StoryWatchers Club—Adventures in Storytelling: Christmas

Aimed at children ages 5-12, this 45-minute program compiles four Christmas-themed stories presented by a quartet of “storytellers” in front of a live audience, combined with a few bridging puppet segments. With no flashy graphics or sound effects (definitely a gamble in the age of Bratz and WWE), the reception from the audience depends heavily on each performer: Kevin Cordi's “A Gift for Santa” story of magic dust, peppermint soup, and an enchanted snow globe brings on some fidgeting (until he mentions the upcoming release of Playstation 3), while Christine Petrell Kallevig's “Home for Christmas” 1880 Wisconsin immigrant yarn has the kids looking a bit dazed (the prop of paper being folded into a Christmas tree during the telling of the story seems to fall flat). Fortunately, the other two stories are winners: the sickly Santa tale “Christmas is Cancelled!” presented by the exuberant Mary Jo Huff, and “The Christmas Fairy of Strasburg” told by Michael R. Kasony-O'Malley (who—in a genius move—interactively engages the kids by having them clap and chant at certain points). DVD extras include “Meet the Storytellers” segments, a music video, and a “making-of” featurette. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)