Release Date: Available now
MPAA RATING: N/A
Recommended age range: 3-9
Genre: Animated Storybook

Bear Snores On, and the other animated stories in the Scholastic Video Collection take the viewer on an exciting adventure through winter, spring, and fall. These beautifully written stories do exactly what the subtitle suggests: they "celebrate the seasons". Recommended for children ages three to nine, the DVD video's interactive features allow children to listen to the tales or read along with the subtitles, eliciting active participation. There is truly something for everyone as we dive into the plot, learn about the characters, and watch the beauty and complexity of nature unfold before our eyes. The collections of stories are filled with wholesome fun for children of all ages. There is nothing offensive or provocative and the PTC is pleased to have awarded it the Seal of Approval.

In Bear Snores On, the feature story written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman, we watch as the bear hibernates while the other animals in the forest enjoy the winter, using the bears cave to shelter themselves from the cold. These animals have fun and keep each other company while the bear "snores on". A bit of danger comes when the massive bear awakes. First he seems upset, but then he tells the animals that he is sad because he did not get to have fun and enjoy their food and company. Everything ends well as the animals cook more food and decide to have another party so the bear can share in the festivities.

Lois Ehlert's Waiting for Wings, offers an upbeat and educational story about the process of an egg becoming a gorgeous butterfly throughout the year. The jazzy tune is unforgettable, "fly, fly, fly"! Following Waiting for Wings is the very descriptive and expertly crafted Come on Rain, written by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Jon J.Muth. Come on Rain's advanced dialogue is perfect for older children. It is a refreshing piece that outlines the heat of summer offset by Tessy's excitement for a rainy day that cools and unites the town.

The collection also has two bonus stories. Snow Cat, written by Dayal Kaur Khalsa, is an imaginative piece about the lonely Elise who longs for an animal to keep her company. The North Wind hears her wish, and grants it in the form of a snow cat, but he tells Elise that she can not let him inside her house. The snow cat and Elise become friends, but unfortunately Elise does indeed let the snow cat inside of her house and he melts away. Luckily, their bond is not completely severed. The snow cat is ice during the winter and forms a pond during the spring, and their friendship sustains itself.

Time of Wonder, written by Robert McClowsky, is a heartwarming story that ends the collection. This story explores the disastrous side of nature as a family undergoes a hurricane on vacation. However, natures beauty is realized when the family and town are able to go through the different Islands and look at gems, leaves, and climb trees that they would not be able to reach if the hurricane did not happen. It characterizes the "rise and fall of the tide".

Together, these stories are uniquely different, but cohesive in their efforts to show the beauty of nature and the importance of seasons, family, and fun.