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The American Presidents: 1754 – 1861: Revolution and the New Nation Expansion and Reform. 45min. Disney Educational Productions. 1-800-295-5010. Ages 9-13.
Using period art, animation, and interviews with historians, this humorous and entertaining film introduces America’s first 11 presidents and the birth and expansion of the new nation. The first in Disney’s “American Presidents” film series, this DVD includes an educator guide and interactive whiteboard features.

Anatomy of a Puff. 15min. Human Relations Media. 1-800-431-2050. Ages 12 and up.
Thousands of dangerous chemicals exist within every cigarette. A teen host clearly exposes about a dozen of these in a live action, respectful nonfiction format.

Chicken Little. 9min. Weston Woods. 1-800-243-5020. Ages 2-6.
Rebecca and Ed Emberley’s hilarious retelling of a gullible bird and his friends features lively animation, Walter Mayes’s expressive narration, and Michael Bacon’s plucky music. The colorful collage rendering of their silly escapades is a comic extravaganza!

Cliques: Where Do You Fit In? 15min. Human Relations Media. Ages 10-14.
Live action interviews with middle school students are intermixed with graphic novel animation to present this timely subject. Students discuss their personal experiences in an approachable manner. Also discussed are friendship circles as a positive alternative.

Crow Call. 16min. Weston Woods. Ages 2-6.
This is a heartwarming story of a young girl who gets reacquainted with her father, during a hunting trip, after he returns from the war. This iconographic depiction also includes a live action interview with the author.

The Curious Garden. 8min. Weston Woods. Ages 5-8.
In a dreary, industrial city, Liam finds a neglected garden and brings it back to life. This environmental tale, animated by Soup2Nuts, includes an interview with author Peter Brown. - 2011 Carnegie Medal Winner

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. 20min. Weston Woods. Ages 6-9.
The 2002 Caldecott Honor Book is brought to life with music by Ernest V. Troost and narration by Jonathan Pryce. Waterhouse Hawkins’ love of dinosaurs and his desire to share them with the world is depicted in an iconographic format.

Getting to Know Edgar Degas. 22min. Getting to Know, Inc., . Ages 7-10.
Through the use of iconography, photographs, and animation the program follows Edgar Degas as he presents the influences in his life that led him to become an artist.

Katie Loves the Kittens. 9min. Weston Woods. Ages 2-7.
A spunky dog named Katie can barely contain her excitement when her owner comes home with three kittens. Lively animation brings this loving story to life with feeling and humor.

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken. 15min. Nutmeg Media. 1-877-262-3690. Ages 3-7.
Louise leaves her friends in the henhouse to go out into the world in search of adventure. A trio of harrowing experiences shows her that there really is no place like home.

May I Pet Your Dog? 13min. Nutmeg Media. Ages 4-8.
Harry the dachshund is the adorable star of this informational story that teaches children how to treat dogs in a kind, responsible manner. Concluding with doggie dos and don’ts, this iconographic, fact-filled program shows children how to interact safely with dogs.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. 9min. Weston Woods. Ages 2-7.
Wilbur’s fashion sense shocks the other naked mole rats - he likes to wear clothes! Will Grand-pah banish Wilbur from the colony? Mo, Cheryl, and Trixie Willems narrate this animated story of an unconventional hero.

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! 7min. Weston Woods. Ages 2-7.
Pigeon finds a delicious hot dog, but is not sure he wants to share it with an inquisitive, little duckling. Who will find the solution? Mo and Trixie Willems narrate this raucous animation that includes a bonus interview with the movie’s animator.

The Pluto Files. 60min. PBS. 1-800-531-4727 Ages 10-14.
Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts this entertaining live action journey, based on his book of the same title, which explores the history of the 1930 discovery of Pluto and the current controversy surrounding its demotion to a non-planet.

Songs of Freedom. 27min. Blue Sky Project Inc. 1-585-410-5329. Ages 7-10.
Storyteller Phyllis Wade relates the moving tale of a girl and her family’s escape from slavery. Musicians from the University of Rochester provide spirited music in this live-action, multi-layered film.

Splat the Cat. 9min. Weston Woods. Ages 5-8.
Splat is nervous about his first day at school, so he takes along his best friend, a mouse. Craziness ensues as Splat discovers that cats really do chase mice! A rollicking, animated adventure.

Spoon. 8min. Weston Woods. Ages 5-8.
Spoon becomes discouraged when he begins to compare himself to others. With help from his family and friends, he comes to realize the value of his uniqueness in this lively animated film. Bonus sections include an author interview as well as a look at how the music for this video was created.

That Book Woman. 12min. Weston Woods. Ages 6-9.
Cal has no use for reading. But that book woman keeps trudging up the Appalachian Mountains to bring more books – for free! This iconographic video of a Pack Horse Librarian and a reluctant reader is a real gem.

Two Bobbies. 12min. Nutmeg Media. Ages 6-9.
Narrated by the authors Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, this iconographic friendship story between a cat and a dog is based on an actual case following Hurricane Katrina. Their devotion and love keep the two friends alive until they find a stable home.

2011 Notable Children's Videos Committee

Chair Angelique M. Kopa, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, Md.
Marisa A. Conner, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Md.
Stephanie Farnlacher, Hoover, Ala.
Vivian Landfair, DeBary (Fla.) Elementary School
Anna McKay, Darien (Conn.) Library
Danielle Shapiro, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library Highlawn Branch
Martha Seif Simpson, Stratford (Conn.) Library Association
Joanna Ward, County of Los Angeles Public Library, Temple City, Calif.
Mary Wilson, Rochester Hills (Mich.) Public Library