Really Rosie

Tried and true, Maurice Sendak's award-winning 1977 animated children's classic Really Rosie is being re-released by distributor Wood Knapp, and it's still just as fresh and imaginatively vibrant a program as it was 16 years ago. Singer/songwriter Carole King plays the part of Rosie, a self-confident little girl who invites the other Nutshell Kids in the neighborhood to take part in the movie she's making. In "auditions," the kids sing songs like "One Was Johnny" (which teaches numbers), "Alligators All Around" (which teaches the alphabet), and "Chicken Soup With Rice" (which teaches the calendar). Each of the tunes is instructive and clever, and Rosie is simply wonderful. Never lacking for imagination, she galvanizes the other kids into having a good time whether they want to or not. A staple of any children's video collection, Really Rosie is an outstanding children's video that is highly recommended and an Editor's Choice. (Available from most distributors.) [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for $60 from Weston Woods/Children's Circle, 389 Newtown Turnpike, Weston, CT 06883; (800) 543-7843.]