Two Alphabet Stories by June Sobel

Geared towards youngsters aged 2-5, this compilation includes iconographic-animated adaptations of two alphabet-themed programs—both narrated by Dave Calabrese—from author June Sobel: 2006's Shiver Me Letters (illustrated by Henry Cole) and 2003's B is for Bulldozer (illustrated by Melissa Iwai). Subtitled “A Pirate ABC,” Shiver Me Letters follows a crocodile pirate captain as he sends his assorted animal crew ashore in a Where's Waldo-style hunt (“Rrrr is not enough…we need more letters to help make us tough”), which turns up a cannonball marked with a C, doubloons for D, a landlubber for L, a “swashbuckling sword” for S, and others. B is for Bulldozer (subtitled “A Construction ABC”) follows a year-long building project with examples including Asphalt, Excavator, Jackhammer, and safety Rails…the last of which are important to the Wonderland amusement park (where a fun new ride goes Zoom). DVD extras include a “Sharing My Story” segment with Sobel, whose young son's love of construction equipment led to her first picture book (“I wrote the book I couldn't find…” she says). Highly recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)