KidVid: The Man Who Walked between the Towers…and more inspiring tales
Some things are nearly impossible to believe. Take Philippe Petit, the street performer who strung a wire between the World Trade Center towers and walked between them. I have no problem believing that Petit accomplished this daring feat; but can it really be nearly four decades since he did it?
On August 30, 2011, Scholastic Storybook Classics releases The Man Who Walked between the Towers…and more inspiring tales, a DVD featuring four tales of self-confidence recommended for ages five through ten. Jake Gyllenhaal narrates The Man Who Walked between the Towers (written and narrated by Mordicai Gerstein), the story of Philippe Petit who accomplished the amazing—he walked on a cable stretching between the towers, nearly a quarter of a mile from the ground. Appropriately, the story includes Petit’s arrest and sentence.
Crow Boy, written and illustrated by Taro Yashima, is the story of Chibi, a boy who is “different,” rejected by his schoolmates. After five lonely years, a compassionate teacher befriends Chibi , who surprises the other students, who then accept him, when he imitates the different voices of crows.
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins (written by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick, narrated by Jonathan Pryce) tells the story of the artist who stunned the world by building the first life-sized dinosaur. The story explains the process Hawkins employed, the materials he used, and the reception his dinosaurs received from the scientific community and public. The story becomes even more dramatic when politics rears its ugly head. The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is rich in history and historic gossip.
Miss Rumphius (written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, narrated by Claire Danes) is based on the true story of a woman (Hilda Hamlin) who wanted to travel the world, making it more beautiful as she went. Inspired by her artist grandfather, Alice Rumphius visited islands, mountains, and deserts. When she retired to a cottage by the sea, nature helped her grow a forest of lupines, which continues to bloom every spring in Maine.
Extra features on The Man Who Walked between the Towers…and more inspiring tales include La señorita Runfio (Miss Rumphius in Spanish), and interviews with Barbara Kerley and Brian Selznick. A read-along feature can be turned on or off, allowing children to read along with the narration.
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