Kid Picks with Philip Potempa for Wednesday, Oct. 5, 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.

This week, new home entertainment shares TV topics with an emphasis on Jewish traditions as explained by favorite "Sesame Street" characters, as well as a new page by page adventure with Sophie Hartley.

DVDs

SISU Home Entertainment, $14.95, Ages 3 to 8

"Adventures in Israel" by Shalom Sesame and Sesame Street

Last week was the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah for 2011. But for many people, young and old, the traditions of the culture are confusing. Join Grover and celebrity host Anneliese van der Pol from Broadway's "Beauty and the Beast" for 52 minutes of exploration (by hot air balloon) about the diversity of Israeli life, in addition to lessons about Hebrew letters and words. It's available in stores or at sisuent.com.

SISU Home Entertainment, $14.95, Ages 3 to 8

"The Sticky Shofar" by Shalom Sesame and Sesame Street

Grover and the gang from "Sesame Street" explain the history and traditions of Rosh Hashanah in an episode called "The Sticky Shofar," with Muppet character Avigail discovering the significance of honey during this time and a valuable lesson in friendship and forgiveness. This is volume 10 of the newly released DVD series of the popular 12-part "Shalom Sesame" series, created for Israel's Channel HOP! to focus on storylines drawn from Jewish cultures, traditions, values and even Hebrew letters and words. It's available in stores or at sisuent.com.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $5.99, Ages 7 to 10

"Sophie Hartley, On Strike" by Stephanie Greene

When too many chores start to stack up, Sophie decides it's time to "take a stand." As shared in this latest story in the new 152-page paperback, life doesn't seem fair to a little sister when her big brother Thad seems to get away without doing chores because he's too busy and little brother John is always described as "too young to help out." It's a lesson in beliefs and values for all ages and available now in stores or at hmhbooks.com.

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