Halloween Tales and Other Scholastic Storybook Treasures on DVD for Children

Halloween is, of course, big-time fun for children of all ages, including us grown-ups still much in touch with that inner child (some might say too much, but we like it that way, right?). 
With the holiday of costumes, ghosts, goblins, witches, monsters, and yes, super-hero and other outfits, too, there are wonderful tales out there for kids.  And the Scholastic Storybook Treasures series of books on DVD series has released The Halloween Stories Collection. 
With readings by the Elle Fanning and Calista Flockhart, the tales here include "A Very Brave Witch," "By the Light of the Halloween Moon," "The Teacher From the Black Lagoon," "The Witch in the Cherry Tree," Maurice Sendak's classics "Where the Wild Things Are," and "In the Night Kitchen" and other delightful tales, none of which are really scary at all for little one. It's more about oohs and aaahs. 
And looking ahead to holiday gifts for children beyond toys, sets such Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics and the new Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics 2 make for wonderful compliments to those beloved books that have now spanned generations. Other recent collections include Adventures At School (""Crazy Hair Day," "How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?") and the silly play of Five Little Monkeys (jumping on a bed, of course), which is also a sign language DVD. 
For families taking a holiday road trip with toddlers, the Sing-Along Travel Kit - The Wheels on the Bus - is just the thing to keep that small one or small ones occupied. The special set includes 15 stories on two DVDs, a 13 song CD, 34-page activity book, crayons and also travel tips for parents. 

Music Review: Kid-Friendly Halloween-Anytime Monster Fun from Kiddle Karoo

Kiddle Karoo and Her Kooky Krew
Silly Monster House Party
www.kiddlekaroo.com


Most children love monsters, Disney's Monster Inc. surely reminded us of that. And for the younger ones especially, it's the silly, fuzzy, furry, frisky ones they love the most.  And Kiddle Karoo offers a monstrously fun time for children - and parents - on her album  Silly Monster House Party. 

Kiddle Karoo is the children's entertainment performing name of Lisa Clyde, who puts on shows all around Southern California, from holiday-themed events to eco-encouraging works, all geared towards kids of elementary school age and younger. 
The album's lead-off track, "Monster Party" is zippy pop rock invitation, followed by rap-lite "Monstas in the House, while "Monster Boogie" is a take-off on "The Hokey Pokey." There;s running little storyline between songs with dialogue and jokes that will also engage kids and probably elicit giggles, too.  
The song "Silly Monsters" is a real-stand out as the tune (and its video) could - and should - get discovered by Disney or Nik with its very-'80s minor key melody and Muppet-ish backing vocals. The chipper, hand-clappy "Kiddle Rock" is another catchy tune, along with "5 Little Monsters," which sort of plays on the kids' favorite "Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," with a dance-happy percusion and guitar breakdown. 
A cover of the classic "Swinging on a Star," which dates back 65 years to Bing Crosby singing it in Going My Way and the song winning an Oscar, fits well here through a contemporary pop arrangement. The playful and funky "Kiddle La Kid," recalls Blondie (really, it does!) and "Silly Monsters Had a Party" takes off on "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" in a bopping rendition. 
If you're looking for some children's Halloween-time music beyond the usual "Monster Mash" stuff, Silly Monster House Party is a wonderful way to go and you can order the CD or buy the download here at CD Baby. And for more about Kiddle Karro and upcoming shows, check out www.kiddlekaroo.com.