Kid Picks with Philip Potempa for Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011

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.

BOOKS

Kingfisher, $15.99, Ages 8 and up

"The Great Global Puzzle Challenge with Google Earth" by Clive Gifford

Globetrotting has never been so fun as with this 32-page hardcover sharing instructions for readers to use printed clues to find locations around the planet by using the Google Earth program on their computer. Built from millions of satellite images, a simple computer screen becomes a portal to see landmasses, cities and even iconic landmarks like buildings and bridges. Featuring illustrations by William Ings, it's available in stores or at kingfisherbooks.com.

Kingfisher, $9.99, Ages 4 to 8

"Animal Planet: My Life in the Wild Series presents Cheetah" by Meredith Costain

Using an inviting narrative style, the story of the life cycle of a young cheetah growing from a cub to an adult is told with 32 pages of vivid illustrations in this colorful hardcover. From the beginning days living under the protection of the mother to learning to hunt in the African grasslands, the book even includes a "big cat family quiz" in the final pages. It's available in stores or at kingfisherbooks.com.

Roaring Brook Press, $16.99, Ages 5 to 9

"Coral Reefs" by Jason Chin

Using an inventive storytelling style, this beautifully illustrated hardcover begins with a young girl pulling a very unusual book from a library shelf that transports her to a coral reef under the sea. There are 40 pages providing interesting details about the plants and animals under the waves, along with sketches and diagrams. It's in stores or at mackids.com.

DVDs

Lionsgate, $14.98, Ages 2 to 5

"Scout & Friends: Phonics Farm" by LeapFrog

LeapFrog, the education innovator and leading developer of fun learning solutions for children, has introduced a new DVD with lead character Scout and his farm friends discovering the importance of learning phonics. The 37-minute program also introduces the 26 letters of the alphabet along with common sounds. It's available Nov. 8 in stores or at leapfrogdvds.com.

Lionsgate, $14.98, Ages 2 to 5

"Fireman Sam: Brave New Rescues" by HIT Entertainment

Sam, with his "level head," courageous nature and compassionate heart, is an ideal role model for kids of all ages, teaching lessons in safety, loyalty, leadership and cooperation. There are six episodes on this new 55-minute DVD, including action storylines such as his friend Mike's kitchen catching on fire. It's available in stores now or at firemansamonline.com.

Activity Kit

Workman, $39.95, Ages 16 and older

"The Complete Magician: Everything You Need to Put on a Show" by Joshua Jay

Award-winning illusionist Joshua Jay began his interest at a very young age. And by age 16, he was crowned champion at the World Magic Seminar in 1998. His new magic kit comes in an elegant reusable case and includes special card decks, metal linking rings, an instructional DVD, "the Amazing Pen Through the Bill" trick and even a "false thumb." Packaged with a 288-page book with full-color photographs and step-by-step directions, it's in stores now or at workman.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.