Here's our weekly showcase of the latest and greatest new selections in media for youth.
From books and games to educational toys and DVDs, there's never a dull moment for active and eager young minds.
A new DVD includes celebrity narrators sharing 17 story favorites, while a preteen novel reveals a mother and daughter's fight against mortal fatality by using special measures. And learning the alphabet was never this fun and easy before the launch of a new hand-held teaching guide.
BOOKS
Flux, $9.95, Ages 12 and older
"Mercy Lily" by Lisa Albert
Lily is a 16-year-old facing a tough decision. Her mother has multiple sclerosis and the symptoms are getting so bad she doesn't want to live. Her latest help has come from taking "bee sting therapy," administered by Lily to help ease the pain. And since Lily is a trained veterinary assistant, she has no problem handling the honeybees using tweezers. It's the making decisions about the future that's the hard part. It's available Oct. 8 in stores or at fluxnow.com.
DVD
Scholastic, $16.99, Ages 2 to 9
"Chrysanthemum ... and More Whimsical Stories" by Storybook Treasures
This special collection of three DVDs has almost four hours of favorite storybook tales, all shared in the famed voices of celebrity narrators like Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, Danny Glover and others. Among the 17 stories included are "Mouse Around," "Hondo and Fabian," "The Caterpillar and the Polliwog" and "Owen." With themes emphasizing self-esteem, reading skills and growth and change, the set is available today in stores or at newkideo.com.
TOYS
B. toys, $19.95, Ages 18 months to 5 years
Alphaberry
Young children can learn their ABCs on their own "kid-friendly" toy. Push any button on the easy-to-grip hand-held design and a letter appears and is read aloud. Using three screen colors and four musical styles of "The Alphabet Song," it runs on provided batteries and features an "auto-off" and volume control. Best of all, it makes the tool of repetition for retention fun and entertaining. It's available in stores like Target or online at justb-byou.com.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.
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