Jessica Courtney-Tickle

Discover the magical world of Carnival of the Animals in this musical reimagining of this celebrated suite for children – push the button in each breathtaking scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Camille Saint-Saëns’ score.

One day, two brothers discover a magical animal kingdom behind their bookcase. They are greeted by the royal lion with his shaggy mane; ask for directions from an old lonely tortoise; take a ride on some lumbering elephants; topple a skeleton of show more dinosaur bones; and swim among a school of shimmering fish. If only they could take them all home...

The book includes extracts from “The Swan,” “Aquarium,” “Fossils,” and “Finale” (From Disney’s Fantasia) along with a totally new story to link the pieces together. show less

"Snow has fallen everywhere / and turned the green wood white. / A little Christmas tree wakes up / and sparkles in the light." So begins the rhyming narrative of this sweet holiday tale, in which a little tree experiences Christmas in the forest. A fairly tall board book, it features colorful, appealing artwork from author/illustrator Jessica Courtney-Tickle and lots of flaps to lift on each page.

Although I don't usually pick up board books, I found the cover of Little Christmas Tree so show more appealing that I had to take a look. The artwork itself is beautiful, full of color and enhanced by silvery accents. The rhyming text would make this one a good read-aloud, while the many flaps will provide an entertaining interactive experience for younger, toddler-aged children. show less

The Story Orchestra books are a charming introduction to classic/popular ballets, and feature a multiracial cast.

In this version, Prince Floribund kisses Aurora on the forehead to wake her, they "talk for hours, and as time passes, they start to fall in love." They are married "after a few years," which is less creepy than the fairy tale version.

Follow Clara on a magical Christmas adventure in this musical retelling of The Nutcracker ballet—push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score.

It is Christmas Eve at Clara’s house. Scents of ginger, chocolate, and peppermint waft through the air. Clara’s parents are having a party, and her little brother Fritz is decorating the Christmas tree. Clara’s godfather, a toymaker, arrives with gifts, including a very show more special one for her—a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. After Fritz breaks it, the children are sent to bed.

The story follows Clara in her dreams as she battles and defeats a mouse king, then travels with her nutcracker-turned-prince to the Land of Sweets where she watches its enchanting inhabitants perform beautiful dances. As you and your little one journey through the magical scenes, you will press the buttons to hear 10 excerpts from the ballet’s music, including “The Waltz of the Flowers,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “The Russian Dance,” and the awesome “Finale.” show less