Fast-Paced, Musical Journey Through New York Streets

How to get from here to there? “Away We Go,” a zippy children’s musical, has the answer, if you happen to be in New York.

Written by the late Jonathan Larson--whose hot pop opera “Rent,” now playing on Broadway, received the Pulitzer Prize for drama--and by songwriting veteran Bob Golden (“Sesame Street” and “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along”), the fast-paced, live-action film follows two children, with notable simplicity, on their homeward-bound journey through New York.

The trip takes the kids and their orange, goggle-eyed puppet pal Newt from their hotel to the airport, via an elevator, a taxi, the Staten Island Ferry and a bus.

Music is the big draw in this likable little video, however, as each leg of the journey is an occasion for an adept, singable tune.

* “Away We Go,” Newt Partners Home Video, 30 minutes, $14.98. (800) 221-8180.

Parisian Delight: Remember the “12 little girls in two straight lines . . . and the smallest one was Madeline”? You may have a little Madeline fan at home who’s already hooked on the appealing TV show and videos respectfully based on Ludwig Bemelmans’ endearing and enduring creation--who first saw the light in 1939.

You can now find the Parisian charmer and her friends on audiocassette, with two April releases from Kid Rhino. “Hats Off to Madeline” serves up 17 tuneful songs from the Family Channel’s popular series. “Madeline and the Dog Show” is the audio version of a video adventure, irresistibly narrated by Tony Jay, about a special mutt who shows the pedigreed set she’s a class act, too.

* “Hats Off to Madeline,” CD: $15.98; cassette: $9.98. “Madeline and the Dog Show,” Storytime Adventure, cassette only, $7.99. Rhino Direct: (800) 432-0020.

Magic Carpet Ride: Acclaimed children’s illustrator Dale Gottlieb (“Big Dog” and “Hildy Calpurnia Rose”) doesn’t just confine her creative efforts to the page. Some of her work, inspired by folklore, history and her own experiences, is woven--literally--into multicolored “Story Rugs,” folk art carpets that are now on exhibit, along with her editorial and book illustrations, at the Every Picture Tells a Story gallery through June 28.

Also on display: hand-cut “Paper Toys” by Tokyo artist Makiki Azakami and paintings by David Delamare (“The Man in the Moon and the Hot Air-Balloon”).

* Every Picture Tells a Story, 7525 Beverly Blvd., Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (213) 932-6070.