskimo myth and his productions of Eskimo translations of Greek tragedies, together with scenes from Oedipus Rex, demonstrate the enduring power and meaning of myth in drama.
22. A Frame for Meaning: Theme in Drama – Dramatist Davis H. Hwang discusses the themes and structure of his plays, which include M. Butterfly. Scholars consider thematic interpretations inherent in the production of a single act of Hamlet.
23. Casting Long Shadows: The Power of Literature – This summary of major course themes reviews the impact of literature on the individual through excerpts of series dramatizations and interviews.
24. Continuing Vision: The Uses of Literature – This program explores the impact of literature on the society and culture in the past and present. It then looks into the future to see what forms literature may take and to assess its possible influence on society.

---

NEWS WRITING

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 9 - 12

15-30 minute lessons

Covering both traditional and emerging journalism styles, this video series provides the techniques for becoming a better writer.

1. What Is News? - Examines how journalists determine what the public needs and wants to know. Reporters and editors from diverse news organizations’ including the Washington Post, The National Enquirer, and CNN discuss making and define news as it relates to journalism ethics and the news writing process.

2. Hard News Leads – Shows the power and process of the summary lead in newspaper, broadcast, and PR writing. A broad spectrum of writers – for example, White House correspondent Helen Thomas and Chicago Defender editor Michael Brown – discuss and demonstrate this basic journalism tool.

3. News Writing Language and Style – Explores the specifics of print journalism style – from the AP to Rolling Stone magazine – focusing on accuracy and detail, enlivened by humor as Dave Barry and other writers confess their language sins and steer tomorrow’s journalists toward production of professional and pristine prose.

4. Development and Organization of a Story – Deals with use of the inverted pyramid as well as hourglass and circle story shapes. Top journalists – such as Bob Woodward – along with Roy Peter Clark (The Poynter Institute) discuss and demonstrate focus sentences, transitions, and nut graphs as story development techniques.

5. Dealing With Sources – Illustrates how to interview sources and work quotes into a news story. Larry King (CNN), Deborah Wilgoren (The Washington Post), and others demonstrate the interviewing process, touching on the use of paraphrase vs. direct quotes, the mechanics of attribution, the ground rules for using “off the record” comments, and other issues.

6. Good Writing vs. Good Reporting – Considers the possibilities of conflict or compatibility between these two elements. Top reporters discuss essential issues such as accuracy, objectivity, fairness, and credibility along with the elements of writing that make a news story exciting, fun, and compelling to read.

7. Beat Reporting – Covers the wide variety of journalism career opportunities, with glimpses into the working conditions and daily experiences on crime, sports, business, government, and environmental beats as well as for general assignment and wire service reports.

8. Broadcast News Writing – Compares the similarities and differences of broadcast and print journalism, with insightful comments from a host of radio and TV journalists – among them Sam Donaldson (ABC), Charles Kuralt (CBS), and Kurt Loder (MTV) – and follows a young reporter as he assembles a daily news package.

9. Public Relations Writing – Demonstrates the interaction of journalists and PR people. Professionals from Capitol Records and the Golden State Warriors discuss the similarities of writing press releases and hard news stories, while sympathetic and unsympathetic journalists – including Andy Rooney (CBS) and Susan Antilla (The New York Times) – comment on the role of PR in the news.

10. Beyond the Summary Lead – Encourages novice writers to explore other creative introductory styles including anecdotal, quote, question, narrative, and direct address leads. Journalists – Gene Policinski (USA Today) and David Waldholz (The Wall Street Journal) among others – give tips on ways to avoid boring leads and grab readers in the first paragraph.

11. Feature Writing Styles – Explores the difference between feature news, soft features, and advocacy journalism, as Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kundsen (Sacramento Bee), Joel Achenbach (The Washington Post), and others discuss their craft. Concepts such as trend stories, personality profiles, background stories, and human interest stories are also introduced and illustrated by working reporters.

12. Column Writing and Editorial Writing – Reveals the relationships among hard news writing, opinion writing, journalistic critique, and column writing, illustrating how “objective” front-page news can coexist with coverage in other sections. Dave Barry and Andy Rooney examine humor in column writing, Siskel and Ebert discuss criticism, and Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writers dissect the elements of good opinion writing.

13. Covering Disasters – Demonstrates use of journalism’s basic principles in crisis situations and under deadline pressure. Journalists who have covered earthquakes, chemical spills, severe weather, and plane crashes discuss the difference between theory and practice during community emergencies.

14. The Ethics of Journalism – Introduces a reporter’s on-the-job ethical challenges. Journalists from a variety of beats discuss issues such as conflict of interest, honesty, thoroughness, objectivity, privacy, and balance, and one reporter demonstrates real-life ethical decision making as she covers a controversial local story.

15. Media Law – Focuses on reporters’ rights and defenses for potential libel or invasion of privacy lawsuits as well as concepts like open meeting, shield, and freedom of information laws. In addition, Mark Goodman, attorney for the Student Press Law Center, and author John Zelezny discuss legal issues that may confront students working for a school newspaper or other publication.

---

ME TOO

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. Kindergarten
18-15 minute lessons

The purpose of the "Me Too" series is to help prepare the child for introduction to development of fine motor skills. The series is a basic readiness program emphasizing gross motor skills as a basis or foundation upon which initial writing may later be developed.

1. Identify Right and Left
2. Introduce Left-to-Right Progression
3. Identify Top and Bottom
4. Emphasize Downward Motion
5. Identify Big and Little
6. Match Objects that are the Same
7. To Find the Different Object
8. Match Objects Facing the Same Direction
9. Identify and Trace a Circle
10. Identify and Trace a Square
11. Identify and Trace a Rectangle
12. Identify and Trace a Triangle
13. Identify First and Last
14. Match Like Shapes
15. Find the Different Shape
16. Identify the Missing Part
17. Identify What is Wrong In a Picture
18. Become Familiar with Sequence or Order

---

MAYA AND MIGUEL

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. K - 5
65 - 30 minute programs

With humorous twists and turns, every episode of Maya & Miguel presents new adventures and double the fun for these 10-year-old twins. Featuring their family, friends and richly diverse neighborhood, each story revolves around Maya’s well-intentioned meddling in the lives of her family and friends, always placing her in an interesting and often hilarious predicament. Maya and Miguel are driven by the idea that shared happiness is greater than personal gain.

1. Mala Suerte – When the usually meticulous Rosa scorches the family breakfast, Maya thinks the apartment is cursed with bad luck. Using Maggie’s grandmother’s Guide to Feng Shui (which they don’t really have time to read thoroughly), Maya, Miguel, and the gang redecorate the entire place in an effort to restore positive energy before Santiago brings home an important supplier for dinner that evening. But at dinner that night, the kids’ freshly painted walls, makeshift Asian fountains and rearranged furniture cause a lot more harm than good.
2. The Matchmaker – One evening, after Maya sees Abuela Elena dancing alone after dinner, she decides that her grandmother’s cheery exterior is masking a deep loneliness – and that Abuela Elena needs to be fixed up on a date. Maya’s big idea launches a quest for an eligible sixty-something bachelor, the mother of all makeovers, and a blind date that doesn’t go as planned.
3. When Maya Met Andy – Miguel recalls the time that a new kid moved into the neighborhood: Andy. As we all know, Andy’s missing an arm, Maya eager to make Andy feel comfortable in their group, tries to steer the boys away from playing sports because she assumes that Andy won’t be able to participate. This results in the proverbial unstoppable force (Maya) meeting the immovable object (Miguel and his boys trying to play ball). And besides, the boys don’t seem to have any problem with playing ball with Andy. In the end, Maya learns that true sensitivity means treating others as equals.
4. The Autograph – When Paco unwittingly destroys Miguel’s favorite Orlando Cruz baseball card, Maya decides to fix the situation by getting an autograph from Orlando himself, who is coming to town that weekend with his team. What ensues is a “Naked Gun”-like series of escapes where the kids try to get ever closer to the star by impersonating a boy-band, hot dog vendors, and a big furry mascot.
5. Rhymes With “Gato” – When Crissy’s kitten runs away, Maya and her friends put up signs and spread the word about the lost “gato.” Unfortunately, Maggie’s Spanish is terrible, and she tells people they’re missing a “pato” – a duck. Soon Maya is stuck with a disgruntled and irascible duck in her apartment on the same afternoon, it turns out, that the landlord is coming by to make some repairs. And she still has to find the lost kitty.
6. La Nueva Cocinita – While Maya and Miguel are searching with their Abuela Elena for treasures through her seemingly bottomless trunk of memories, they happen upon an old menu from her defunct restaurant “La Cocinita.” She rhapsodizes dreamily about the menu – summoning magical, Marquez-like concoctions that can cure an ill-tempered grouch. After a walk around the neighborhood, they see grumpiness and general disharmony everywhere, and Maya quickly decides that not only Abuela Elena, but the whole neighborhood is in need of a New Cocinita to bring happiness and harmony to everyone with the magic of the old recipes. Enlisting her friends to be the kitchen and wait staff, Maya prepares for the big opening night over Miguel’s steady stream of protests and warnings. Of course, Maya and her crew soon get in over their heads…
7. The Letter – Maya finds an abandoned letter on Miguel’s desk, written to a pretty girl in their class named Esperanza. Thinking that her brother might need a little help in making friends, Maya (with the eager assistance of Maggie and Chrissy) tells Esperanza how wonderful Miguel is. No sooner does Esperanza decide that Miguel is the coolest boy in the fifth grade than Maya learns that the real author of the letter wasn’t Miguel, but Andy! Suddenly, “Las Tres Amigas” have a lot of explaining to do.
8. Teacher’s Pet – When Paco stops speaking, Maya and Santiago take him to the vet, who tells them that the poor parrot is simply lonely staying home all day. Maya solves the problem by taking Paco to school with her. But when Paco gives wrong answers in front of the class, accidently insults kids in the hall, and eventually flies off somewhere in the school, Maya has a lot of problems to solve all at once.
9. La Calavera – When Maya wants to add some oomph to her presentation about Mexico for school, she consults her Abuela Elena, who allows her to borrow a prized possession: a calavera, or skull made of sugar, that is used in the yearly Day of the Dead celebration. Maya promises to let nothing happen to this special calavera. Her presentation goes well, but Maya loses the calavera! After Theo, Maggie, Chrissy and Andy each share their fantastical ideas about how the lost calavera will make Abuela feel, Maya herself feels horrible. She promised her abuela that she wouldn’t let anything happen to it! Then, as luck would have it, Maya discovers that she accidentally switched backpacks with another student and the calavera is recovered. An excited Maya can’t contain herself, and while jumping up and down, breaks the calavera! Maya is determined not to let her abuela down, and goes to great lengths to have the calavera re-made. Unfortunately, this too is a disaster. When Abuela is finally told the truth, Maya is surprised – Abuela is happy! Not about the calavera, but about Maya’s good grade on her presentation. And though Abuela misses the calavera, she thinks that rebuilding it together would make her even happier.
10. Politics Unusual – Maggie wants to star in the upcoming School Assembly Day show. Her teacher Mrs. Langley,  recognizes her talent and assigns her the starring role, which she must share with non-dancer Miguel. Horrified, Miguel wants to have nothing to do with this show, but Mrs. Langley won’t let him out of the deal. The only person who could do that is the Class President. Maya has a bright idea: Maggie will run for Class President. She’s popular, and nobody else if running! Then she can change the show to suit both her and Miguel. Unfortunately, someone else decides to run, an unassuming kid named Simon. Maya and Maggie try to out-glitz Simon, by sponsoring makeovers and re-decorating the cafeteria, with comically disastrous results. Simon, meanwhile, takes to time to listen to the concerns of the other students. In the end, Maggie comes to realize that Simon cares about what the other students want, while she was only running for selfish reasons… and so she announces at the presidential debate that she is supporting Simon. Simon wins by a landslide… and his first act as President is to appoint Maggie to be director of School Assembly Day, to change the show however she wants.
11. Tito’s Mexican Vacation – Maya notices something’s wrong with Tito. He’s not interested in playing soccer or eating ice cream. Is he sick? It turns out he’s homesick. It all starts when Tito gets a postcard from his cousins in Mexico. Tito misses them and misses his former home. Maya, eager to help her cousin feel better, decides that if they can’t take Tito back to Mexico, they’ll bring Mexico to Tito! Maya ropes the rest of the gang into helping her with the research and acquisition of Mexican objects, foods, and information. Events escalate with typically Maya-esque results, and pretty soon the Community Center is packed with all things Mexican. Unfortunately, one thing leads to another, and the entire display is destroyed… right before Tito gets to the Center. Maya is mortified, but Tito is happy. Seeing how much everyone cared about him helped to lift his homesickness. After all, he is home with Maya, too. Just then the big surprise appears: Tito’s cousins, brought from Mexico!
12. Prince Tito – To help Tito overcome his stage fright, Maya convinces him to audition for a community theater performance called “The Doubtful Prince.” Maya promises Tito that she’ll get the female lead and be right with him onstage the whole time. But when the director casts Tito in the lead and Maya in a bit part, Tito is bound for stardom – but only if Maya can find a way to keep him from freezing up in front of the audience on opening night.
13. The Bully and the Bunny – A hulking new kid named Jimmy McCorkle moves in across the street and – at least it seems to Miguel and his friends – begins to bully everyone around. He kicks Miguel’s soccer ball over their building, rips apart Maya’s favorite video game, and commands Theo to remember his name…or else. Maya, however, is not so sure: she thinks maybe Jimmy’s not so bad. When Jimmy buys Maya and Miguel’s favorite bunny rabbit from the pet store, Maya decides they have to find out once and for all whether Jimmy really is a bully, or just misunderstood.
14. Family Time – Noticing that everyone in her family is overworked, overtired, and overstressed. Maya concludes that they all have been missing “family time” – quality time spent alone as a family. Maya and Miguel plan a camping trip to a state park – and do all the planning and packing themselves to make things easier on their very busy parents and grandmother. But when they arrive at their campsite, the kids have forgotten some essentials, and rain, wildlife, and a capsized boat threaten to make their escape a disaster. In the end, however, the Santos family discovers the only thing they really need is time together.
15. Surprise, Surprise – Chrissy is down in the dumps because the pop star Enrique has not answered the hundreds of fan letters she has sent. So Maya decides to cheer her up with a surprise birthday party. When all the party preparations – from the cake to the décor to the entertainment – go awry. Maya reasons there’s only one way to salvage things: get Enrique himself to show up! With Miguel and Abuelita at her side, Maya braves hordes of Enrique-maniacs in an effort to convince the megastar to make an appearance at her friend’s birthday.
16. An Okri-Dokey Day – When Maya realizes that their neighbors Greg and Isoka Okri don’t have any children of their own, she concludes that their life must be horribly empty – after all, her parents are always saying how Maya and Miguel are the light of their life. So Maya engineers things so she and Miguel spend the better part of a weekend with the Okris. However, between roller coaster rides, kid-friendly restaurants, homemade facial treatments, and breakfast in bed, the Okris get a lot more than they bargained for.
17. Chrissy’s Big Move – Maya’s friend Chrissy discovers that her father has been transferred and is moving the whole family to Hong Kong. Chrissy is so distraught that she doesn’t want to go. Eager to help her friend adjust to a very different culture, Maya enlists Miguel and the gang to “introduce” Chrissy to Hong Kong. They stage an imaginative (and homemade) “voyage” to show her a variety of interesting places: a restaurant that serves dim sum, a pink dolphin-watching cruise, and the dragon boat races. By the end, Chrissy is so enchanted that she can’t wait to move to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the transfer falls through… and Chrissy doesn’t move. But at least “Las Tres Amigas” get to stay together!
18. Career Day – It’s Career Day in Maya and Miguel’s class, and each kid gets to spend a whole day with a classmate’s parent or grandparent as a “mentor.” While Miguel luch into spending the day with an astronaut, Maya ends up with Mort, an insurance salesman who has lost his belief in himself. Maya takes it upon herself to find Mort a new career, but ultimately discovers that what he really needs is simply some help restoring his confidence.
19. I’ve Got to be Mi-Guel – Tito really admires his big cousin Miguel. So much so, in fact, that he begins to feel bad about himself – after all. Miguel does everything so well, it’s sometimes hard to measure up. But at Maya’s inadvertent suggestion, Tito realizes there is one way to be just as cool as Miguel: to imitate everything Miguel says, does, and wears, from his sneakers to his haircut. Miguel is flattered by this new “mini-Miguel,” but Maya gradually finds the whole thing annoying, and even more so because the flattery is clearly going to Miguel’s head. It’s only when Tito – in helping Maya and Miguel in an emergency – discovers some of his own talents that he goes back to being just plain Tito. Everyone is thrilled to have him back.
20. Soccer Mom – When Maya and Miguel’s soccer coach leaves to become a professional player, the gang is left without a coach. A frantic search for a new coach is unsuccessful. Finally, Maya notices that her mom is a fairly adept player… perhaps she should be the new coach! Rosa is talked into the idea. Rosa turns out to be an excellent coach, and all the kids lover her… except Maya and Miguel don’t like the two parts of their lives crossing over like this. Rosa keeps telling stories about them and calling them cute names that are embarrassing! They ask Rosa to step down as coach, which she agrees to do. But when they realize that they don’t play as well without her, Maya and Miguel beg her to come back and help them before a big game. Rosa declines. During the game, Maya and Miguel’s team is losing badly… so the new coach turns to Rosa for a little inspiration. Rosa gives the team a pep talk and some coaching from the sidelines… and the gang wins! In the end, Maya and Miguel learn to be proud of their mom… and to occasionally let her embarrass them.
21. The Adventures of Rabbit-Bird Man – Miguel enters a comic book contest. Before he can finish his original comic book loosely based on Aztec mythology entitled, “The Adventures of Rabbit-Bird Man,” Miguel comes down with a bad cold. Miguel has left the hero in grave jeopardy, and he implores Maya to finish the comic book and save him. Maya rounds up the gang to help her think of a way to save the hero from the bad guy. In a series of vignettes, we see each kid’s proposed ending: Tito imagines a heroic soccer player (who looks just like him) saving the day, Theo pitches a robot boy (who looks just like him) saving the day, and Maggie and Chrissy imagine a fantastic singing duo (who look just like them) saving the day. With the clock ticking and no clear ending, Maya decides that they should combine all of their endings together, and make one grand finale. In the end, Maya’s cooperative ending nets Miguel a prize for “Most Creative.”
22. Maya and Miguel, Come on Down! – Maya and Miguel seem to have an aptitude for their favorite TV game show. But when they decide to audition, they discover that they have very different approaches to training. As they move from one stage to the next – preparing for the audition, passing the trial, training for the show – their own rivalry grows more intense, and they lose the knack of working together. Only when they are on live TV, confronted by an unscrupulous contestant who will do anything to win, are they able to put aside their little differences and work together as sister and brother.
23. The Wrestler Next Door – A new neighbor moves into the apartment building: Sr. Lopez, who is opening a new bakery in town. Tito is certain that Sr. Lopez is actually “El Guamazo Lopez,” a famous Mexican masked wrestler! He tries to prove it to a skeptical Maya and Miguel… but when they see some intriguing evidence, they decide to help Tito find out the truth. The three of them, along with Abuela Elena’s help, try to uncover Sr. Lopez’ secret past… but even putting him face-to-face with the masked wrestler’s arch-nemesis doesn’t manage to reveal him. Finally, when an old piece of baking equipment goes on the fritz, Sr. Lopez must fight the mechanical beast using “El Guamazo Lopez” signature wrestling move. Tito is vindicated! Sr. Lopez finally admits to having been the famous wrestler in the past. But it’s more important for him to be known as a good baker from now on. His secret is safe with them!
24. A Little Culture – when Maya forgets to buy tickets for the summer blockbuster movie all her friends are eagerly awaiting, she desperately suggests that they go instead to the Natural History Museum. Maggie and Theo aren’t quick to forgive her, and mope about the museum while Maya and Miguel rummage in the gift shop for peace offerings. But before they know it, Theo and Maggie find themselves enraptured by exhibits on African and Chinese cultures. In Theo and Maggie’s parallel fantasies, we see the enactment of age-old stories – of course with Theo and Maggie providing a contemporary twist. In the end, the kids find everything in the exhibit that they had hoped for in the big summer movie, and all is forgiven among the friends.
25. The Bet – When Maya comes to believe that Miguel has grown overly obsessed with playing videogames, she challenges him to go cold turkey. He agrees – on the condition that she refrain from meddling in other people’s business. Whoever gives in first will do the other’s chores for two weeks. Miguel has to summon all his strength to resist the lure of electronic games, while Maya is going batty trying to keep herself from offering advice to friends in need. Finally, Maggie has a problem that’s just too much for Miguel to solve by himself, so he gives up on the bet in order to enlist Maya’s help to find one more big idea.
26. The Cheery Chipper Cupid Sisters – Maya and her friends are in love with the new girls action cartoon, “The Cheery Chipper Cupid Sisters.” They join the fan club, wear the t-shirts, chant the chants, and begin to drive their friends and families up a wall. Things only get worse when their efforts to spread sweetness, happiness and love in the manner of their two-dimensional idols seem to backfire. Only a very surreal experience of trying to find a bird-napped Paco makes Maya realize that perhaps she’s taken this latest fad a bit too far.
27. Team Santos – Maya accidentally sets off an air horn during an important soccer play, ruining Miguel’s kick and losing the game for him. Feeling terrible, she embarks upon a plan to cheer him up. If he could only win the big carnival competition, he’d fee a lot better… and also perhaps forgive Maya. Unfortunately, the carnival competition pits Miguel against the soccer player who beat him in the previous game… and all his athletic brothers! Maya and Miguel must compete against them with the only family members at their disposal: Abuela Elena, Tito, and Paco. Maya’s plan is unraveling; there’s no way they can win against the other team. But Abuela Elena points out that there’s more to competing than just winning. It’s also important to have fun! It turns out that Abuela was a ringer all along, and with her help, they win the carnival competition. But, more importantly, they also have a great time!
28. Friends Forever? – “Las Tres Amigas” get into an argument and split up. Miguel, Theo and Andy watch their breakup with amusement. As the girls return each other’s borrowed belongings and try to avoid each other in the lunchroom, the boys smugly believe that such a thing could never happen to them. But when Theo and Andy discover that Miguel has been secretly coaching each of them for an open position on the soccer team, that’s exactly what happens. The guys find themselves doing the exact same splitting-up routine, returning all their borrowed stuff. Before long, however, the girls and the boys realize that no kid is an island; each person is different from the other, but it makes the whole group better.
29. The Slump – When Miguel’s baseball batting average drops off the charts, the bad vibes begin to extend into all areas of his life. In a desperate attempt to help Miguel regain his magic, Andy and Theo put Miguel through a series of slump-busing exercises… but nothing works, and Miguel quits the team.  Meanwhile, Maya is on a mission to get the team new uniforms through sponsorship from neighbors. Friends are skeptical when she sets the extremely high goal of signing twenty-five sponsors, but she perseveres and succeeds. When Miguel sees the shiny new uniforms, he is inspired by his sister’s determination. He returns to the team just in time to break out of his slump.
30. The Dogwalkers – In order to send their neighbor, the retired Broadway dancer Mrs. Salviati, to her high school reunion, Maya and Miguel decide to open a pet-care business to raise money for the plane fare. But when they take on a few too many jobs, they are overwhelmed with neighborhood pets needing to be walked, fed, bathed, groomed and clipped. In the end, they learn not to bite off more than they can chew.
31. Recipe for Disaster – Maya wants to win an award offered to the student who donates to most books to a local book fair, so she collects every unwanted volume from her apartment, including some old cookbooks of Rosa’s. The only problem is that Rosa has an old friend coming to visit, and she needs a favorite recipe from one of the books that Maya gave away. Now Maya and Miguel have to get the book back before Rosa’s friend arrives.
32. The Pen-Pal - For school, Miguel is assigned an electronic pen-pal from Puerto Rico. When they start corresponding, Miguel thinks his pen-pal, Roman, has a much more glamorous life than he does. So, with a little prompting from Paco, Miguel slowly starts embellishing the details of his life. Then, to his horror, Roman writes that he is coming to visit. What will Roman think when he discovers how ordinary Miguel’s life really is?
33. Auela Upmanship – Maya is sick about hearing how wonderful Lola’s grandmother is – she seems to do everything just perfectly. Maya feels her own Abuela is pretty great and wants her to be recognized too. So she happens to mention that Abuela used to be a movie star! Now Maya has to prevent her friends and neighbors from discovering that Abuela’s acting career was limited to a supporting role in a school play.
34. Fashionistas – When the girls decide that the school needs a fashion show, Miguel agrees to help out. The problem is, he didn’t know he agreed to actually be a model. What’s more, in the audience is going to be the new coach of the local soccer travel team – which Miguel is trying out for! Miguel, worried that the coach won’t want a player who dresses up in outrageous clothes for a fashion show, has to decide whether to participate or whether to “take a dive.”
35. Maya Quixote and Miguel Panza – Maya reads Don Quixote de la Mancha and is inspired by the themes of truth, honor, and courage found in the novel. When Miguel’s favorite flavor of ice cream is discontinued, she decides they must go on a Don Quixote-style quest to get the flavor reinstated. They don a variety of household objects as makeshift knight’s armor, nd set out on their trusty “steeds” (Maya’s bike and Miguel’s skateboard). On the way to the ice cream shop, they encounter several people in need. Maya (who acts as Don Quixote in this tale) says that as knights, they must stop and help them. Miguel (who takes the place of Sancho Panza) wants to get to the ice cream shop as soon as possible, but is convinced by Maya to help. They stop and help Mrs. Salviati (who Maya sees as a helpless damsel) cross the street, Sr. Felipe deliver the mail (Maya sees him asa medieval scribe facing a bull), and return a cell phone to a businessman (Maya sees him as a King who has dropped a jewel). They finally make it to the ice cream shop and confront the “giant” (i.e., the shop owner, in Maya’s fantasy), but their numbers are too small to convince him. Spying a nearby TV reporter, Miguel gets an idea and convinces her to help them. With her report, everyone in the neighborhood shows up to support Maya and Miguel’s quest… and the ice cream flavor is reinstated.
36. The Taming of Mr. Shue – When the beloved teacher Mrs. Langley leaves to have a baby, the kids get a long-term substitute, Mr. Shue. Mr. Shue seems much more serious and not nearly as much fun as Mrs. Langley, so the kids decide they have to win him over. The only problem is, he only seems to like one thing – math. With the help of Celia Lopez, Gus the baker’s niece, they eventually succeed, and in the process learn that sometimes you need to give people a chance.
37. Tito’s Pet – After a school-wide pet fair, Tito is upset because the winners, Freddy and Cesar Castillo, make fun of his tarantula and gloat about winning the first prize. When their teasing goes a little too far, Tito (with Maya’s encouragement) blurts out that he has an even better pet – a chupacabra (a mythical winged carnivore of Puerto Rican lore). Now Freddy and Cesar, along with half the neighborhood, want to see the creature, and Maya and Tito have to figure out how they’re going to make this legendary creature appear.
38. Real Twins – When a TV commercial announces that a new reality show about twins is looking for entrants, Maya thinks that she and Miguel should send an audition video, Miguel points out that he and Maya are not identical twins, which is what is usually shown on TV. But Maya says the name of the show is “Real Twins”… and she and Miguel are real! Maya and Miguel film a video highlighting all of their talents. The director of the show appears, telling Maya and Miguel that they are finalists for the show! Maya and Miguel are thrilled… until they see the audition tape of the other finalists: Barry and Gary, two identical twins at their school who are eerily alike, even for twins. Maya is convinced that she and Miguel need to be more alike to get on the show. With their friends’ help, they re-decorate their rooms to be exactly alike and begin wearing similar clothes. In the end, the entire act unravels, and Maya and Miguel are revealed to be very un-alike twins. The director admits that Maya and Miguel’s many talents in the audition tape were what attracted the director in the first place. Unfortunately, while trying to be exactly alike, they never demonstrated any of their talents. Maya and Miguel learn to be themselves and treasure their unique talents.
39. Give Me a Little Sign – Tito befriends a new boy, Marco, who is deaf. Marco starts to teach Tito some American Sign Language, and they decide to do a project together for the school’s “Contraption Convention.” But when Tito makes some pronunciation mistakes in school, he decides he doesn’t want to do the project anymore (since it involves public speaking). Only when he sees how Marco persists in getting across what he wants to say – even when people misunderstand him at first – does he realize the value of practice and determination, and decides to go ahead with the project.
40. A Star is Born – Santiago is going to make a television commercial for his pet store… but when Maya hears what he has in mind, she decides to take over and produce something flashier, to really draw in customers. Together with Miguel, she puts together the entire production. Paco, meanwhile, dreaming of his big break in show business, continually pops up, trying to get on camera… but is repeatedly rebuffed as Maya’s production goes haywire. Santiago wants to make his simple commercial, but Maya won’t hear of it. She enlists a professional director (Fabian) to come and make it even more stupendous… but he ends up replacing Santiago with an actor playing him! In the end, Fabian is removed, and Maya comes to realize that Santiago should make a commercial that honestly represents him and his pet store… which he does.
41. Paper Girl – Maya decides that the lackluster school newspaper needs some zing, so she agrees to be editor and enlists all her friends to help out. But when their articles are a little too ordinary, she injects a dose of creative editing that makes the paper the talk of the school. But when people realize Maya doesn’t have her facts straight, her reputation as a journalist is on the line, and she has to make amends – before the midnight deadline.
42. Miguel’s Wonderful Life – It’s Christmas, and the Santos family is getting ready for the festivities. Maya in her enthusiasm, manages to mess up things for Miguel: she spills juice on his book report, volunteers him to hang a piñata in class (a task which makes him take a humiliating fall), volunteers him to wear a too-big Santa suit and follow her around wishing their neighbors happy holidays (his pants fall down in front of everyone), and smudges a painting he was making as a gift to his parents. Frustrated, Miguel angrily declares that he wishes he never had a sister. The next day, he awakens to find his wish has come true: Maya doesn’t exist, and nobody’s ever heard of her. Paco (who has inexplicably become incredibly articulate) follows him around, commenting as Miguel takes in how the world has changed. At first, it seems like all his Maya-made troubles are over… but then Miguel sees how the lack of Maya’s influence has adversely affected the world: Maggie and Chrissy aren’t friends because they had a difference of opinion (which Maya had previously helped them overcome), Mr. Nguyen isn’t their teacher because he felt unappreciated (Maya had made him feel appreciated), Jimmy McCorkle became a bully, etc. Finally realizing how much worse everything is without Maya, Miguel regrets he ever made the wish, and wishes it all to be reversed. Poof! The world goes back to normal. Maya is back, Miguel’s painting is still ruined, and Miguel couldn’t be happier to have a twin sister.
43. The Video – Abuela’s old friend from Mexico, Carlota, cancels a planned visit and Abuela is heartbroken. Or at least that’s how she seems to Maya. To cheer he up, Maya, Miguel, and friends decide to make a secret “surprise” video of “A “Day in the Life” of their grandmother. But their amateur efforts at documentary go awry when they keep losing track of their star in her travels through their neighborhood.
44. Decisions, Decisions – Maya and Miguel are thrilled when they win tickets to an extreme sports competition… but disappointed to see they have only four tickets, not enough for them to bring all their friends. The twins devise competitions to decide which two of their four friends will get their extra tickets. Abuela Elena, meanwhile, has decided to return to her previous love of running, and enter a competition especially for seniors, with Maya and Miguel helping her train. The twins are horrified to discover that their extreme sports expo is on the same day as Abuela’s senior race. How will they decide which event to attend? Their parents advise them to listen to their heart. After much soul searching (and coin-flipping), Maya and Miguel decide they want to see their Abuelita’s competition. And the lucky beneficiaries are their four friends, who receive the tickets to the extreme sports expo.
45. A Rose is Still a Rose – When Abuela Elena leaves town for a few days, she entrusts an eager Maya with the care and feeding of her prized roses. Unfortunately, while Maya’s heart is in the right place, she is too eager to get Abuela’s roses growing quickly. Miguel, meanwhile, wants to become a wrestler and begins taking lessons from Gus “El Guamazo” Lopez, former luchador. But instead of getting an exciting luchador costume and learning show-wrestling moves, Gus teaches Miguel the actual principles of wrestling (which often, to Miguel’s horror, resemble baking in Gus’ bakery). As Maya slowly destroys Abuela’s roses, Miguel gets frustrated with the slow pace of his training and quits. But when Maya’s overzealousness in the garden leads to a flood of over-watering. Miguel hops into the action, using the moves taught to him by Gus Lopez to overcome the flood. In the end, both Maya and Miguel learn the value of patience and consistency – in gardening, wrestling and life.
46. Role Reversal – When Maya and Miguel keep talking about how easy their parents’ lives seem to be, the children and parents decide to switch roles for a day: Maya and Miguel run the pet store and keep the apartment in order, while Rosa and Santiago spend the day at dance, soccer, and the “activities fun club.” All of them end up exhausted and with new appreciation for the others.
47. After School – After Maggie arrives late for class one day and talks back to Mr. Nguyen, he issues her an “after school” – requiring her to stay late one day. Maggie is appalled, since this has never happened to her before, and she tries every trick in her book to get Mr. Nguyen to change his mind.
48. The Wedding – Rosa’s cousin, Angelina, has just gotten engaged! As she shares her fantasy for the perfect wedding with the Santos family over dinner, the grim-faced groom arrives with some news: he has received a promotion that will take him out of the country. Angelina is disappointed: she had wanted a wedding with her family, in town. Maya proclaims that they can host the wedding at their house, and have everything ready in just two days! Though stunned by this, Rosa and Santiago agree to help, and the countdown begins. Abuela is baking Mexican wedding cookies for the reception, Santiago is playing guitar and singing, Rosa is sewing the dress, Miguel is giving the toast, and Maya has been given a great honor: to hold the 13 gold coins for the ceremony known as Las Arras. As always seems to happen at weddings, many things start to go wrong. Paco has eaten all the cookies for the reception, Santiago has lost his voice, and the wedding dress is mangled in a faulty sewing machine. The Santos family is devastated… But Maya won’t let them lose heart and is determined to help hem fix everything before the wedding. It seems everything is going according to plan again, until Maya realizes she has lost the gold coins for Las Arras! Certainly they were lost in the dough for the cookies, Maya and Miguel hop into action. They break open or eat many baked cookies… to no avail. At the ceremony, Maya tries to tell Angelina that she doesn’t have the 13th coin… until Paco arrives, clutching the lost coin, and hands it off to Maya! Angelina and Pedro are thrilled by their meaningful wedding, all thanks to Maya and family.
49. Puppy Love – A fat little dog follows Miguel home one day, and he doesn’t have the heart to leave it alone in the street at nightfall. So he brings it inside. Before he can tell Abuela (Rosa and Santiago are away), he opens his closet door to discover that the fat little dog has had puppies! Now Maya and Miguel have thirteen dogs to look after – and a lot of explaining to do when their parents come home.
50. Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day is coming up, and Maya and Miguel have bought their mother the perfect gift: a cat-shaped potholder. Their friends are not impressed with this gift, however… and Maya vows to make something that will help their hard-working mom feel more relaxed and happy. They decide to make a facial mask which consists of a series of highly exotic ingredients, including hummingbird feathers, snakeskin and yak’s milk. Maya, Miguel and the gang split up to collect the ingredients, but encounter many difficulties… including some of the ingredients mysteriously disappearing! In the end, Maya and Miguel have failed to bring it all together and go back to the original potholder. Rosa is delighted with the gift. After all, it’s the thought that counts. At this, Paco appears with a gift of his own: a facial mask he made with the ingredients he took from Maya and Miguel.
51. The Big Fight – When Theo and Miguel have a big fight about a remote-controlled race-car derby, Maya takes it upon herself to set things right between the two estranged friends. But whatever she does only seems to make things worse.
52. The Best Thanksgiving Ever – Santiago’s mother, Tata Santos, is coming from Puerto Rico for Thanksgiving, and Maya and Miguel want to make sure that she gets to have the best Thanksgiving ever. But one by one, things don’t go quite as planned – the parade, the family football game, even the enormous turkey Rosa intended to serve – and Maya and Miguel have to salvage what could turn out to be a disastrous holiday.
53. Cupid – Miguel hates Valentine’s Day. He considers it a greeting card holiday. Maya Loves Valentine’s Day. She considers it an opportunity to tell your loved ones how much you care about them. As Maya prepares herself for the best Valentine’s Day ever, Miguel is horrified to learn that he has been chosen as the official cupid of the school this year, and must deliver valentines throughout the school, attired in cupid wings. He begs and pleads with anyone and everyone to take over his job, to no avail. He straps on the wings and begins halfheartedly delivering the valentines to thrilled students throughout the school. At the end of the day, he tosses the whole getup in the trash, eager to be done with this accursed holiday. Maya, meanwhile, thinks Miguel is lucky to be able to deliver so much happiness and joy, and gets the idea to start a free valentines delivery service for the rest of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, her helper Paco manages to stuff the wrong valentines into the wrong envelopes, and all the valentines are delivered to the wrong people, with insulting results. Soon a mob confronts Maya. Miguel, seeing the mob, digs his cupid wings out of the trash and hops into action to save his sister. In the end, the once angry neighbors are thrilled with the job Miguel does of spreading Valentine’s Day cheer… and Miguel’s heart grows a few sizes towards the holiday he once hated.
54. Papi Joins the Band – Miguel, Theo, and Andy decide to enter a talent contest at the Community Center by putting together a band. When Santiago hears the news, he tells the boys that he used to have his own band, and he offers his services. The problem is that Santiago soon goes from offering gently advice to becoming a fourth member of the band, and Miguel has to find a way to tell his father to let the boys do it their own way.
55. Crushed – Miguel gets a crush on a new substitute teacher, Miss Cisneros, and studies like crazy in her class. At the same time, Tito has to read a poem over the school PA system. As (bad) luck would have it, Tito gets inspiration for the poem by watching the enamored Miguel, and when he reads his poem, he exposes Miguel’s crush to the whole school. Miguel is mortified, but with some kind words from his teacher realizes that he did manage to get the highest score in the class on a test – and also finds a friend his own age.
56. The Red Jacket – Miguel picks up a very special “Melissa Rojas” jacket for Kyle as a birthday gift. But when Maya discovers it, she thinks it’s a gift for her – and won’t take it off. Miguel can’t bear to break his sister’s heart, but he doesn’t want to be stuck without a present for Kylie either!
57. Maya the Mascot – Maya is a big hit as the parrot mascot for Miguel’s community basketball team. But when Miguel turns his ankle, Maya has to help take care of him and has to miss the games. After all, she can’t be in two places at once. Or can she?
58. Good Luck Paco – After a couple of coincidences, the kids become convinced that Paco is a good luck charm. At first it’s great fun, but soon Paco is in so much demand to give everyone good fortune that the poor parrot is getting worn out.
59. Paging Dr. Maya – When a break from school comes, everyone looks forward to frittering away the days doing something fun and enjoyable. Maya’s idea of “fun and enjoyable” is helping people. She tries to volunteer at the Community Center bingo game, but ends up accidentally wreaking havoc. When one of the bingo players recommends Maya volunteer for his daughter, Dr. DasGupta the veterinarian, Maya jumps at the chance. She has a special bond with animals, after all. But when Maya overhears a conversation Dr. DasGupta is having, she mistakenly believes that Dr. DasGupta is going out of business. Eager to help her favorite vet. Maya launches a campaign to draw more business to Dr. DasGupta’s clinic… with works too well! Soon even elephants are lining up for treatment. Dr. DasGupta is mortified… she wasn’t planning on going out of business, she was planning on going on vacation! Fortunately, it all works our in the end when Maya calls in Dr. GasGupta’s father, who is also a veterinarian.
60. The Battle of Birthdays – Tired of having to share everything, Maya and Miguel opt to have separate birthday parties. Rosa and Santiago are taken aback at first, but agree to help each one plan the party of their dreams. Eager to attract more people to their parties, Maya and Miguel begin a game of one-upmanship, which culminates in them accidentally planning their parties at exactly the same time. Now all the guests much rack back and forth between the two parties to catch the highlights. As the guests get more and more worn out, Maya and Miguel start to feel that something is missing from their parties. They come to realize that the best thing is missing from both of their parties: each other.
61. Say Cheese! – School picture day is coming up, and the girls are excited to look their best for the big day. But Maggie, much to her dismay, gets braces put on just before the shoot. Maya does everything she can to make things better for her friend, but nothing seems to be working.
62. A House Divided – Tired of constantly bumping into each other, Maya and Miguel opt to split the apartment in half. They run a piece of tape down the middle, and promise not to cross it under any circumstances. Unfortunately for Maya, the bathroom is on Miguel’s side. Unfortunately for Miguel, the umbrellas are on Maya’s side, and it’s raining. Splitting the apartment turns out to be harder than they thought! When they are forced to work together on a diorama for school, they enlist Tito to help to move supplies back and forth between them, rather than cross the tape. During the project-making, Paco ends up in a bucket of paper-mache, and Mayaand Miguel finally cross the tape barrier to save him. In the end, they learn from Tito (an only child) what a gift it is to have a sibling.
63. Every Day is Earth Day – For a school Earth Day project, the kids decide to clean up an old lot and plant a community garden. But as the deadline approaches, a rainstorm hits, turning the patch of dirt into a muddy mess. How will Maya get her friends out of the muck this time?
64. The Big Idea – Miguel’s soccer team has made it to the championships, and he’s nervous. Maya has a great idea to quell his nerves: intensive training the morning of the game. Miguel is skeptical of Maya’s idea, worried that he might be late to catch the bus to the game, but Maya assures him she will keep him on schedule. Unfortunately, she fails and Miguel misses the bus. He fumes and blames Maya and her “big ideas,” which always cause grief. Maya defends her big ideas, while also promising Miguel to get him to the game on time. Maya and Miguel, accompanied by Abuela go on a transportation-hopping adventure as they take trains, trucks, buses and finally a horse and carriage, in a desperate effort to get Miguel to the game on time. Through it all, Maya asserts that the reason her ideas work is that she believes in the person she’s trying to help. In the end, they make it to the game. Miguel helps his team win the Championship, and he finally admits that Maya’s ideas are big and beautiful.
65. I Love Maya – Maya learns that the director Fabian’s new play at the Community Center has a 10-year-old girl as the lead. Maya is determined to get the part… it’s perfect for her! After all, she’s a 10-year-old girl! She goes all out to convince Fabian that he should pick her, which he finally does. Maya’s thrilled… until she learns that the main character sleeps through the whole play! She switches gears, trying to get others to swap roles with her, but fails. Finally she decides that sleeping in a bed is not her idea of acting, and quits the play. Rosa counsels her to see her commitments through, and a guilty Maya goes back to the auditorium, just in time to crawl into bed and be the “star” of the play. Despite the fact that she has no lines, Maya has fun, and learns the value of keeping her promises.

---

MEET THE AUTHOR

Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 2 - 12
15 - 30 minute lesson
For Activity Guide, email: FFXNetwork@fcps.edu

Some of the country’s top authors discuss the writing process, explain character development, and share a sneak-peek at their books not yet published.

2005 – 2006 –

21. Sharon Creech – Known for her classic voice and unique style, Sharon Creech is the best-selling author of the Newbery Medal winner Walk Tow Moons, and the Newbery Honor Book The Wanderer. She has written eight other highly acclaimed novels and three picture books. During this live program (9/26/05), Creech will discuss her latest novel, Replay, a book about self-discovery and fitting in.

22. R. L. Stine – Get goose bumps? Like to laugh? Meet R. L. Stine. The man who popularized scary books for children, and is pretty much credited for bringing boys back to books by creating a series called Goosebumps, will be introducing a new, humorous series titled Rotten School. Joke writer, magazine editor, and storyteller of scary stories, Stine will explain how he plans for a series of stories, how he establishes the role of character and plot, and how he gets words to tickle readers. (9/30/05)

23. Gail Karwoski – Gail Karwoski likes perspective. Surviving Jamestown is an excellent introduction to our nation’s earliest days, told through the eyes of 12-year-old Samuel Collier. This fictionalized biography of Jamestown makes for a fun read and “a great learning tool for middle school teachers to use as a supplement to the study of early settlers and settlements.” Using the journals of Lewis and Clark as a guide, Karwoski crafted a story around the expedition’s dog, Seaman. One reviewer said of Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West With Lewis and Clark, “…even reluctant readers will find it just too good to put down.” Both books have an excellent author’s note section that separates fact from fiction. (10/27/05)

24. Myron Uhlberg – His picture books are a nostalgic testament to everything he loves – family, Brooklyn, and baseball. The son of deaf parents, he was taught a passion for reading, writing and communication by using the written word, the spoken word, and American Sign Language. This program features Dad, Jackie, and Me and visiting students who share a contemporary twist on Uhlberg’s personal story. (11/16/05)

25. Christopher Paul Curtis – On his return visit, the author discusses why readers can connect with formidable and endearing characters such as Kenny in The Watson’s Go to Birmingham – 1963, Bud in Bud, Not Buddy, and Luther T. Farrell in Bucking the Sarge. A former auto factory worker, Christopher Paul Curtis shares his personal story with kids and considers his good-natured ways “just cruel” when it comes to motivating kids to read and follow their dreams. George Washington Middle School students of Alexandria, Virginia, are featured in this special edition. (2/01/06)

26. Michelle Y. Green – Michelle Y. Green is a writer who likes learning about “holes in history” – her terms for parts of African American history and culture that aren’t well known. Green wrote the story of a female baseball player in A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. She also wrote about a young girl in the Depression era in the Willie Pearl series – fictional stories, but Green based the stories on her mother’s childhood. (2/15/06)

27. Mary Batten – When animals or plants invade a new habitat, they can upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. In Aliens From Earth, author Mary Batten introduces young readers to the new and ongoing environmental problems caused by invasive plant and animal species. The National Science Teachers Association recommends this book along with Step Into Reading: Wild Cats and Step into Reading: Hungry Plants. This award-winning author writes science books for children and adults, television documentaries, and magazine articles. Her articles have appeared in Geographic World, Ladies Home Journal, International Wildlife, and many other nationally recognized publications. (3/8/06)

2003 – 2004 -

1. Walter Dean Myers – Myers is an award-winning writer of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults. Best known for Fallen Angels, Monster, and Harlem: A Poem, Myers talks about his latest book, The Dream Bearer. Myers wants his writings “to make connections – to touch the lives of my characters and, through them, those of my readers.” (For students in Grades 7-12)

2. Judith Ortiz Cofer – This award-winning author grew up in two different worlds – she was born in Puerto Rico but moved to New Jersey as a young child. She hopes that with “the stories I tell, the dreams and fears I examine in my work, I try to get my audience past the particulars of my skin color, my accent, or my clothes.” (For students in Grades 7-12)

3. Carmen Agra Deedy – She is an award-winning Cuban American storyteller and the author of numerous bestselling books for children, including Agatha’s Feather Bed: Not Just Another Wild Goose Story to The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Deedy feels that once students are excited about storytelling “they are often willing to do the hard work of writing.” (For students in Grades 2-4)

4. Tamora Pierce – This fantasy writer’s books feature female heroes or “sheroes.” From Jurroks to Tortallan to Daja her places, characters, and creatures are popular with teens worldwide. Her advice to young writers is, “Write what makes you happy. Write what makes you want to write more.” (For students in Grades 6-8)

5. Sally Hobart Alexander – Blind at the age of 26, this former third grade teacher combines her passions for teaching and writing to demonstrate to students that a disability does not prevent you from being successful. Alexander’s message to budding writers is, “If I can do it, you can, too.” (For students in Grades 4-8)

6. Kalli Dakos – Her many books of poetry about school, including The Bug in Teacher’s Coffee and If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand: Poems About School, “celebrate the special moments in children’s and teachers’ lives.” (For students in Grades 2-4)

2004-2005

7. Daniel Handler – To our dismay, only Daniel Handler, Mr. Lemony Snicket’s representative, will appear on this special edition of Meet the Author. Representing Mr. Snicket, Handler says that an alligator bite prevents Lemony Snicket from appearing in person. Daniel Handler defines the meaning of a pseudonym, provides a few tips on character development, and even sings one of his favorite songs, “Scream and Run Away.” Expect the unexpected! (For students in Grades 4-7)

8. Christopher Paul Curtis – His Newbery Honor book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 tells the story of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan, and their unforgettable journey that leads them into one of the darkest moments in American history. This ALA Best Book for Young Adults is by turns a hilarious, touching, and tragic story about civil rights and the impact of violence on one family. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. Bud, Not Buddy focuses on ten-year-old Bud Caldwell, who hits the road in search of his father and his home.

9. Anthony D. Fredericks – Calling all budding naturalists, scientists, and explorers! Anthony D. Frederick’s love of nature and writing is a winning combination. This nonfiction children’s author received the 2004 Teacher’s Choice Award from the International Reading Association for his book Around One Cactus: Owls, Bats, and Leaping Rats. Fredericks believes that “there are two important features for any science book – the “Wow! factor’ and the use of story.” From Exploring the Universe to looking Under One Rock: Bugs, Slugs, and Other Ughs, readers exclaim, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” and “Wow, that’s really cool!” During this taped broadcast, Fredericks shares tips on how students can use their curiosity to become scientists and writers! A sneak peek of the author at work, students as scientists, and ways to stay on the Write Track will also be featured. (For students in Grades 2-5)

10. Lewis Latimer: Renaissance Man – Brad Brewer’s “Crowtations” presents a puppet play that tells the story of an African American inventor Lewis Latimer. Although he was a member of the Edison Pioneers, a group associated with the famous inventor Thomas Edison, Latimer is not a well-known figure. Through the unique artistry of puppet theater, the Brewery Troupe tells Latimer’s exciting story of a self-educated son of slaves who rose to become an inventor, a poet, and an activist. (For students in Grades 4-8)

11. Avi – Ask Avi how you know when you’re a real writer and his answer is simple: “I think you become a writer when you stop writing for yourself or your teachers and start thinking about readers.” Avi made up his mind to do than when he was a senior in high school. This 2003 Newbery Medal winner for Crispin: Cross of Lead is the author of numerous books including Nothing But the Truth, a Newbery Honor Book; The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle; Poppy, winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award; and Ereth’s Birthday. His books include tales of mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction for young readers of all ages. He believes “reading is the key to writing.” And many young people have found that key – because they love to read books by Avi. (For students in Grades 4-7)

2002 – 2003 -

12. Cheryl and Peter Barnes
13. Christopher Bing
14. Alice McGill
15. Carolyn Reeder
16. James Robertson
17. Lucinda Roy
18. Melanie Stanley
19. David Wisnewski
20. Janet Wong

 

---

MR. OWL & HIS FRIENDS

English as a Second Language
Use Rights: Unlimited------Gr. 2
32-15 minute lessons

This program is a resource series for children whose native language is a language other than English. Each lesson is designed to approach a new aspect of grammar or survival skill. It is anticipated that this means of educational assistance will be a way of reaching all limited English-speaking students. Teachers may also find the grammar programs an asset for English speaking students who are having difficulty in certain areas.

1. Greetings
2. Alphabet Review
3. Colors and Numbers
4. Body Parts & Clothing
5. Family and Home
6. Health and Grooming
7. Foods and Animals
8. People, Places and Things
9. Days of the Week
10. Months and Holidays
11. Weather and Seasons
12. Time
13. Money
14. Feelings and Values
15. Following Directions & Commands
16. Articles
17. Plurals
18. Describing Words
19. Rhyming Words
20. Compound Words
21. Homonyms
22. Synonyms
23. Antonyms
24. Prepositions
25. Contractions
26. Questions
27. Pronouns
28. Present Tense
29. Past Tense
30. Future Tense
31. To Be
32. Telephone

---

top

READING RAINBOW

Use Rights: Loan Only------Gr. 1-3
155-30 minute programs

This Emmy Award-winning series blends books with creative television to motivate interest in reading

1. Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen - LeVar Burton visits a pet show and discovers all kinds of unusual pets, including pet rocks. But some children can't have pets, so LeVar introduces a book about a little boy who wants a pet at a time when his family is having financial trouble and must hold the line on expenses. LeVar explains that even in "tight times" there are all kinds of ways to have fun without spending a dime, all for the price of a little ingenuity and imagination. "Check It Out," takes LeVar for a spin around the FREE public library.
2. Miss Nelson is Back by Harry Allard & James Marshall - What could be more intriguing than a mysterious treasure hunt? On LeVar's birthday, a messenger delivers a clue which leads him to a bookstore. There he finds a copy of a book about a teacher and her students who are masters of disguise. The search unveils do-it-yourself costumes and masks and a performance by Blackstone the Magician. The Upside Down Riddle Book, by Louis Phillips, adds some visual puzzles, with clues in pictures rather than words. The journey ends with a real surprise for LeVar…and for us!
3. Bea & Mr. Jones by Amy Schwartz - After a really rough day of taping - including flubbed lines - LeVar wearily opens a book which tells of a kindergartener and her father who change places in life. Lots of people wish they could trade places with someone else. Jason Hardman, age 12, dreamed of running a library and became the youngest librarian in the country. For those who don't know what to dream of, Stephanie Mills bay be able to help as she reads the poetry of Daydreamers by Eloise Greenfield.
4. Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema - Who says rainy days can't be fun? LeVar plans an adventure-filled day around the weather, including a look at the latest explanations for thuder and a big splash in a puddle to the tune of a lively song, "Puddle Hoppin'." Today's feature book tells of a young African boy who brings rain to his dry and thirsty pastures. There's no such thing as dull weather as we share in an action-packed aerial chase for thunderstorms at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. LeVar explores weather predictions and shows how to make your own rainbow.
5. Louis the Fish by Arthur Yorinks - Nearly everyone has longed to be an animal or bird or even a fish at one time or another. The story of Louis the Fish is a whale of a tale about a butcher who yearns to be a fish and turns into a salmon. LeVar gets along swimmingly with other creatures of the deep at the New England Aquarium and meets dolphins Dixie and Dolly of the Aquacircus in Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
6. Digging Up Dinosaurs by Aliki - There's a great deal of mystery surrounding the life and death of dinosaurs, but sleuth LeVar is just the leader for a fact-finding expedition. Inspired by today's feature book, which tells how dinosaur bones are uncovered and reassembled, LeVar decides to go on a fossil hunt of his own. With his trusty "Jeeposaurus Wreck," he takes us to Dinosaur National Park, where expert Linda West digs up some dinosaur secrets. The program is punctuated with dino-mite jokes told by a pretty saur-y comic (the voice of Jerry Stiller), from the book Tyrannosaurus Wrecks: A Book of Dinosaur Riddles by Noelle Sterne.
7. Liang & the Magic Paintbrush by Demi - The richness of Chinese-American culture is explored on location in New York City's Chinatown where LeVar Burton encounters the famous lion dancers who, for thousands of years, have celebrated happiness and brought good fortune. The feature book, taken from an old Chinese legend, tells of a boy who finds a magic paintbrush that brings everything he paints to life. This legend seems alive today as a computer magically creates the latest in technological art.
8. Gila Monsters Meet You At the Airport by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat - Moving can give a person the jitters, whether it's from one part of the country to another, or even from one grade to another. In the feature book, a little boy has some pretty unusual ideas about the life he'll lead when he moves to the left of the map - "Out West." LeVar takes an inquiring look at these myths with the help of a biologist in Arizona who shows us an amazing foot-long lizard, a Gila (heela) monster.
9. Three Days on A River in A Red Canoe by Vera B. Williams - A book can be a big help when you want to do something but you don't know exactly how. LeVar refers to his much-used copy of the feature book. The exciting story gives practical hints on how to tie knots, put up a tent and cook a delicious outdoor meal. In a real-life rafting trip of his own, LeVar rides the white water of the dangerous and uncharted Zambezi River in Africa.
10. The Gift of the Sacred Dog by Paul Goble - The first Americans had a very special relationship with the world around them. This folktale tells a Native American legend about the arrival of the horse and examines pond water and discovers what some of these tiny creatures really look like. We learn what germs are, what they look like, how they're caught, and how the human body fights against them. While visiting a microbiology laboratory, LeVar learns how scientists grow different kinds of germs to study them. Viewers will also examine different kinds of micro-organism including mold that grows on some of the food we eat. A visit to an organic farm illustrates how micro-organisms also keep the world alive.
11. Gregory-The Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat - Is there anything goats won't eat? LeVar journeys to the San Diego Zoo to find out. LeVar samples haute cuisine a la goat when he happens upon Nancy and Billy's Café, a small, intimate eatery run by and for the four-legged. Back at the San Diego Zoo kitchen, we find out about diets of a variety of animals.
12. Three by the Sea by Edward Marshall - LeVar spends a day at the beach and discovers groups of people all reading the same book: Three by the Sea. He buys a copy and reads about Lolly, Sam and Spider, who each tell their own story. LeVar explores the history and adventure of sea chanties and talks with the winners of a sand sculpture contest. Finally, a group of children join with an improvisational group to create ideas and action out of thin air - and their imaginations!
13. Arthurs Eyes by Marc Brown - LeVar's eyes are playing tricks on him and yours will too, if you try to figure out what is the real way to see things. Bill Cosby narrates the feature story about Arthur, a boy whose initial shyness about wearing glasses get him into some awkward scrapes. The program deals with another kind of blindness - the kind that sees past the color of a person's skin to the real person underneath.
14. The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Nobel - Kaleena Kiff narrates the tale of a school trip to a peaceful farm - turned wild when Jimmy's pet boa constrictor escapes. LeVar visits an exotic pet shop where he meets a tarantula and a boa constrictor. Then we're off to a livestock show where LeVar learns some surprising facts about barnyard animals.
15. Ty's One Man Band by Mildred Pitts Walter - A rap band, doo-wa group, jazz band and salsa band make different kinds of music when LeVar takes the audience to a concert in the park on a beautiful summer day. Later, Ben Vereen no only makes music but dances to it all at the same time. Ty's One Man Band, narrated by Lou Rawls, tells about a mysterious stranger who promised to create a one-man band out of thin air…and about the boy who believed he could.
16. Hot-Air Henry by Mary Calhoun - A colorful and exciting expedition for LeVar and our audience in a hot-air balloon! LeVar enjoys the feature book, Hot-Air Henry, narrated by William Windom, all about a very clever Siamese cat named Henry who has a riotous adventure with ballooning. LeVar takes us to a great ballooning event in Camden, South Carolina where aeronauts from all over the country meet and compete for prizes and pride.
17. Simon's Book by Henrik Drescher - Doodle-di-do, Doodle-di-do! Do you doodle? Have your doodles ever come to life? Well, Simon's did. In Our feature book, Simon's Book, charmingly narrated by Ms. Ruby Dee, Simon and his pen and ink friends are desperately trying to escape the clutches of the "monster". An avid "doodler" himself, LeVar takes us to the studio of the creator of the monster doodle, Henrik Drescher, who shows us how he turns gobs and splats of paint and ink into wonderful characters and creates his stories!
18. Oxcart Man by Donald Hall - It may look as if LeVar has stepped back in time as he bounces along in the back of an ox-cart, but he's really at Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts, a hands-on living museum where he comes to discover what life was like in the early 1800's.
19. Mystery on the Docks by Thatcher Hurd - Everybody's favorite kind of show…a suspense-filled mystery with an exciting and unexpecting setting. Mystery on the Docks, narrated by Raul Julia, all about the sights, smells and sounds of the waterfront at night. Foghorns, gangplanks and tough-looking characters involved in a mysterious plot inspire LeVar to investigate the "scene of the crime."
20. A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams - T-E-A-M…Yea, team! How many teams do you see in action every day? LeVar and friends are working hard as a team in this show to prepare a very exciting song and dance number called TEAMWORK. He gets the idea from the feature book, A Chair For My Mother, narrated by Amy Linker, all about a special family that works together, and little by little rebuilds their life after a fire destroys their home.
21. Paul Bunyon retold by Steven Kellogg - Who dug the Great Lakes, created the Grand Canyon and is the greatest logger that ever lived? Why, Paul Bunyan, of course! Narrated by Buddy Ebsen, the incredible feats of one of America's best-loved tall tale heroes is delightfully retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. Host LeVar Burton joins Smokey the Bear for a trip to Maine, the legendary birthplace of Paul Bunyan.
22. The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy - Narrated by Isabel Sanford, The Patchwork Quilt tells the story of a young girl who learns the secret ingredient in her Grandma's special quilt of memories. LeVar discovers kids learning to make their own brightly-colored patchwork quilts at the Boston Children's Museum, a hands-on museum where folk traditions are kept alive.
23. Hill of Fire by Thomas P. Lewis - Rumbling earthquakes, molten lava, fountains of fire - a volcano is born in a poor farmer's cornfield in the feature book, Hill of Fire, narrated by Fernando Escandon. Hill of Fire is based on the true story of the eruption of Paricutin volcano in Mexico. LeVar travels to Hawaii, our 50th state and home of the most active volcanoes in the world.
24. The Tortoise & the Hare retold by Janet Stevens - Gilda Radnor narrates this episode's feature book, The Tortoise & the Hare, the time-honored classic. LeVar faces a big challenge when he gets ready to compete against some of Hawaii's top bicyclists in the First Annual Rainbow Mini-Classic Bicycle Race.
25. Perfect, the Pig by Susan Jeschke - Imagine a pig with wings! James Coco narrates the high-flying adventures of one such special pig in this episodes feature book. LeVar has an adventure of his own when he discovers Kermit the Frog at the library and they have a lively discussion about Kermit's "special friend."
26. Animal Café by John Stadler - What really happens during the late night hours well into the wee hours of the morning? - that's the question that Maxwell pondered one morning each week when he found that the food on his shop's shelves had vanished overnight, and his cash register was "stuffed full of money." Inspired by our feature book, and narrated by Martin Short, LeVar burns the midnight oil in the city that never sleeps - New York.
27. Alistair in Outer Space by Marilyn Sadler - Alistair in Outerspace is a close encounter of the silliest kind. Alistair, that lovable, fastidious little boy, is on his way to return his books to the library when he is captured by a spaceship and whisked into space. His captors are twocolorful and outlandish creatures called Goots. LeVar visits the Library of Congress in our nation's capital and takes us on a treasure hunt through several library departments.
28. Feelings by Aliki - Happiness, loneliness, embarrassment, jealousy and excitement are just some of the feelings we all experience, and that's what our feature book is all about. The sights and sounds of New York City's Central Park provide the backdrop for LeVar's probe into the world of feelings and how they affect us and those around us.
29. Watch the Stars Come Out by Riki Levinson - What is it like to move to a new country and learn a different language and culture? In our feature book, a brother and sister bravely travel alone across the ocean to the great unknown United States. LeVar explores the plight of the many courageous immigrants who came to America filled with hopes and dreams as they descended upon Ellis Island.
30. Mama Dont Allow by Thacher Hurd - When Miles gets a saxophone for his birthday, neither his parents nor his neighborhood can stand the racket! However, when Miles and his Swamp Band receive an invitation to play at the Alligator Ball…no one guesses what's in store for them. Inspired by our feature book, LeVar takes us deep into the swamps of Louisiana where we visit an alligator farm, travel down the Mississippi in a riverboat, and meet one of New Orleans' hottest jazz saxophonists.
31. Space Case by Edward Marshall - What would it be like to meet beings from another planet? In Space Case, a young boy had this very opportunity one spooky Halloween night. LeVar sends a special invitation from all the aliens that might be watching READING RAINBOW to visit earth and shows them some of Earth's wonders.
32. The Milk Makers by Gail Gibbons - It's fresh and cold, foamy and white, and one of nature's most nutritious foods - milk! Thanks to The Milk Makers, narrated by Alaina Reed, everyone learns how this delicious liquid travels from a dairy cow to the neighborhood supermarket.
33. Imogenes Antlers by David Small - Animals, like people, come in different sizes, shapes, and colors; and all these differences make each of them unique. In Imogene's Antlers, narrated by Imogene Coca, a young girl wakes up one morning to discover that she has grown antlers overnight! LeVar takes a trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and gets a close-up look at various animals strutting their horns, antlers, feathers, colors, stripes, and a multitude of animal fashions.
34. Germs Make Me Sick by Melvin Berger - Our world is shared with millions of microorganisms, and although most of them are harmless, some make people sick. Using the world's best private eye, a microscope, LeVar examines pond water and discovers what some of these tiny creatures really look like.
35. Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger - When a town is threatened by the terrible giant Abiyoyo, a little boy and his father come up with a plan to save the towns-people. Music, in its different forms, can be a beautiful way to tell a story. Using an upbeat music-video format, LeVar reveals some of the ways a story can be told. Pete Seeger talks to LeVar about his special song. A popular New York City street rapping group, Rum DMC, performs its version of a rap-video, and a professional dance company tells the story of "The Beauty and the Beast." State-of-the-art computer animation, accompanied by the music of Phillip Glass, is an added feature.
36. The Life Cycle of a Honeybee by Paula Z. Hoga - Where does the honey come from? This is just one of the questions answered in today's book. LeVar's curiosity is satisfied when he visits a real-life beekeeper and examines a beehive close up. Viewers learn how honey is extracted from combs and how important the queen bee is to a well-organized hive.
37. Keep the Light Burning, Abbie by Peter & Connie Roop - This is the true story of a brave young girl who kept her lighthouse burning during a tremendous storm. LeVar travels to the rocky mid-coast of Maine for a tour through a modern day lighthouse. He also takes a trip on a 100-foot Maine coasting schooner and joins an authentic sailing family for a day at sea. As an added treat, viewers will meet a skillful craftsman who reveals the mystery of putting a ship in a bottle.
38. Chickens Aren't the Only Ones by Ruth Heller - Which came first, the chicken or the egg? LeVar searches for the answer to this age-old question. Assuming the role of a reporter, LeVar visits a chicken farm and provides viewers with "eggsclusive" information about how baby chicks are kept safe until their final moment of hatching. LeVar also travels to the beaches of Melbourne, Florida, where he discovers majestic loggerhead turtles emerging from the ocean to lay and bury their eggs in the sand.
39. The Paper Crane by Molly Bang - A generous restaurant owner receives a wonderful, magical gift from a stranger. LeVar celebrates Japanese culture by visiting Gasho of Japan in Central Valley, New York. Surrounded by lush gardens, LeVar dons a kimono and steps into an enchanting world, exploring the ancient art of origami and the artistry of a vegetable carver at work. As a special highlight, LeVar joins Soh Daiko, an energetic and colorful group of Japanese dancers, as they perform the "festival of the drums."
40. The Runaway Duck by David Lyon - Egbert, a carved wooden duck, doesn't mean to take a trip around the world, but that's what happens. His travels are delightfully chronicled as he travels in air, on land, and at sea. LeVar takes his own trip to Maryland's Chesapeake Bay to learn about waterfowl, nature's special birds. Viewers will also get a glimpse of the intricate art of duck carving, and "calling".
41. A Three Hat Day by Laura Geringer - Inspired by today's book, LeVar can go anywhere just by changing the hat he wears. When he puts on a jockey's cap, LeVar visits a racetrack where he rides in a horse race and experiences the thrill of the winner's circle. With the change of a hat, he joins the New York Islanders professional hockey team and learns what it's like to be a goalie. Just like R. R. Pottle the Third shows us in the featured book, dreams can come true…at the change of a hat.
42. Rumplestiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky - Imagine…no TV's, no radios, no cars, and few, if any, books. Life in the Middle Ages (500-1500 A.D.) was very different. In those days, some homes really were castles, and people used horses to travel from place to place. Entertainment was provided by traveling performers, such as minstrels and jesters. LeVar travels to a Renaissance festival where daily life is re-enacted with costumes, food, crafts, and music. There, he learns how to use a spinning wheel like the one used in today's feature book.
43. Best Friends by Steven Kellog - Two best friends learn how to share a newborn puppy, and LeVar learns this too, when he meets eight golden retriever puppies. There's a saying that "a dog can be your best friend," and it is important to take care of that friend. But some pets, like seeing-eye dogs, take care of people. Viewers learn how these special dogs are trained to act as eyes for the blind.
44. Meanwhile Back at the Ranch by Trinka Hakes Noble - While Rancher Hicks drives to Sleepy Gulch, he misses a very eventful, surprise-filled day back home. LeVar experiences the Old West as he rides a stagecoach across the Arizona desert and visits Old Tucson, an authentic western town. As an added treat, viewers meet a talented stunt woman who demonstrates rope tricks and thrilling stunts on horseback.
45. My Little Island by Frane Lessac - Pretend it is summer all year long and travel to Montserrat, an island in the West Indies. In the Carribean, the temperature hardly ever drops below 75 . Because of this tropical warmth, the people wear special clothes and grow special flowers and fruits such as pawpaws, mangoes, and breadfruit. Their homes are especially built for hot weather.
46. The Bionic Bunny Show by Marc Brown & Laurene Krasny Brown - In real life, Wilber is an ordinary rabbit. But when he goes to work each morning, he becomes TV's super hero - star of The Bionic Bunny Show. Viewers go behind the scenes of Star Trek: The New Generation (where LeVar plays Lt. Geordi LeForge) and learn about the making of a television show both in front of and behind the camera.
47. Bugs by Nancy Winslow Parker & Joan Richards Wright - Viewers learn where insects live, what they're good for, how they grow and much more. LeVar visits Insect World at the Cincinnati Zoo for an in-depth look at some of the more fascinating members of the insect world. The incredible story of the monarch butterflies migration to the Sierra Cinqui Mountains in Mexico is an added highlight.
48. The Robbery at the Diamond Dog Diner by Eileen Christelow - Can a talkative chicken named Gloria Feathers outwits a couple of Diamond Robber Mutts? LeVar goes behind the grill at Rosie's diner and gets a quick lesson on becoming a short-order cook.
49. Brush by Pere Calders - A brush comes to life as replacement for a banished dog. All may not be what it seems as LeVar takes a look at the art of 3-D animation and visits the Macy's warehouse where the famous Thanksgiving Day parade balloons and floats come to life.
50. The Purple Coat by Amy Hest - Every year Grandpa makes Gabrielle a navy blue coat, but this year she wants something new. LeVar visits New York City's garment district and has a coat made specially for him. Viewers also visit the Fashion Institute of Technology where they explore the fascinating world of design.
51. Barn Dance! by Bill Martin, Jr. & John Archambault - Viewers are invited to an old fashioned hoe-down when LeVar travels to the hilltops of Tennessee in search of true bluegrass music and down-home dancing. LeVar gets a lesson in clogging and kicks up his heels at an authentic barn dance.
52. Duncan & Delores by Barbara Samuels - A little girl attempts to win a cat's affection. LeVar travels to Marine World Africa USA in Vallejo, California, and learns how to befriend the king of beasts. Viewers get a glimpse at how humans turn into cats when Reading Rainbow goes behind the scenes of the popular Broadway musical CATS.
53. Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin, Jr. & John Archambault - It's a test of LeVar's courage when he chooses to camp out all night alone in the wilderness. He is inspired by today's book, a Native American tale about a young boy's emerging confidence facing his greatest challenge - his blindness. Viewers will also be inspired by a segment featuring Bree Walker, a TV reporter who overcame the obstacle of physical deformity.
54. Mummies Made in Egypt by Alike - Viewers are invited to take an in-depth look at the ancient and fascinating world of mummies. LeVar visits the Museum of Fine Arts Boston where the art of conserving Egyptian artifacts is explored. Through the use of CAT scan technology, viewers also see what a mummy looks like after thousands of years.
55. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe - This is an African tale about two very different sisters. Celebrate the culture of Africa in New York City's Central Park where LeVar learns how to play authentic African instruments and joins in the fun with the African dance troupe, Forces of Nature.
56. Humphrey, the Lost Whale: A True Story by W. Tokuda - Today's story traces the journey of "wrong-way" Humphrey as he finds his way back to the sea with the help of some friends. LeVar spends the day at sea on a whale-watching adventure where he uncovers some of the mysteries of the majestic humpback whale.
57. Stay Away from the Junkyard! by Tricia Tusa - Theodora wanders into the forbidden junkyard where she discovers that, although some things may appear useless at first glance, there are creative ways to give them purpose. Viewers meet an artist who collects what some people may consider "junk." The artist then transforms these everyday "junk" objects into beautiful artwork.
58. Little Ninos Pizzeria by Karen Barbour - Tony loves helping his dad make pizza at their family restaurant, until his dad decides to open a fancy new restaurant instead. Inspired by the book, LeVar decides to make a pizza on his own, but what he doesn't know is that his ordinary pizza pie has to feed an entire basketball team.
59. Ludlow Laughs by John Agee - Ludlow is a big grump who never laughs or smiles, but one night he has the funniest dream ever, and the whole world laughs with him. LeVar learns how to be funny from a "comedy make-over specialist." Viewers will also take a peek behind the scenes of a comedy club, and meet a real-life stand-up comic.
60. Dinosaur Bob & His Adventures With the Family Lizardo by William Joyce - While on Safari in Africa with his family, Scott Lazardo befriends a dinosaur he names Bob. Dinosaur Bob is a real pal with a hidden talent…he plays baseball! LeVar visits the Oakland Athletics at their spring training camp in Phoenix, Arizona.
61. Dive to the Coral Reefs by Elizabeth Taynton, Pul Erickson and Les Kaufman - Explore the strange and wonderful world that lies beneath the surface of the sea. LeVar scuba dives in the coral reefs off the Florida Keys where he encounters tropical fish and a variety of fascinating coral. Viewers will meet a "reef doctor" who restores life to damaged reefs by transplanting living coral.
62. Desert Giant:: The World of the Sagaro Cactus by Barbara Bash - Today's book takes the viewers to the beautiful landscape of Arizona's Sonoran Desert to discover the mysteries of the majestic saguaro cactus. The life and seasons of the desert are explored with an introduction to a variety of the desert's monsters, and a javelina pig. Viewers will also meet a real life "snake man" who gives them a close-up look at the amazing rattlesnake.
63. Tooth-Gnasher Superflash by Daniel Pinkwater - The Popsnorkles decide they need a new car, and they can't believe their eyes when they test drive the amazing Tooth-Gnasher Superflash. LeVar learns all the ins and outs of automobiles as he spends the day in a service station. Viewers also get a glance at what's in store for the future of automobiles when they witness the incredible Sunraycar, a solar-powered car.
64. Bored-Nothing To Do! by Peter Spier - Two boys build their own plane out of backyard materials and actually fly it. This exciting book inspires LeVar to take a flight lesson, and learn all about the miraculous feat of flying. Viewers go behind the scenes at an airport, and get a glimpse of the action that takes place before a plane takes off.
65. Sports Pages by Arnold Adoff - LeVar sweats it out on the basketball court, in the weight room, and on a bicycle for three. He shares his enthusiasm for athletics when he takes viewers from sport to sport - including soccer, basketball, ice skating, swimming, and gymnastics. The emotions and feelings of each sport are explored when we meet a variety of young athletes who, through determination and perseverance, express the joy of participating in sports.
66. The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole - This is a hilarious science adventure that follows a quirky teacher and her students on a field trip they'll never forget. Viewers see and learn about stalagmites, stalactites, and many other exciting crystal formations while LeVar experiences the thrill of "spelunking" (cave exploring) with a real-life cave expert.
67. Jack, The Seal & The Sea by Gerald Aschenbrenner, (English adaptation by Joanna Fink) - This is the heartfelt story of a man who, after finding an ailing seal, can no longer ignore the sorry state of our world's seas. Inspired by this moving book, LeVar goes on a Discovery Voyage in the San Francisco Bay to learn more about the preservation of our water and ways we can preserve the oceans. On this floating laboratory, he looks at a variety of marine life from the smallest the eye can see, to an amazing leopard shark. Viewers also get a first-hand look at the cleanup effort after a disastrous oil spill in Alaska.
68. The Bicycle Man by Allen Say - LeVar is inspired by today's book to explore the world of wheels and see how they keep us all rolling along. He meets a freestyle bicyclist who shows him some of the fancy tricks of the trade and takes a spin on several wheels himself, including: a skateboard, a scooter, and rollerblades. Viewers also get a glimpse of some human powered vehicles that are one of a kind. This lesson correlates with the Spokes and Sprockets cluster in the Heath Reader, A Soft Pillow for an Armadillo.
69. Florence & Eric Take the Cake by Jocelyn Wild - This is a delightful tale of good intentions gone wrong, or quite simply, a case of mistaken identity. This spirited, tongue-in-cheek story, read by Julia Child, sets the stage for LeVar's own case of mistaken identity. LeVar takes a trip behind the scenes of the MovieLand Wax Museum in Buena Park, California, and gets a close-up look at how a wax figure is made - and not just any wax figure at that! Viewers see how very talented bakers can make a cake look like just about anything.
70. Sunken Treasure by Gail Gibbons - An old treasure map leads LeVar on an exciting treasure hunt at "Pirates' Cove" in California. He uses every device known to man to find a treasure, including a trusty bloodhound. Viewers meet Dr. Robert Ballard of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution of Massachusetts, uses science and technology, located and explored the most famous shipwreck in history: the Titanic.
71. Alistairs Time Machine by Marilyn Sadler - This delightful story is about a boy who builds his own time machine. Meet a wacky woman inventor from the Stone Age, Thomas Edison, and a clever machine from the future which has its own surprises for LeVar. Viewers will also discover some children with creative inventions of their own, and take a look at some amusing inventions from the past that never quite made it into today's lifestyle.
72. The Adventures of Taxi Dog by Debra and Sal Barracca - Today's book follows a day in the life of a dog befriended by a "cabbie." Grab a seat next to LeVar as he gets behind the wheel of a New York City taxi cab. Laugh as you watch the many interesting and unusual ways people "hail" a cab. Viewers will find out how a dog can be not only a best friend, but for a young girl in Colorado a vital necessity for everyday life.
73. The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola - A young Indian boy follows his vision quest to find the special gift that he can give to his people. For the Pueblo Indian People of New Mexico, Mother Earth plays a crucial role in their art. Natural materials are used in their pottery, buckskin painting, and dance. A visit to Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico, provides the visual backdrop for LeVar and three Pueblo artists.
74. Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams - A young African boy uses his wits to search for scraps of wire to make his very own "Galimoto." Meet an artist who lets her imagination run free while creating objects made of wire. Viewers learn the many practical uses for wire, from transporting people on the longest tramway in the world, to playing an integral part in a circus act.
75. Fox on the Job by James Marshall - The perfect job is hard to come by and a lazy fox has an amusing time looking for one. LeVar goes to work on some household chores. Viewers meet a young entrepreneur who turns bright colors into big business and they will also encounter a unique twist on walking the family dog.
76. OPT: An Illusionary Tale by Arline and Joseph Baum - Join LeVar as he enters the pages of Opt and walks through a world made up of optical illusions. Viewers will find that seeing isn't always believing, the eye can be fooled. LeVar introduces a talented painter who specializes in art that can trick the eye.
77. Raccoons and Ripe Corn by Jim Arnosky - Grab your binoculars and your waders and you're off in search of wild animals. If you keep your eyes open and listen closely, you could become a wildlife detective!
78. The Lady With the Ship on Her Head by Deborah Nouse Lattimore - Join LeVar as anchor of a wild and wacky news report, Headline News- all the news from the neck up! Viewers will visit the biggest barbershop in the world and get a sneak preview of a hot new musical video.
79. Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express by Margaret K. Wetterer - All Aboard! Join LeVar on Amtrak's Coast Starlight train as he travels up the California coastline. Viewers will tour the engineer's cab and take a trip back in train history.
80. Snowy Day: Stories and Poems edited by Caroline Feller Bauer - grab your mittens and scarf and join LeVar in a wintery wonderland. LeVar travels to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Viewers will experience a variety of ways to beat winter's chills and enjoy all of its snowy thrills!
81. Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold - Viewers are taken up on the roof to a "tar beach," an urban oasis in the sky. A celebration of life above the city profiles a pigeon keeper and a rooftop gardener. A soaring tribute to the George Washington Bridge takes viewers to new heights.
82. The Wall by Eve Bunting - Inspired by this moving story, LeVar visits the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C. Viewers meet Maya Lin, the talented young architect who designed this amazing monument. A look at Mount Rushmore and a mural dedicated to Louis Armstrong expands the concept of walls as a way to pay tribute to those who have gone before.
83. Sam the Sea Cow by Francine Jacobs - This true story is narrated by Jason Robards. LeVar travels to Sea World of Florida for an up-close look at manatees. These gentle giants and their natural habitat are explored.
84. Rechenkas Eggs by Patricia Polacco - An egg-ceptional show! LeVar finds that an egg is everything it's cracked up to be…and more. Viewers will gain a new appreciation for the egg, in art and nature. The author/illustrator of today's feature book demonstrates the traditional Ukrainian egg painting art called Pysanky.
85. Sophie and Lou by Petra Mathers - A mouse named Sophie over-comes her shyness by learning to dance. From mambo to hip-hop, LeVar masters some fancy footwork. Then viewers are off on a globe-trotting look at dance around the world, including Bali, Ireland, and Australia.
86. Come A Tide by George Ella Lyon - Dixie Carter reads this book that tells the story of one quirky family's adventure during a spring flood. LeVar takes a look at dramatic weather from - blizzards to tornadoes, and everything in between. A news reporter gives an eye-witness account of Hurricane Hugo and the courageous people who weathered the storm.
87. The Piggy in the Puddle by Charlotte Pomerantz - LeVar takes viewers behind the scenes as the book is brought to life through the art of clay animation. From painting and sculpting the characters, to the painstaking process of filming the action frame by frame, the secrets of "claymation" are revealed.
88. Seashore Surprises by Rose Wyler - Viewers find there's more to the beach than meets the eye. Using the book as his guide, LeVar goes beachcombing in southwestern Florida. Then he meets up with two local naturalists to explore plant and animal life at the edge of the sea, including shells, mangroves, and more.
89. Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies by Ann Turner - This is a tender story about a family formed through adoption. People everywhere talk about the ups and downs of life as fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and more. It's a show everyone can relate to.
90. Berlioz the Bear by Jan Brett - This is the amusing tale of the mishaps of a band of bears who take their show on the road. The rhythm of New York City sends LeVar off on his own musical journey. Along the way, he meets musicians who call the streets their stage. Viewers go behind the scenes at The Boys' Choir of Harlem.
91. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman - A little girl wants to be Peter Pan and refuses to let narrow thinking stand in her way. This inspiring story takes us on a journey where we meet other amazing women who have reached beyond stereotypes to pursue their dreams. In a warm and personal interview, Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg shares her own aspirations and triumphs.
92. The Furry News: How To Make a Newspaper by Loreen Leedy - This is an entertaining look at the ins and outs of creating a newspaper. Nationally syndicated cartoonist Ray Billingsley shares his inspirations with viewers and demonstrates the process involved in creating his cartoon strip, "Curtis."
93. Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco - This is the heart-warming story of a special relationship that transcends age and cultural differences. LeVar celebrates the beauty and value of cross-cultural relationships as he visits his very own "bubee" and learns to make challah.
94. The Salamander Room by Anne Mazer - Viewer's learn there's more to creating an animal habitat than meets the eye. LeVar guides us through "Jungle World," a simulated rainforest at the Bronx Zoo, and shows us how this incredible environment was created.
95. Silent Lotus by Jeanne M. Lee - This charming story introduces viewers to a little deaf girl who is blessed with the talent to communicate with her world through dance. LeVar opens the door to a vast and expressive world of non-verbal communication and even tries his hand at sign language.
96. Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter - This show explores an infamous chapter in America's history. As he celebrates the road to freedom paved by the Underground Railroad, LeVar introduces viewers to the history, heroes, stories, and music of the African-American culture which emerged from slavery.
97. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laurie Joff Numeroff - The book explores the delightful chain reaction set in motion when a little boy offers a cookie to a visiting mouse. LeVar takes viewers to a bowling center where he tries to master the chain reactions involved in the game of bowling.
98. Is This A House for Hermit Crab? by Megan McDonald - Finding the right home becomes particularly important when that home is carried around on your back. Today's program takes a light-hearted look at animal habitats and shows LeVar building a house for his favorite flying friends in his own backyard.
99. And Still the Turtle Watched by Shiela MacGill-Callahan - This Native American tale recounts the timeless message of our responsibility to nature and our environment. LeVar explores various ways that children and adults are working together to protect and preserve the Earth.
100. June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner - A science project apparently gone awry propels viewers into a whimsical world of science fiction - or is it fact?
101. Nosey Mrs. Rat by Jeffrey Allen - Nosey Mrs. Rat, narrated by Faith Prince, takes a humorous look at snooping around, and shows how an investigative mind can lead to great discoveries. In an informative interview, primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall explains how her own curiosity helped her become a leading scientist in the study of primates.
102. Borreguita and the Coyote by Verna Aardema - Enter the vibrant world of Mexican-Americans in Borreguita and the Coyote, narrated by Olga Merediz. A little lamb uses her wits to gain the upper hand and outsmart a hungry coyote. LeVar explores the sights and sounds of his Mexican-American neighbors, and interviews the musical group Los Lobos, who invite LeVar to their home for a fun-filled fiesta.
103. Summer by Ron Hirschi - Lemonade on a garden porch; pumpkins and rust colored leaves; hot cocoa and snowmen; brightly colored tulips and singing birds - the unique drama created by each season is explored in Summer, and narrated by Ossie Davis. LeVar cycles through the seasons and shows just how special each seasonal change is to the plants, animals and world around us.
104. Once There Was a Tree by Natalia Romanova - Once There Was a Tree, narrated by Eli Wallach, beautifully weaves together the important relationship among all living things, and our dependence on trees for food, shelter and the air we breathe. LeVar explores the magnificent life cycle of trees in the forest and their importance to humans, animals and the planet.
105. Appelemando's Dreams by Patricia Polacco - Narrated by Michael Learned, Applemando's Dreams is the story of a little boy who uses his dreams to create colorful images that brighten the world for himself and his friends. LeVar demonstrates fun and creative ways to spark the imagination and inspire the artist in all of us.
106. The Lotus Seed by Sherry Garland - The Lotus Seed, narrated by Rona Figueroa, is the touching story of a young Vietnamese woman who, when forced to flee her country, takes a lotus seed with her as a warm reminder of her past. LeVar explores how traditions and heritage are passed down through generations when he meets families who have come to the United States and embrace more than one culture.
107. Hail to Mail by Samuel Marshak - In Hail to Mail, narrated by Al Roker, the seemingly simple act of mailing a letter is revealed as a journey through an intricate network, sometimes spanning the world in an effort to get the mail delivered on time. LeVar takes viewers behind the scenes of the postal service and introduces some of the dedicated staff who bring us closer to the people we care about, no matter how far away they are.
108. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon - Stellaluna, narrated by Anne Jackson, is the charming story of a baby bat who is separated from her mother and ends up being raised in a most peculiar way by a family of birds. LeVar discovers a mysterious and fascinating world of nocturnal animals, and explores the not-so-silent world of slumber and dreams.
109. My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson - My Shadow, narrated by Robert Guillaume, examines our fascination with light and shadows: how they create such beautiful imagery together. LeVar demonstrates how light and shadow can be used to tell the time, and even gets some fun lessons on the art of creating shadow puppets, as he sheds a little light on shadows.
110. Ruth Law Thrills a Nation by Don Brown - Ruth Law Thrills a Nation, narrated by Linda Lavin, takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure, exploring some of the unsung heroines of aviation. Take a trip through time, from the barnstorming days of Bessie
111. The Wonderful Towers of Watts by Patricia Zelver - The Wonderful Towers of Watts, narrated by Angela Bassett, explores the beauty and courage of a community challenged daily by violence. In a revealing segment, LeVar meets with children from Watts, who share their hopes, concerns and future aspirations for themselves and their community with viewers.
112. Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh - READING RAINBOW goes to the dogs as LeVar's favorite pooch, Luke, steps to the forefront and takes over the show in Martha Speaks, narrated by Jo Hayden. Viewers get a dog's-eye view of life and get to meet some incredible canine daredevils who prove that a dog is truly a child's best friend - no bones about it!
113. Alejandros Gift by Richard E. Albert - The lush oases of California's Indian Canyon desert provide the setting for Alejandro's Gift, narrated by Francisco Rivela. In this episode, LeVar discovers the vast importance of water and demonstrates how the "gift" of water can be the most important gift of all.
114. The Sign Painters Dream by Roger Roth - Visit the bright lights and big city signs of New York's Times Square in The Sign Painter's Dream, narrated by Jamie Farr. In this episode, LeVar takes a look at the role that signs play in our everyday lives and goes behind the scenes of an advertising agency and the Artkraft Strauss sign company to witness the creation and placement of one of these spectacular, neon-lit signs in Times Square.
115. Archibald Frisby by Michael Chesworth - LeVar takes viewers on a "tale-spinning" ride when he climbs aboard the Great American Scream Machine at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure Amusement Park and explores the humorous adventures of Archibald Frisby, narrated by Arnold Stang.
116. Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting - Fly Away Home is the touching story of a young homeless boy who longs for the day that he can "fly away" to a home of his own, and away from the airport where he lives with his father. Revealing interviews with children and their families explore the plight of the homeless in this country.
117. Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell - Uncle Jed's Barbershop, narrated by Regina Taylor, is the story of dreams deferred and finally attained. After years of setbacks, Uncle Jed's dream of opening his very own barbershop in the segregated South is fulfilled with the love and support of family and friends.
118. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman - How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, narrated by Helen Mirren, tells the whimsical story of a young girl whose desire to make a simple apple pie results in an exotic global jaunt as she gathers the ingredients for her pie. Viewers will also visit LeVar in his kitchen, as he whips up some of his own goodies and gets cooking tips from chef Curtis Aikens, who uses science to unravel some of the tricks and reasoning behind everyday cooking.
119. Owen by Kevin Henkes - Owen, narrated by Matthew Broderick, examines some of the more humorous aspects of childhood through the eyes of a little mouse who refuses to be separated from his "blankie."
120. How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz - READING RAINBOW ventures into the magical world of math in How Much is a Million? LeVar explores creative ways of counting to a million and uses simple techniques of grouping and estimating to solve everyday problems.
121. Always My Dad by Sharon Dennis Wyeth - Always My Dad examines the wonderful, complex and multifaceted relationships that make everyone's family unique. The story warmly explores a young girl's special relationship with her father, despite the fact that she does not see him frequently.
122. Bread is for Eating by David and Phillis Gershator - Hot, delicious home-made bread. Everyone loves it and every culture makes it. Bread is for Eating explores the love and warmth that goes into making every loaf of bread, from seed to supermarket. In mouth-watering segments, LeVar tries his hand at bread baking and discusses the history of this basic, wonderful and international food.
123. Hotel Animal by Keith DuQuette - Hotel Animal explores math from an amusingly tiny point of view. The story examines the humorous adventures experienced by a pair of petite lizards who check into the amply sized Hotel Animal. In equally amusing segments, LeVar explores size relationships and proportion as his imagination takes him on a topsy-turvy ride when he shrinks to the size of a pencil and grows as large as a giant.
124. Someplace Else by Carol P. Saul - For many people, no place is as special as home, while others long to explore life someplace else. Someplace Else is the fun-loving tale of Mrs. Tillby who, after years of living in the same place, sets off to explore life in other places, from the hustle of the big city to the quiet of a lakeside cabin.
125. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss - Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin, narrated by Gregory Hines, explores the melodious rhythmical patterns and instruments that make up an orchestra. Taped on location at New York City's Julliard School of Music, viewers will visit with an orchestra of 8 - 18 year-olds who give LeVar a few tips on playing the timpani. LeVar visits percussion performers STOMP who demonstrate some of their routines.
126. On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier (viewer discretion advised) - On the Day You Were Born, narrated by Patrick Stewart, explores the wonder and beauty that surrounds the birth of a child. LeVar visits a maternity ward filled with newborns, and viewers meet a family preparing for the arrival of a new family member. The program travels into the delivery room to share in the moments surrounding the baby's birth.
127. Hip Cat by Jonathan London - Hip Cat, explores America's most original music form - jazz! LeVar becomes a "hip cat" hanging out with musicians while they experiment with the cool, melodic sounds of jazz. Highlighted is a jazz saxophonist, Joshua Redman, who discusses the influence that music has had on his life and how he uses music to communicate with the world.
128. Regina's Big Mistake by Marissa Moss - Regina is so afraid of making a mistake on her art project that she won't even pick up a crayon to get started. Regina's Big Mistake, explores some of the ways that artists express themselves through their work, and takes a look at the creative process. Segments highlight a variety of art forms and the hidden artist in everyone.
129. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp - Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message, celebrates the beauty, bounty and resources of the Earth. The Native American belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift leads the viewer to a family harvesting cranberries and to city kids planting trees in their neighborhood, reinforcing the message of responsibility that we all share in caring for our environment.
130. The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg - The Carousel, is the touching story of sisters who, after the death of their mother, search for her legacy through their memories, imaginations and a magical ride on a carousel. LeVar visits children in Harlem who are working with artists and designers to build a carousel for their community park, illustrating how the power of legacies are passed on to us by special people in our lives.
131. Math Cure by Jon Scieszka - When the teacher tells her class that they can think of almost everything as a math problem, one student acquires a math anxiety, which becomes a real curse. This student spends the day learning how to break the curse, and finally succeeds when she discovers she can solve any math problem.
132. My Life With the Wave by Catherine Cowan and Octavio Paz - A child befriends a wave at the seashore and brings her home. At first, she fills the house with fresh air and shimmers like a rainbow. But, soon the child's family discovers that the wave's moods are as changeable as the tide. They must decide how to get this homesick wave back to the ocean where she belongs.
133. Saturday Sancocho by Leyla Torres - Maria enjoys helping her grandparents, Mama Ana and Papa Angelino, make Chicken Sancocho every Saturday. And one Saturday, when they realize that they don't have any of the ingredients needed to make Sancocho, except for eggs, Maria wonders how they will ever make her favorite chicken dish. Mama Ana shows her, by inviting Maria to the market, where they barter and trade for the rest of the needed ingredients.
134. When Lena Did the Rhumba by Eileen Kurtis-Kleinman - Sophie's aunt loves Broadway musicals, and attends them every Wednesday. When she returns, she always sings and acts out the show for her niece. One day, when Aunt Lena is demonstrating a particular dance, she falls and sprains her ankle. Sophie knows how hard it is for her aunt to be confined to a bed, and convinces the rest of the family to put on a show for her.
135. Work Song by Gary Paulson - Illustrations and rhyming text depict people doing all kinds of work essential to everyone's daily lives. Portrays a variety of jobs, each dignified and celebrating the work ethic in its own way.
136. The Shaman's Apprentice: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest - In this story of discovery and hope, a fatal disease comes to the Tirio Village in the Amazon leaving a few villager's with faith in the shaman's healing. When a foreign woman arrives, she helps the village understand the importance of the shaman's wisdom, and this helps a Tirio boy realize his dream.
137. Pet Stories: You Don't Have to Walk - In this tail-wagging episode, LeVar Burton and his canine companion, Roy, enjoy funny pet stories, hang out at "U-Wash-Doggie" (a pet-wash), and have a birthday celebration for Roy at "The Three Dogs Bakery." In a heart-warming segment, we learn about animal adoption and the most famous cat of all, Scarlett who rescued her five kittens from a fire is living happily in Brooklyn. We also meet Baldo and his parrot, Bubu, who have a very special relationship.
138. Lemonade For Sale - In this math-based episode, we meet LeVar on the floor of the stock exchange (under the big board). Featuring a book about the "Elm Street Kids' Club's" lemonade stand, the show explores big and small businesses and gives viewers a closer look at the economics of running a business.
139. The Secret Shortcut - In the book, two friends, Wendell and Floyd, discover a secret shortcut - in an effort to arrive at school on time - which leads LeVar, in this math-based show, to explore the use of maps, mazes, and other travel problem solving techniques.
140. My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States - LeVar celebrates the geographical beauty of America with wonderful poems that conjure up images of the beautiful, geographical regions in the United States.
141. Badger's Parting Gifts - A "remembrance" show dedicated to keeping loved ones that have passed on, still a part of our lives. In the show's feature book, Badger's friends are overwhelmed when they lose him, but in time they recall memories of him and feel better.
142. The Tin Forest – In this book a lonely, old man who lives in a gray place, surrounded by other people’s discards, builds the forest of his dreams. Deeply affected by the events of September 11th, LeVar spends time with students of P.S. 234, an elementary school just blocks away from Ground Zero. Challenged by tremendous upheaval, students share how they have endured their situation better than anyone would imagine. Together with Reading Rainbow the entire school creates a music video to share their powerful message of gratitude and hope.
143. Max – Max is the son of superhero parents whose soaring abilities are brought to life when an emergency arises. LeVar spends the day at a firehouse and learns what inspires firefighters. We also follow Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons as they rescue, rehabilitate and release an injured goose. Finally, through an upbeat song, we celebrate the heroes that surround us every day.
144. Enemy Pie – When his dad suggests making an “enemy pie,” the boy in this book is excited, but confused about the requirement of spending an entire day with his adversary. In the end, he learns how to turn a best enemy into a best friend. A series of young friends share how they became friends and how they make their friendships work. Then LeVar introduces us to two friends from very different backgrounds who spend the day exploring their cultural differences. They discover that they are more similar than they ever would have throught.
145. Our Big Home: An Earth Poem – This poem expands the concept of home to include the entire earth – and LeVar explores our global interdependence when he visits the United Nations, and then meets Craig Kielburger, the teenage founder of Kids Can Free The Children, a global youth group totally run by kids. We follow members of this youth organization on an extraordinary journey to the poorest section of Nicaragua where they build a school.
146. Visiting Day – A young girl and her grandmother make the long bus trip every month to visit the girl’s father in prison. Some children don’t get to live with their parents. In this episode LeVar introduces a family separated by a prison sentence. We join the family for visiting day and find out what life is like for kids when a parent is incarcerated, and what it’s like for a parent who can’t be at home with his family.
147. Unique Monique – Monique’s school uniform doesn’t allow her to express herself so she experiments with ways to be unique before finally discovering a way to stand out without breaking the rules. Each and every one of us is unique – even twins. At the Twinsburg Twins Days Festival we join twins as they celebrate their alikeness and their individuality. Then LeVar finds out how Brandon, who as a child had difficulty expressing himself because he stuttered, now helps kids express their uniqueness and individuality through art.
148. Mr. George Baker – Harry sits on the porch with 100 year old Mr. George Baker who can dance and play the drums but goes to school, just like Harry, so he can learn to read.
149.  Beegu – Beegu, a small space creature finds no welcome on Earth until she meets some children on a play ground. Ever wonder what it’s like in outer space? LeVar shows us Earth from a whole new perspective as we see out planet from the vantage point of space. We also witness the moon exploration missions, find out how scientists created rovers to explore Mars, and have a look at a kid-written story about a Mars adventure.
150. Two Old Potatoes and Me – After a young girl finds two old potatoes at her father’s house, they plant and tend them to see if they will have new potatoes in September. LeVar and his daughter Michaela welcome us to their kitchen as they explore how kitchen waste can actually be re-used to help their garden grow. Then it’s off to visit artists who take cast offs and then them into something beautiful and useful, and to a manufacturing to watch the a-maize-ing feat of turning corn into something totally unexpected.
151. The Biggest Test in The Universe – The Biggest Test in the Universe is a story of a boy dreading the “big test” which has become his elementary school’s right-of-passage. The pressure to prepare and do well in this test is echoed by host LeVar Burton’s daughter Michaela as she practices for an audition, and by the young members of the NYC children’s theater group TADA! as they pour their hearts and souls into preparing for a performance.
152. I Lost My Tooth in Africa – No matter where in the world we live, we meet the challenges of growing up and celebrate our accomplishments… with a little help from family and friends.  I Lost My Tooth in Africa, written by a girl and illustrated by her father, tells the tale of a young girl who loses a tooth while visiting her father’s family in Africa.
153. Boxes for Katje – Through acts of kindness and generosity, big and small, we can make a difference to people in need. Boxes for Katje, based on real events, this story is about a charitable effort that begins with a girl and her family, who send a care package to Holland during World War II, and grows to envelop both communities.
154. Game Day – Although participation in sports benefits us physically, mentally, and emotionally, staying in the game is what really counts. Game Day, written by NFL superstar twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber, share the story of how, as youngsters, they learned that success is built on team effort.
155. Show Way – Finding our heritage through family stories and artifacts provides a mirror to the past and a window to the future. Show Way traces the lineage of one family’s women who began creating quilts with secret maps to freedom during the years of slavery and continued in the generations beyond as a tribute to the past.

---

SIGNATURE: Contemporary Writers

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------Gr. 9 - 12
6 – 60 minute programs

See what it’s like to be a writer today through video portraits of six diverse writers, all with roots in the South – Bobbie Ann Mason, Ed McClanahan, Marsha Norman, George C. Wolfe, Lee Smith, and Barbara Kingsolver. The authors read from their own works and talk about their lives, their influences, their successes, and their failures. Students will gain insight into the writing process and learn creative strategies for turning their own experiences into compelling writing. This series is useful for courses in American literature, contemporary fiction, theater, women’s studies, and Southern fiction.

1. Bobbie Ann Mason – Features her award-winning novels, In Country and Feather Crowns, and presents readings from her story collections, Love Life and Shiloh and Other Stories.
2. Ed McClanahan – Presents the exuberant humor and style of this writer’s work, including his sprawling novel, The Natural Man.
3. Marsha Norman – The work of this playwright ranges from the Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘night, Mother, a gritty urban drama, to the Tony Award-winning musical The Secret Garden.
4. George C. Wolfe – This Tony Award-winning playwright and director recently assumed leadership of the New York Shakespeare Festival/Joseph Papp Public Theater. His Broadway credits include The Colored Museum, Jelly’s Last Jam, and Angels in America.
5. Lee Smith – The novels and short stories of this recipient of eight major writing awards provide insight into the people and culture of Appalachia. Includes analysis of Fair and Tender Ladies and other works.
6. Barbara Kingsolver – Includes analysis of her critically acclaimed novels The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams, and Pigs in Heaven, which reflect her concern for many social and political causes.

---

UNIVERSAL WORDS

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------Gr. 4-6
8 – 30 minute programs

For Activity Guide, email: FFXNetwork@fcps.edu

The English language has a rich history and is made up of an expansive vocabulary. This series taps into the roots of English vocabulary by investigating word meanings, origins, prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Each program includes a vocabulary list culled from science, history, geography, Latin, and culture. The goal is to give students greater knowledge and the ability to see the everyday relevance of words. This fun, fast-paced program starts with a basic vocabulary list and builds to include a science experiment, a history lesson, and some elements of Jeopardy!

1. Dr. Esperanto presents the words “ballast,” “permeable,” and the vowel sound “schwa.” The Latin phrase of the week is “quid pro quo.” Dr. Esperanto’s science experiments illustrate the vocabulary word “vacuum.”
2. Dr. Esperanto presents the words “rural,” “urban,” “abundant,” and the suffix “-ectomy.” The Latin phrase of the week is “pro bono publico.” In the science segment, Dr. Esperanto builds a wet-cell battery using compounds and elements from the Periodic Table of Elements.
3. Dr. Esperanto presents the words “comprehensive,” “translucent” and “organic.” The Latin phrase of the week is “facta, non verba.” In the science segment, Dr. Esperanto builds and “calibrates” a simple postal scale.
4. Dr. Esperanto presents the words “vernacular,” “digital,” and “optimist.” The Latin phrase of the week is “esta perpetua.” Dr. Esperanto’s science experiment uses “water displacement” to capture argon gas, measure the amount of carbon dioxide, and calculate the age of a stalactite.
5. Features the words real estate, infrastructure, versatile, carpe diem, diagnosis, wholesale, philanthropist, keystone, and GOP. In the laboratory, Dr. Esperanto creates a solar heated hot air balloon.
6. Features the words protoplasm, metabolism, bonanza, phobia, venue, profile, semper paratus, mediocre, chassis, and Suez Canal. Students discover the properties of carbon dioxide in the laboratory.
7. Features the following words and their origins: generic, cerebrum, baby boomer, tempora mutantur (times have changed), metacognition, centrifugal force, diffusion, dovetail, aspiration, and Delmarva Peninsula. In his laboratory, Dr. Esperanto extracts iron from magnetite gravel.
8. Program features the words synthetic, euphemism, homogeneous, heterogeneous, Wedgwood, utilitarian, benzoic acid, hacksaw, Bay of Fundy, and summa cum laude (with highest honors). Plus, in the science segment, Dr. Esperanto shows how to record a sound wave.

---

VOICES & VISIONS

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------Gr. 9-12
13 – 60 minute programs

The lives and works of 13 renowned American poets are interpreted through dramatic readings, archival photographs, dance, performances, and interviews in this inspiring series. Illustrative poems in each program are accompanied by insights into their historical and cultural connections. The series covers the terminology of poetry and the larger role of poets in American and world literature studies. Poets include Langston Hughes, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Elizabeth Bishop.

1. Elizabeth Bishop – From childhood in Nova Scotia to travels in Brazil, this program illustrates the geographic spirit of Bishop’s life and works with scenes from her poems.
2. Hart Crane – Diverse locations and dramatizations of his life illustrate Crane’s poetry and his greatest work, “The Bridge.”
3. Emily Dickinson – Dramatic scenarios and New England landscapes illuminate the passionate genius of Dickinson, whose poems represent a broad range of imaginative experience.
4. T. S. Eliot – Eliot’s life, influence, and poetry from the bold originality of “Prufrock” to the probing, meditative style of “Four Quarters” are explored with photos, archival footage, and discussion with friends, critics, and scholars.
5. Robert Frost – Frost’s image as elder statesman is vividly contrasted with his vigorous, poetic exploration of the darker forces of nature and the human condition. Readings and interviews with the poet reveal compelling insights into his work.
6. Langston Hughes – Hughes wrote of the beauty, dignity, and heritage of blacks in America. Interviews, music, and dance performances convey his work and influence, discussed by James Baldwin and biographer Arnold Reampersad.
7. Robert Lowell – Lowell’s political passion encompasses much of this greatest poetry. Lowell himself reads from his work. Elizabeth Hardwick, Robert Hass, and others discuss his development and style as illustrated by “Lord Weary’s Castle” and “Life Studies.”
8. Marianne Moore – Funny, formidable, and paradoxical, the poet and her work are analyzed by critics and friends, including Monroe Wheeler, Grace Sulman, and Patricia Willis. Her most memorable poems display her power of observation and moral force.
9. Sylvia Plath – The creative intensity with which Plath confronted her experiences as daughter, wife, mother, and writer is explored in documentary and archival footage intercut with visualizations of her work.
10. Ezra Pound – The most controversial of American poets – artistic catalyst, legendary confidant, and author of brilliant cantos – Ezra Pound and his poetry and role in the modernist movement are explored by friends and critics.
11. Wallace Stevens – Steven’s flamboyant verbal technique and philosophical vision of American life are beautifully illustrated by archival footage.
12. Walt Whitman – Brilliant readings of Whitman’s poems demonstrate his American vision and style and vividly convey their poignance and sheer power. Whitman’s sources, including Emerson, the King James Bible, opera, and political oratory, are revealed.
13. William Carlos Williams – “No ideas but in things,” Williams’s aesthetic dictum sought to capture, not analyze. A collage of documentary footage, interviews, animation and dramatization capture the poet’s often visual work and intense life.

---

WILD WORLD OF PHONICS

Use Rights: UNLIMITED ------Gr. K - 5
5 - 20 minute programs

Five different animal tales provide entertaining and effective support for Language Arts reading skills classes utilizing the whole word approach. Student interaction and word recognition skills are stimulated as sound-alike and look-alike words are featured. Programs also offer subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.

1. A Colt Called Lucky – Lucky, a wild mustang colt living in the desert mountains of the Southwest, is rounded up along with the rest of his herd, and sold to a rancher who pastures him in a lush Rocky Mountain meadow. An entertaining tale that teaches the “L” blends, “R” blends and “S” blends elements of phonics, and provides invigorating inspiration for students in Language Arts reading classes. The program also offers subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.
2. Daisy Discovers the World – Daisy, a young sea lion, lives in the Galapagos Islands. Curious about the world, she sets off on an adventure to a mysterious underwater forest of giant kelp. After a narrow escape from fishermen with huge nets, Daisy swims back to her islands – admitting that while adventure may be exciting, there’s truly no place like home. An enchanting adjunct to Language Arts reading classes, this phonics program teaches about long vowels in words that are controlled by the “Magic ‘E’.” The program also offers subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.
3. A Good Thing About Spots – Sabu, a shy leopard cub, lives with his mother in an African savannah. Sabu doesn’t like his spots, which he thinks make him look odd. As Sabu’s mother teaches him survival skills, they encounter lots of other animals. When humans arrive, Sabu’s mother tells him to run into the bushes, where his spots will help him hide. When he emerges, Sabu and his mother are captured and hauled away in a truck. Luckily, their captors are park rangers who release the leopards into the safety of a wildlife reserve – and Sabu comes to appreciate the true value of his spots. An engaging media supplement for Language Arts reading classes, this phonics program emphasizes the short vowels and the sounds they make in words. The program also offers subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.
4. A Jungle for Joey – This is the story of Joey, a young orangutan, living in the tropical forests of Borneo. When humans begin building roads and logging the timber, the orangutans flee and Joey becomes separated from his family. Wandering alone, he is rescued by a wildlife officer who sends him to an animal refuge, where he is reunited with his family. Students in Language Arts reading classes will be enchanted by this program, which teaches the phonics rules for the vowel digraphs “AR”, “ER”, “OR”, “UR”, and “IR” in an easy-to-grasp, exciting way. The program also offers subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.
5. Nina’s Strange Adventure – Nina, a young Amazon river otter, gains the power to become other animals. Changing herself into a bird, Nina flies over a large, crowded city – where a captive monkey warns her of danger. Fleeing the city, Nina survives mishaps on her way home (including being transformed into a grasshopper!), and settles back into her old life with renewed appreciation. An enchanting media adjunct for Language Arts reading classes, this phonics program teaches the consonant digraphs “SH”, “CH”, “WH”, and “TH” at the beginning and ends of words. The program also offers subtle cross-curricular reference to ecological/environmental issues.

---

WISHBONE

Use Rights: LOAN ONLY ------Gr. 3 - 8
48 - 30 minute programs

This live-action program follows the exploits of Wishbone the dog and his human friends, Joe, David and Samantha through their adventures in their hometown of Oakdale. Wishbone’s everyday experiences trigger his imagination and he finds himself in scenes from classic works of literature.

1. A Tail in Twain, Parts 1 and 2 – The kids have an end-of-summer adventure in Jackson Park and learn about the power of stories. Wishbone, as Tom Sawyer, has an adventure with Huck Finn in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
2. Twisted Tail – The kids are swept up in a crime wave that hits their Oakdale neighborhood and causes them to choose their friends more carefully. Wishbone, as the orphan Oliver Twist in Charles Dickens’ novel, is trapped by a web of crime in London.
3. Rosie, Oh! Rosie, Oh! – Faulty communication separates Wishbone and Samantha from a beagle they both love. Meanwhile, the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets keeps Wishbone as Romeo from Juliet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
4. Homer Sweet Homer – The kids refuels to give up when developers come to destroy Jackson Park and their favorite tree. Wishbone imagines himself as Odysseus, who never gives up the heroic quest to save his home in Homer’s The Odyssey.
5. Bark That Bark – David overloads on responsibilities and doesn’t understand the wisdom of asking for help. Wishbone explores the power of wisdom as it lies within two African-American folk tales.
6. Cyranose – Poetry becomes drama when the kids confront a challenging English assignment. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Cyrano de Bergerac impresses Roxanne with his poetic words in Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac.
7. The Slobbery Hound – Wishbone is falsely accused; he and the kids team up as detectives to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Sherlock Holmes investigates an alleged canine criminal in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
8. Digging Up the Past – Dr. Thelma Brown comes back to visit her childhood home and takes Joe, Sam and David on a dig for a long-lost time capsule. Meanwhile, Wishbone as the living time capsule, Rip Van Winkle, teaches the value of the past in Washington Irving’s tale.
9. Bone of Arc – Samantha becomes the heroine of the boys’ soccer team, while Wishbone becomes her ally. Meanwhile, Joan of Arc leads the men of the French Army against the English in Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc. Wishbone is her friend, Louis de Conte.
10. The Impawssible Dream – Wishbone coaches Joe in pursuit of his dream – being in the Encyclopedia of World Records. This reminds him of Sancho Panza, who supports the knight Don Quixote’s dream-quest in Miguel Cervantes’ Don Quixote.
11. Fleabitten Bargain – Joe learns the price of instant gratification when a sneaky salesman tries to make a deal with him. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Goethe’s Faust makes a deal with the devil that he’ll never forget.
12. Sniffing the Gauntlet – David comes through for the team by keeping his cool in the heat of competition. Wishbone, as Ivanhoe, keeps the Knight’s Code as he defends Rebecca’s honor in Sir Walter Scott’s dramatic novel.
13. Hunchdog of Notre Dame – Samantha stands up for Nathaniel when he has trouble making friends on the roller hockey team. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Quasimodo befriends Esmerelda as they search for safety in Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame.
14. Golden Retrieved – Joe forgets Wishbone when nothing seems more important than a new mountain bike. Wishbone as Silas Marner, learns that some things are more important than gold in George Eliot’s Silas Marner.
15. A Tale of Two Sitters – It is guild by association when Emily and a friend cut loose and get Wishbone into trouble. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Charles Evremonde is on trial for his family’s crimes while the French Revolution explodes in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.
16. Frankenbone – David’s got trouble on his hands when he adds a little spark to his science fair project. This reminds Wishbone of Dr. Frankenstein, who unleashes a monster of his own making in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
17. Hot Diggity Dawg – While helping Wanda dig, Wishbone finds a mysterious treasure. This reminds him of Professor Liedenbrock, who digs his way to the mystery that lies at the center of the Earth in Jules Verne’s A Journey to the Center of the Earth.
18. One Thousand and One Tails – David has an adventure with bandits on the Internet, while Wishbone tries to save Emily from the power of greed. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Ali Baba has an adventure with 40 thieves, and Scheherazade saves her life through the power of stories in The Thousand and One Arabian Nights.
19. Mixed Breeds – Fate exposes the “secret” lives of Wanda and Mr. Pruitt. Meanwhile, Wishbone as John Utterson uncovers the secret life of his friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
20. The Pawloined Paper – Joe is in a race to recover a love note that could be embarrassing. In Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, Wishbone as Detective Dupin races to save the Queen from an embarrassing discovery in “The Purloined Letter.”
21. Bark to the Future – Joe learns that his own intellect can never be replaced by modern technology. Meanwhile, Wishbone, as The Time Traveler, finds that in the year 802,701 the lazy Eloi have allowed their intellect to be replaced by technology in H. G. Wells’ The Time Machine.
22. Paw Prints of Thieves – Joe nearly get suspended when he helps the school lunch woman donate leftover food to a local shelter. Wishbone is reminded of Robin Hood, who risks arrest when he robs from the rich to give to the poor.
23. Furst Impressions – The Oakdale school beach party social has the kids in an uproar. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Mr. Darcy learns a few things about social graces in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
24. The Prince and the Pooch – After imagining what it would be like to be a coach, Joe gets his chance with Emily’s tee-ball team. Meanwhile, Wishbone is both the Prince of Wales and the pauper Tom Canty in Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper.
25. The Count’s Account – Damont gets David into trouble after he uses one of David’s inventions. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Edmond Dantes seeks revenge against his enemies in Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo.
26. Salty Dog – Samantha leads Joe and Dvid into a dangerous adventure while searching for a treasure. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Jim Hawkins leads a dangerous search for gold in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
27. Little Big Dog – David disobeys his parents and makes a giant mistake that he’s afraid to face. Armed with faith, Wishbone as David is the only one in Israel brave enough to face the giant in the story of David and Goliath.
28. A Dogged Expose – An Oakdale “mastermind” puts Samantha in the middle of a tabloid scandal. At the same time, Wishbone as Arthur Conan Doyle’s top detective, Sherlock Holmes, races to foil a mastermind who threatens to cause A Scandal in Bohemia.
29. The Terrified Terrier – Joe’s loyalty to Sam and David is tested when Joe gets invited to hang out with older and more popular kids. In Steven Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, war tests the character of Wishbone as Henry Fleming.
30. Shakespaw – David tries to remain calm at the center of the storm when problems plague his direction of “The Tempest,” by William Shakespeare. In the play, Prospero directs the events on an island assisted by Wishbone as Ariel.
31. Muttketeer! – Wishbone finds adventure when he tries to join the kids at school. As D’Artagnan, he needs all his skills to join Arthos, Porthos and Aramis in Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers.
32. Hercules Unleashed – For her dad’s 40th birthday, Samantha is on the search for the perfect present. Wishbone, as Hercules, searches the Earth and finds big trouble as he labors to retrieve the golden apples of Hesperides in the story “Hercules and the Golden Apples.”
33. Viva Wishbone! – Talbot family friend Julia tells Joe stories from Mexico that help him understand the power of love for his mother. Meanwhile, Wishbone is Juan Diego in the story of “Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
34. The Entrepawneur – Joe’s absorption with a new business venture puts Samantha and David in a “touchy” situation. Wishbone, as King Midas, had the “Golden Touch” and big problems in this tale from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
35. Pantin’ at the Opera – The Henderson Library may be haunted by a former librarian. Wishbone, as Viscount Raoul de Chagney, finds that the Grand Opera House in Paris is haunted by The Phantom of the Opera, written by Gaston Leroux.
36. Dances with Dogs – Lee Natonabah, an Oakdale storyteller, teaches Joe the value of growing up with stories that connect with the past. In a Native-American tale, Wishbone is a young warrior who finds courage in a song from the past.
37. Rushin’ to the Bone – When Wishbone gets the chance to be a star, the people around him become confused about his identity. Meanwhile, in Gogol’s “The Inspector General,” Hlestakov is mistaken for a high government official. Wishbone is his servant Ossip. Mistaken identity becomes a metaphor for distinguishing what is true and false.
38. Picks of the Litter – Wishbone introduces a friend to some of his favorite stories and shows the most exciting moments from past episodes.
39. Halloween Hound: The Legend of the Creepy Collars – Joe participates in a scavenger hunt that helps him overcome his streak of bad luck. Wishbone, as Ichabod Crane, confronts his greatest fear, the Headless Horseman, in Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
40. The Prince of Wags – Joe learns what it means to be a leader when he’s elected captain of the school basketball team. Wishbone, as Prince Hal, discovers the true meaning of leadership on the battlefield in William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Part One.”
41. Groomed for Greatness – David develops a superior attitude when asked to assist a visiting artist. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Pip discovers that chasing your dreams is not worth the loss of friendships in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.
42. A Bone of Contention – Joe and David’s friendship is tested when they both are interested in the same girl. Wishbone, as John Alden, and his best friend have to decide how valuable their friendship really is in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “The Courtship of Miles Standish.”
43. War of the Noses – Wishbone feels betrayed by Joe and Ellen, reminding him of Richard Shelton’s attempts to uncover the truth about his father’s death in Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Black Arrow.
44. Moonbone – Same discovers that a missing Super Bowl ring can be traced back to Wishbone. Meanwhile, Wishbone as Franklin Blake uncovers the truth about a stolen mystical diamond, the moonstone, in Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone.
45. Barking at Buddha – Wishbone wants to be a hero and tries to rescue two misguided youngsters when they set out to impress the older kids. As “Monkey,” he yearns to be immortal and seeks a position of importance in Wu Ch’eng-en’s Chinese folktale.
46. Pup Fiction – Wanda’s fears mount as she receives a series of anonymous letters. Wishbone as Henry Tilney is attracted to a young woman whose active imagination leads her to mischief in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abby.
47. The Roamin’ Nose – Eighth grade graduation leaves Joe and his friends wondering about their future in high school. Wishbone as Aeneas – although facing an uncertain future – goes on to found the great Roman Empire in Virgil’s the Aeneid.

---

Teams Distance Learning Programs:

READING: BASIC TO SUCCESS SERIES

Reading: Basic to Success is developed in two modules, each consisting of eight student programs supported by four staff development programs. The first module focuses on K-1 classrooms, the second on grades 2 and 3. Programs provides for active viewing and student participation. For more detailed information on these programs, click here.

Kindergarten – Grade 1
Unit 1 – Skills for Beginners
Unit 2 – Phonics Instruction
Unit 3 – Spelling Instruction
Unit 4 – Comprehension and Vocabulary Development

Grades 2 – 3
Unit 5 – Phonics Instruction
Unit 6 – Spelling Instruction
Unit 7 – Comprehension and Vocabulary Development
Unit 8 – Strategic Reading Instruction

WINDOWS ON MY WORLD

The Windows on My World series is designed for students in grades 4-7. Each module is sequenced around a different piece of literature with integrated listening, talking, writing and technology components.

Letters from Rifka
Staff Development Program (One 60-minute program)
Student Programs: Grades 4-7 (Five 30-minute programs)

Patty Reed’s Doll: The Story of the Donner Party
Staff Development Program (One 60-minute program)
Student Programs: Grades 4-5 (Five 30-minute programs)

Shiloh
Staff Development Program (One 60-minute program)
Student Programs: Grades 4-6 (Four 30-minute programs)

WRITING FOR PRIMARY GRADES (K - 3)

Modules in this series look at effective ways to help students develop their writing abilities. The writing process is emphasized.

Teaching Writing, K – 1 -
Writing Development, K-1 (Staff Development)
The Writing Process, K-1

The studio teacher models the writing process and motivates students to create their own stories on the topic of pets.

Writing in the Content Areas, K-1
The focus is on writing in the content areas. The studio teacher introduces students to the concept of collecting and organizing research in a report form.

Teaching Writing, Grades 2 – 3 -
Writing Development, Gr. 2 – 3
The Writing Process, Gr. 2 – 3

The writing process is modeled. Students create their own stories about pets.
Writing in the Content Areas, Gr. 2-3

The focus of this program is on writing in the content areas. The studio teacher introduces students to the concept of collecting and organizing research in a report form.

For more details on the TEAMS Distance Program, click here.

---

top


Jump to other catalog subjects:

Art
Foreign Language
Language
Math
Parents and Teacher Training
Science
Social Studies