The Rocket's Red Glare

Sporting realistic colors, this iconographic-animated adaptation of author Peter Alderman and illustrator Bea Moritz's 2014 picture book features narration by Chris Lutkin and spirited, patriotic songs by Grammy nominee Jo Dee Messina. The Rocket's Red Glare tells the story behind the creation of America's national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The War of 1812 saw the United States pitted against England after the British hindered American trade with Britain's enemy France. By 1814, the skirmish had traveled all the way to Chesapeake Bay, where travelers were being kidnapped from American ships. Sent to negotiate the release of prisoner Dr. William Beanes from a British vessel, Col. John Stuart Skinner and Baltimore lawyer Francis Scott Key were held captive themselves while the Brits fought the Battle of Baltimore, highlighted by the failed assault on Ft. McHenry's ramparts (or protective walls; other vocab words include “barrage” and “stanza”). In the light of dawn, Key saw that the flag still stood at the fort, inspiring him to write his famous lyrics, which were later put to music and—most assuredly a dig—set to the British pub song “To Anacreon in Heaven.” Featuring brilliant colors depicting the battle, and sound effects that include sloshing ocean water and cannonball rounds, this stirring program—presented with read-along subtitles—is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)