Guide to Lesser-Known Taped Treasures

Walk into your local video store and those prominently displayed Disney classics, “Sesame Street” specials, “E.T.” and “The Brave Little Toaster” immediately catch the eye. They’re undeniable winners, but do a little shelf-scanning and you’ll find other outstanding children’s and family videos waiting to pique a special interest, brighten the holidays and enhance shared time between parent and child.

These titles do just that; many are suitable for all ages and all are available. Check video, book or children’s specialty shops, retail stores such as K mart and Target, or order through video stores or mail order catalogue firms such as Music for Little People (800) 346-4445. You may even find them for loan at your local library.

“American Storytelling Series” (H. W. Wilson Co.). An unusual series for family viewing, available for checkout at many libraries. Some of the best professional storytellers, such as Jay O’Callahan, David Holt and Diane Wolkstein, delve into mythology, folklore and real life, spinning tales from around the globe. (800) 367-6770.

“Babysongs” (Hi-Tops Video). The first and still the best of the Babysongs series. A cozy blend of real babies and toddlers in action, a bit of puppetry and animation, and Hap Palmer’s gentle songs to soothe little ones’ concerns about sharing, sleeping through the night, using the potty and saying goodby to Mom. A charmer. $14.98.

“David Holt, Storyteller: The Hogaphone & Other Stories” (High Windy Video). A telephone made of groundhog hides and wire, a dancing bear, a man-eating witch, magic corn and three brave dogs--Holt inspires laughs and shivers as he draws on a 20-year store of salty Southern tales and folklore. No gimmicks--just Holt’s expressive face and body, a few musical instruments, and a warm country voice weaving word magic. $15.98. (800) 63-STORY.

Fun in a Box (Made-to-Order Productions). An aptly named eclectic series of award-winning animation and live-action shorts for all ages, such as Chris Van Allsburg’s “Ben’s Dream,” the strikingly animated “Metal Dogs of India” and a quirky film called “Fish” about three Keats-quoting detectives. $14.95 each. (800) 232-5252.

Greg & Steve Live! (Youngheart Video). Children’s recording artists Greg Scelsa and Steve Millang in an especially likable, smooth-moving concert video that gets kids on their feet, doing the twist, walking like a duck and flopping like a scarecrow. Great for sharing giggles. $19.95.

Look What I Made: Paper Playthings and Gifts (Pacific Arts Video). Labeled for 6- to 10-year-olds, this how-to crafts tape will have adult fingers itching to get into the paper and paste too. Perky schoolteacher Amy Purcell shows how to make paper snakes, toys and flowers and even a newspaper hammock. $14.95. (800) 538-5856.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Hi-Tops Video/Video Treasures). This is the animated musical version of Bernard Waber’s classic children’s story “The House on East 88th Street.” With a tuneful score by Charles Strouse, narration by Tony Randall and offbeat animation, this unusual story about a beloved little crocodile is a family treat. $9.99.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle (ABC Kidtime Home Video from Strand VCI Entertainment). The award-winning film, based on Beverly Cleary’s children’s book about the friendship between a hot-rodding mouse named Ralph and a lonely boy, is a zany combination of live action and stop-motion animation. $12.98. (800) 922-3827.

Newton’s Apple (Pacific Arts/PBS Home Video). There’s nothing childish about PBS’ superb Emmy-winning science series for older kids and adults. What’s inside a mummy? Why does a whiff of helium make you sound like Alvin Chipmunk? Host Ira Flatow guides viewers through the scientific hows and whys of our world in an illuminating format of trivia, practical demonstrations and humor. $14.95. (800) 538-5856.

Pecos Bill (Rabbit Ears Productions/Uni Distribution). From the prolific Rabbit Ears storytelling series; there’s a title to fit any fancy in this marriage of major stars, accomplished artists, musicians and classics of literature. In “Pecos Bill,” the narrative script is just a jumping-off point for Robin Williams, who gives hilarious voice to illustrator Tim Raglin’s comic characters and adds his own rib-tickling asides. Ry Cooder’s music has just the right touch. $9.95. (800) 243-4504.

Raggedy Ann & Andy (Playhouse Video). This fluidly animated imaginative film, based on the original Johnny Gruelle stories, is a whimsical treat; Joe Raposo’s delightful score is the cherry on top. $19.95.

Reading Rainbow (Children’s Video Library). Encouraging kids to read with themed live action, animation and book reviews by kids, this outstanding PBS series hosted by LeVar Burton is a terrific take-home option. For instance, in “Digging Up Dinosaurs,” an animated dinosaur does stand-up comedy and Burton tours fossil sites. $14.95.

The Red Balloon (Children’s Treasures/Nelson Entertainment). A Grand Prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival, Albert Lamorisse’s exquisite film about a lonely boy and a friendly red balloon is a timeless classic. $16.98.

The Robert McCloskey Library (Children’s Circle). A living book to treasure. Viewers can lose themselves in this beguiling odyssey through the pages of author-illustrator Robert McCloskey’s classic stories: “Lentil,” “Blueberries for Sal,” “Make Way for Ducklings” and “Burt Dow: Deep-Water Man.” Expressive music and narration complement the package; it wraps up with a short segment on the Caldecott-winning McCloskey in his Maine studio. $19.95. (800) KIDS-VID.

Sebastian’s Caribbean Jamboree (Walt Disney Home Video). A new Disney video that might be overlooked, this zesty concert stars Sam Wright, the human alter ego of Sebastian the Crab from “The Little Mermaid.” Crowd-shy Sebastian, seen in animated bits, turns the microphone over to the multitalented Wright, who joyously sings and dances his way through such Caribbean-flavored tunes as “Hot, Hot, Hot” and “Day-O.” Ariel pops up and the movie’s “Under the Sea” segment is included, but Wright’s own appeal easily matches that of his animated friends. $12.99.

Shari Lewis: Lamb Chop in the Land of No Manners (A&M; Video). Shari Lewis’ puppet pal Lamb Chop needs a lesson in good manners and gets it in the land of the Dinoslobs. Cartoonist Mort Gerberg plays a big part, doing on-screen pen-and-ink drawings to further the story; the animation, puppetry and live action is a happy mix; Lewis is as appealing as ever. $14.98. (800) 888-5301.

Thomas the Tank Engine (Strand VCI Entertainment). The captivating live-action animation series from England about the adventures of the little “puffer-belly” trains. Ringo Starr’s narration is just the ticket. (Segments run on PBS’ “Shining Time Station.”) $12.98. (800) 922-3827 and (800) GO-TRAIN.

“Martin the Cobbler” (Golden Book Video). From Will Vinton’s remarkable Claymation series. “Martin the Cobbler,” about a bitter old man who finds spiritual happiness, is based on a story by Tolstoy and narrated by his daughter, Alexandra. Other titles include Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s touching classic “The Little Prince,” and “Rip Van Winkle.” $9.95. (800) 236-7123.

Wee Sing in Sillyville (Price Stern Sloan Video). Some of the live-action Wee Sing musical videos err on the precious side, but this one is imaginative and richly produced, with an underlying message of racial harmony. With their friend Silly Whim and lots of sing-along songs, a boy and a girl in a coloring book world help bring together the feuding Yellow Spurtlegurgles, Blue Twirlypops and all the other crayon colors. $19.95.