Need some family friendly fodder for the car or home DVD player? These children's DVDs are educational, heartwarming and highly entertaining.

"The Magic School Bus: All about Earth" from Scholastic Storybook Treasures; $12.95.

A fun, iconic science-related book and animated TV series from then 1990s, this refreshing classic is back on DVD as part of the award-winning Scholastic Storybook Treasures. Here zesty Ms. Frizzles and her energetic class go eco-friendly in three episodes — "The Magic School Bus Goes to Seed," as the class' garden is featured on Plant It! magazine; "The Magic School Bus Blows its Top," which explains volcanoes and the air pressure-themed "The Magic School Bus Goes on Air."

With a bonus episode, "The Magic School Bus All Dried Up" with English- and Spanish- language options and other extras, this 90-minute DVD is a top-notch, revered show. It is smart fun for 4- to-10-year-olds.

"The Red Hen ... And More Cooking Stories" from Scholastic Storybook Treasures; $14.95.

Another Scholastic treasure, this DVD captures the foodie craze by presenting cooking stories based on children's books. Highlighted by the eye-popping take on the story of a red hen and her adventures in baking by Caldecott Award winning father-daughter team of Ed Emberley and Rebecca Emberley, the DVD also adds an easy-to-follow cake baking recipe and read-along captioning. Other classic tales-come-alive are a live action film narrated by Lily Tomlin called "Bread Comes to Life," Jane Yolen's modern day "How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?" and a hilarious narration by Michael McKean of pastry run amok in "Arnie the Doughnut."

With 56 minutes of pure cooking fun, plus extras, this Storybook Treasures release is a delectable buffet of scrumptuousness.

Other new DVD collections from Scholastic, worthy of mention? "My First Collection Vol. 4 Featuring Robot Zot!" is an engaging, lively collection of 12 animated tales certain to foster creativity in toddlers and preschoolers. Kids will rhyme along with the titled "Robot Zot!" learn the value of appreciation in "Too Many Toys," and absorb how small steps can change the world in "The Curious Garden." Nine other fabulous animated stories based on books support poetry, friendship and problem solving, in 107 high-quality minutes. Author/illustrator interviews are also included.

"The Springtime Collection Featuring Max's Chocolate Chicken," also from Scholastic, features 13 stories on three DVDs, with narration again from Lily Tomlin, Michael McLean and Randy Travis. Not just for springtime, Rosemary Wells' tales, cooking stores and zany animal tales take over, from "Chicken Little" to "The Red Hen," (see above), "Otto Runs for President," "The Great White Man-Eating Shark" and so much more.

This collection is two hours and 57 minutes, sure to make any trip fly by!

"Adventures of Bailey: A Night in Cowtown" from Engine 15 Media Group and Hungry Bear Productions; $12.95.

This wholesome live-action film, with a family-approved white seal, is the 85-minute heartwarming, adventurous story of dog Bailey, who has a crush on a dog from the other side of the fence. Bailey sets out with a collie named Duke to rescue her crush's brother Felix before he's sold at the "exchange" in historic Cowtown. Fun-filled, with solid acting from the humans and animals, and a western, cowboy theme that's retro and refreshing, the "A Night in Cowtown" tale is absorbing and exciting.

"Cars Life 3: The Royal Heist" from Engine 15 and Spark Plug Enterainment, $12.95.

Fans of the Disney series starring cars will enjoy this animated cars-themed tale, full-length at 85 minutes, with lots of bold personalities and adventure. In the colorful story, Queen Limousine arrives to attend a charity drag race, and the whole town has a case of royal fever. But intrigue ensues when her jewels go missing, and every car's a suspect. Who saves the day? A favorite little red sportscar on a turbocharged whodunit adventure.

Kids who want more cars-related animation will enjoy this high-energy romp.

"Babar: The Movie" and "Babar: The Complete First Season" from Nelvana-Eclipse Productions.

Vintage, classic animated fun ensues in the feature-length adventure "Babar: The Movie," as elephant Babar and his irresistible jungle pals devise a plan to outwit Rataxes, rescue the future Queen Celeste and win freedom for the peace-loving citizens of Elephantland.

The 13 episodes in "Babar: The Complete First Season" are based on the books by Laurent de Brunhoff, and are classic tales that have been digitally restored and re-mastered. All in all, this DVD set offers 293 minutes of magical, high-class, fun but old-fashioned entertainment.

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.