Rumours thrive about the school library. It is said that the librarian, Mrs. Beamster, laminates people who talk or whisper. She puts glue on chairs to prevent wriggling and recites the Dewey Decimal System during story time. Some say that the shelves in the library are electrified and kids need to go through a Decontamination Room before entering. When the class plans to visit the library for the first time, the students prepare themselves for the worst. Imagine their surprise when they are welcomed to a warm and friendly place, where a smiling librarian invites them to explore some of the fun and funny books they have to offer. This video is an adaptation of the picture book written by Mike Thaler and illustrated by Jared Lee.

This video contains two stories written and illustrated by Anthony Browne. In Little Beauty, a kitten and gorilla form an usual friendship reminiscent of the classic tale, Beauty and the Beast. This title would support student discussion of feelings including loneliness, anger and frustration. In addition, forms of nonverbal communication could be explored through the gorilla's use of sign language to communicate. In Silly Billy, a young boy frets about everything, especially when he is trying to sleep, until his grandmother provides him with Guatemalan worry dolls that will do the worrying for him. This title provides strategies for calming fears. The inclusion of a segment on the tradition of the worry doll provides insight into another culture. This video would be an ideal resource for an author study or for units on families, friendship or feelings.

This picture book on video of The Great Race by Kevin O'Malley is an updated version of the Tortoise and the Hare. Tired of listening to Lever Lapin boasting about being the fastest runner in the world, Nate Tortoise mumbles that he "could probably beat" the conceited hare in a race. No sooner are the words out of Nate's mouth, than the great hare himself accepts the challenge. On the day of the race, the crowd is solidly behind Lever who stops to give autographs, kiss the ladies and generally show off while Nate plugs away toward the finish line. This comic tongue-in-cheek retelling of Aesop's fable finishes with the time-honored moral presented as a clever pun: Better Nate Than Lever!" A conversation with the author/illustrator is also included.

This video highlights the work that takes place on a construction site. The jobs completed by a bulldozer, dump truck, crane truck, excavator and cement mixer are featured. As the work day draws to a close, the hard-working trucks settle down for a good night's sleep to rejuvenate for what tomorrow brings. The video will appeal to youngsters who have an interest in heavy machinery, but all children will relate to it as a bedtime story. The video could be used for text-to-self discussions about preparing for bed, the value of teamwork and construction vehicles. It would also be useful as an introduction to exploring interests (identity) and to community studies.

Two matched stories depicting the fears and frustrations of childhood are included in this resource. In Pig Pig Returns, Pig Pig is reluctant to go on a road trip with his aunt and uncle, fearing that his mother and pet cat will forget him in his absence. In Little Pig Joins the Band, Little Pig's brothers and sisters get out their grandfather's marching band instruments, but there is nothing small enough for Little Pig to play. However, he learns that he isn't too small to be the band's leader.