New York,
NY (November
15,
2005) --
Weston Woods, the industry leader in adapting award-winning children's literature for educational films and videos, and a division of
Scholastic, announces the debut of seven new titles this fall. The notable celebrities who have contributed narration to this season’s new titles include Academy Award-winning actress
Kathy Bates in
Hansel and Gretel, Emmy award-winning actor
Sean Hayes in
Roberto the Insect Architect and Emmy award-winning actress
Catherine O’Hara in
Wild About Books. Schools and libraries can order Weston Woods DVD, audio and video collections through their catalog or online at
www.scholastic.com/westonwoods.
As the creators of favorite film adaptations such as
Where the Wild Things Are,
Chrysanthemum, and
Make Way for Ducklings, Weston Woods enhances timeless children’s stories with art, animation and original music, producing films that remain true to the classic story and form, making them the benchmark of quality. Other celebrities that have lent their voices to past Weston Woods’ productions include Sarah Jessica Parker, Meryl Streep, Aretha Franklin, James Earl Jones and dozens more.
Weston Woods Fall 2005 Releases Include:
·
Hansel and Gretel (Ages 3-8)
Based on the book by James Marshall
James Marshall’s zany illustrations provide a fresh interpretation to this well-known tale of evil punished and good rewarded.
Narrated by Kathy Bates, with music by Ernst V. Troost. Directed by Virginia Wilkos.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
Roberto the Insect Architect (Ages 3-9)
Based on the book by Nina Laden
A termite named Roberto pursues his dream of becoming an architect and travels to the big city where he hopes to find success.
Narrated by Sean Hayes, with music by Jerry Hunt. Co-produced by Jerry Hunt, Galen Fott/Grundoon and Weston Woods.
DVD: $59.95.Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
Wild About Books (Ages 3-8)
Based on the book by Judy Sierra, with illustrated by Marc Brown
In this rollicking rhymed story, librarian Molly McGrew introduces birds and beasts to this new something called reading. In no time Molly has them going “wild, simply wild, about wonderful books.”
Narrated by Catherine O’Hara, with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds. Animated by MaGiK Studio.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $49.95. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Paperback Book/CD: $18.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
Ish (Ages 3-8)
Based on the book by Peter H. Reynolds
With a little encouragement from his sister, Ramon discovers that creativity is about a lot more than just getting things “right.”
Narrated by Chester Gregory, with music by Joel Goodman and David Bramfitt. Co-produced by FableVision Inc. and Weston Woods.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
Planting A Rainbow (Ages3-8)
Based on the book by Lois Ehlert
A mother and child plant a rainbow of colors in their flower garden. Lois Ehlert’s vibrant stylized artwork brings to life the cyclical excitement of planning, planting and picking flowers in a garden. Narrated by P.J. Verhoest with music by Crystal Taliefero.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
Stars! Stars! Stars! (Ages 4-10)
Based on the book by Bob Barner
In this lively story, children take a colorful ride through outer space to visit distant planets and dazzling stars. Narrated by Gavin Bozza, with music by Joel Goodman.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
·
T is for Terrible (Ages 3-8)
Based on the book by Peter McCarty
With humor and a touch of suspense, an introspective dinosaur reflects on his own identity as a “terrible lizard.”
Narrated by David de Vries, with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds.
DVD: $59.95. Video: $60.00. Hardcover Book/CD: $29.95. Hardcover Book/Cassette: $24.95.
About Weston Woods
Weston Woods, a leading producer of audiovisual adaptations of picture books, continues to provide schools and libraries with DVD's, videos, 16mm films, book/read-along audio packages and filmstrips of award-winning children's stories. Weston Woods materials are used as supplemental resources in more than 50,000 schools and libraries nationwide and are distributed in more than 20 countries. Weston Woods has made it easy for schools to order catalogues or products through a special toll-free hotline 800-243-5020. More information on Weston Woods is available at
www.scholastic.com/westonwoods.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site,
www.scholastic.com.