Encouraging kids to read and learn using TV seems counterintuitive. But several experts point out the power of video to actually lead kids to books. The top of the heap in books-turned-videos is the carefully crafted Scholastic Video Collection, which turns popular picture books into vibrantly animated storybooks on DVD and video. A few of the many timeless titles are “Teeny-Tiny and the Witch-Woman ... and Four More Spine-Tingling Tales,” “Noisy Nora ... and More Tales about Mischief” and “The Teacher From the Black Lagoon ... and More Slightly Scary Stories” — all well worth a viewing or two or 10.

Here are some other high-quality DVDs for families.

“Ocean Odyssey” from BBC Video; $19.98.

Called a real-life documentary of “Finding Nemo,” this spellbinding footage stars an 80-year-old sperm whale and his journey through the great depths of the sea,encountering mythical creatures such as a 15-meter oarfish and giant squids. CGI-enhanced video of deep canyons, massive volcanoes and huge mountain ranges portray an amazing landscape at the bottom of the ocean, while a subplot does a wonderful job of showing how sensitive the waters really are and how they've changed over the last 80 years.

A stupendous introduction to the grand wonders of the underwater world, “Ocean Odyssey,” should also inform and motivate viewers to hold the well-being of the Earth's oceans in careful consideration.

“True-Life Adventures” from the Walt Disney Legacy Collection; various prices.

Nature's wonders are a hot topic among family viewers this season. For the first time on DVD, Disney's acclaimed nature series, fully restored to its original beauty, offers previously unseen looks into the animal kingdom. “Volume 3: Creatures of the Wild” includes two discs and journeys into the worlds of some of the Earth's most magnificent creatures with “The African Lion,” “Jungle Cat,” “Bear Country” and “The Olympic Elk.” Bonus material includes a story about the Yellowstones, backstage interviews with Roy Disney at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a filmmaker's journal and much more.

“Volume 4: Nature's Mysteries” showcases fascinating natural phenomena in short films titled “Secrets of Life,” “Perri” and “Nature's Half Acre.” Another, “Volume 2: Lands of Exploration,” explores our nature's deserts, seal islands, seas and prairies, while “Volume 1: Wonders of the Wild,” presents “White Wilderness,” “Water Birds,” “Beaver Valley” and “Prowlers of the Everglades.”

Other newsworthy releases from Disney include “Your Host, Walt Disney,” from Walt Disney Treasures (vintage footage of Disney as he celebrates the rededication of Disneyland) and “More Silly Symphonies: Volume 2,” which unearths many animation treasures from 1929 to 1938.

“Go, Diego, Go! The Great Jaguar Rescue!” from Nick Jr.; $16.99.

The Nick Jr. preschool series “Go, Diego, Go!” rakes in young audiences every day. This feature (my son's favorite DVD) includes two never-before-seen episodes and two favorites – “The Mommy Macaw” and “Little Kinkajou Is in Beehive Trouble” plus “The Great Jaguar Rescue” and “Chinta the Baby Chinchilla.” Young animal rescuer Diego, a wonderful action hero who introduces kids to animals' sounds, movements, habitats, diets and physical characteristics, makes children's viewing educational and fun.

“Hi-5: Move Your Body” and “Hi-5: Action Heroes” from Discovery Kids; $12.99 each.

A zany real-life cast of young adult performers dances and sings catchy pop tunes on this hit preschool series currently running on Discovery Kids and TLC. Promoting logical thinking, linguistics and plenty of fun, the DVDs are action-packed and lively and encourage kids to be “young movers and shakers.” Segments encourage viewers to “Go ballooning with Kimee and Jup Jup,” “Play party games with Curtis and Shaun,” and “Surf with Jenn and Chats.”

Nifty packaging with carrying handles make Hi-5's DVDs attractive and easy to tote.

“Kenny the Shark: Catch a Wave, Volume 3” from Discovery Kids; $9.99.

Zesty, colorful animation stars 8-foot tiger shark Kenny, who's also a family pet to 10-year-old Kat. The shark and girl pair share surfing lessons and a wild family vacation, and learn the importance of not telling a lie and that working together is more fun when done with a friend. Seven energetic episodes make Kenny-viewing plentiful, and an introduction to Discovery Kids' “Growing Up Creepie: Creep of the Deep” is included.

Great summertime fun, “Kenny the Shark” smartly adds great life lessons as it entertains.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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