A Very Brave Witch and More Great Halloween Stories for Kids (NR)

Eight Halloween-themed stories bring popular and lesser-known books alive for children. The DVD includes a read-along option where kids can follow the text at the bottom of the screen. The stories -- "A Very Brave Witch," "By the Light of the Halloween Moon," "A Dark, Dark Tale," "Georgie," "The Witch in the Cherry Tree," The Three-Legged Cat," "The Three Robbers," and "Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain" -- cover the familiar spooky territory of witches, ghosts, the dark, and storms in a variety of ways. "A Very Brave Witch," narrated by Elle Fanning, tells the story of a girl witch who explores stereotypes about humans and is pleasantly surprised. "The Witch and the Cherry Tree" features a sneaky witch who tries to trick a boy into giving her cupcakes.

With eight stories in the collection, quality and kid-appeal varies from story to story, but each has some charming or attractive element. Some stories, like "A Dark, Dark Tale" and "By the Light of the Halloween Moon," involve very little narrative, but offer sweet introductions to sprites, witches, and other traditionally scary characters. The variety in animation (three stories feature only still illustrations), narration, and music make this a pleasant mix of simple and more complex seasonal tales that most kids will enjoy throughout the year.