See-More's Workshop
See-More's Workshop (SMWS) was created in 1992 in response to New York City teachers, parents, and children requesting to bring stories and songs based on Shadow Box Theatre productions into their homes and classrooms -- bringing the stage to the page. The publishing arm added the "reading, writing and listening" philosophy of Whole Language Education to our impressive list of services. See-More Books and Read-Along-Move-Along companion CDs with teacher guides, Cast Recording CDs and DVDs bring the excitement of theatre into the excitement of reading.

These Read-Aloud Books and Read-Along-Move-Along Audios are suitable for a wide age-range of children. Enjoy them as readers, as listeners in the car and at rest time, as a part of ESL and general curriculum, and for pleasurable sharing with family.

You can use our online bookstore to order books through PayPal, but you can also order with a credit card over the phone by calling (212) 724-0677 (also call for school and large order discounts)
Vendor #SEE050 • Textbook Contract # 7000278

Books and CDs • Cast Recordings • T-Shirts
BOOKS and CDs
How The Turtle Got Its Shell
In the time when the turtle's back was soft, Nyame the Sky God needed Osebo the Leopard's drum for a great festival. "Bring it to me!" he calls to the animals. Tembo the mighty Elephant, and Kinyanga the swift Ostrich are unsuccessful. Then, Akykiegie the little Turtle, tricks the fierce leopard, and brings Nyame Osebo's drum.. The turtle's reward is a beautiful hard shell. The powerful chanting and drumming of the companion audio of this Ashanti tale has earned it the distinction of an ALA Notable Children's Recording.

"African chants and background music give the tale a sense of place and power"
--BOOKLIST 4/15/92

Story adapted by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: B&W pencil drawings with colorwash overlay • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




The Earth and Me
When a curious child wonders how our planet came to be, the Earth answers in beautiful poetic form, telling the wondrous, and sometimes destructive tale of the history of the Earth and its creatures. As its awe-inspiring story comes to an end, the Earth joins "hand in hand" with the child as they reach out to children of all nations, to honor and protect the Earth. The rich oil painted illustrations and the powerful music of the companion audio were inspired by the original Shadow Box Theatre production. Children and adults alike will read the story, revisit the illustrations, and listen to the music over and over again.

"The book The Earth & Me was a great book. I like how you mentioned the guardians of the Earth like the turtle, bear, butterfly, and eagle. I think your book would be a good influence on the world because it talks about what we do to the Earth and how it feels."
--Joel, PS 151K

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Joan Alpers
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 8 1/2" x 11" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins



Little Is Big
What do you do when a big bully tries to scare you? In an enchanted landscape under the sea, a little fish with big ideas helps his friends find courage and true friendship with 'the biggest fish in the sea'. Join Spinny and the school of fish who prove LITTLE really is BIG when you let your imagination lead you to creative and unexpected peaceful solutions. LITTLE IS BIG is a black and white "color me" picture book so your child can become an illustrator and includes a two-page insert providing art projects, such as puppet making, and discussion starters designed for parents, teachers, and children to share.

"These book/tape read-alongs have a new twist. Side 2 of each tape offers the chance for audience participation - outlining the story, sometimes adding new songs, and encouraging listeners to dance, sing, act and become involved. This is an interesting idea and offers many opportunities for dramatic application. Each story is accompanied by appropriate background music and sound effects... useful as stepping off points for beginning drama classes in the primary grades... sure to be crowd pleaser."
--School Library Journal

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 22 Pages / Size: 8 1/2" x 11" • Illustrations: black and white "color me" • Companion Audio Recording: 28 mins


The Growing Rock
From the southwest Miwok tribe comes this poignant story about Mamma Blue Feather and her beautiful baby birds, jealous Crow, a mystical rock, and wise Medicine Man. The red, white and black illustrations reflect the colors of Miwok pottery. The companion audio, rich in the sounds and magic of Native American chanting and story telling, invites the children to chant along.

"...this tale from the Miwok tribe of California is effectively accompanied by drumbeats, rattles, and voices as the story is told in music, song, and word. There is an even mix of narrative, song, and instrumentals."
--BOOKLIST 12/15/94

Story adapted by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Red & Black • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins


The Firefly Star
The magical story of El Dia de Los Reyes (Three Kings' Day) and how it almost doesn't happen--until Raton Perez, a clever little mouse, saves the Holiday. Illustrated in vibrant full color, this non-reliegious story book celebrates the Hispanic folk tradition. The companion audio comes alive with a rich mix of Spanish and Medieval music.

"Songs are clear and lively, and after hearing the story children will likely enjoy dramatizing the tale as directed"
--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL 1996

Story adapted by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




Big Annie
Tall tale is right! Big Annie is a larger-than-life heroine-- a Creole flatboat captain who uses her amazing strength, and the help of some animal friends, to pull a boatload of toys through a terrible storm one Christmas Eve long ago. The companion audio captures the sound of New Orleans jazz, and the rhythm and power of the American work song. Your children will quickly be helping Annie by singing her song, "Heave Ho! Pull the boat Big Annie!" A "big" addition to your holiday library and all year long.


"Songs help move the story along, and the story teller's big, powerful voice superbly matches Annie's character."
--BOOKLIST 4/92

Adapted by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin
A humorous and compassionate story that tells how the lumpiest looking pumpkin becomes the scariest Jack-O-Lantern of them all. The book and companion audio is rich in rhyme, filled with whimsical songs and funny characters and promotes a lot of opportunities for play acting and singing along.

"As in the Ugly Duckling, things do not always turn out as expected... The subtle theme that beauty of character is more important than outside appearance comes across well. Listeners are encouraged to act out, sing, and dance to the story. The language (in book and tape) is rich in rhyme. Useful for both individuals and small groups in school and public libraries."
--School Library Journal

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Richard Davis
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




Tobias Turkey
This humorous holiday tale introduces Tobias, the most determined turkey on the farm! The jaunty, folksy music and funny character voices will have the children moving and singing along. Tobias Turkey provides kids with lots of laughs and a valuable lesson- with their determination they can do anything!


"The well paced narration catches the mood of the text while musical background and sound effects heighten the production."
--BOOKLIST 4/92

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki (based on drawings by Michael Robbins at age 12)
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




Ring Around A Rainbow
See-More and his friends lead children on a musical romp through the colors of the rainbow, teaching some important lessons through joyous and memorable songs as they go. The companion audio will have children acting and moving along through an adventure that educates as well as entertains.

"These book/tape read-alongs have a new twist. Side 2 of each tape offers the chance for audience participation - outlining the story, sometimes adding new songs, and encouraging listeners to dance, sing, act and become involved. This is an interesting idea and offers many opportunities for dramatic application. Each story is accompanied by appropriate background music and sound effects... useful as stepping off points for beginning drama classes in the primary grades... sure to be crowd pleaser."
--School Library Journal

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Iku Oseki & Tony Yin
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins




No Balloons Today
See-More and his friend Giant Jack spend the day at the zoo. When See-More buys a beautiful blue balloon it floats up and flies away, getting caught in a tree. This begins a series of playful and funny adventures between See-More and his new animal friends. At day's end, Giant Jack retrieves the balloon, and a tired See-More falls asleep in the arms of the gentle giant as the animals sing him a lullaby. The companion audio, with its fanciful music and children's voices, will have young listeners quickly singing the songs and acting along.

"I just wanted to write to let you know how much my children have enjoyed your book and tape sets. We keep the tapes in the car and they've really helped pass the time on long drives! A favorite of the boys' is No Balloons Today, which makes them, laugh and laugh. They have much of it memorized and love to sing along with the songs."
--Lisa T, Parent

Written by Sandra Robbins
Illustrated by Alfredo Garzon
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Storyteller, Jeff Olmsted
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins
.

Book: 32 Pages / Size: 7 1/2" x 9" • Illustrations: Full-color • Companion Audio Recording: 32 mins


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CAST RECORDINGS and DVDs
Play It Safe
Chicken Little has just moved to the Big City and thinks the sky is falling! But her wise new friends, Goosey Lucy, Ducky Lucky, and the grown-up puppeteers, help her learn that safety and common sense will get her through almost all new situations. Children will sing and move along with the puppets and performers as they learn to travel "With a Buddy" and always "Know the Rules."

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Sandra Robbins
Musical Arrangements - Jeff Olmsted
Performers - Glenn Kelman, Audrey Knell, Jeff Olmsted, Sandra Robbins, and Nathalie Robinson
Audio produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins

Audio Recording: 29 mins



The African Drum
The Shadow Box Theatre's production of The African Drum has been beloved by children for over three decades. Magical shadow puppets, music and African tales highlight a child's introduction to the folklore or Africa. The audience is invited to sing, chant, and imaginatively participate as the little girl Kijana's adventure unfolds. Listen to the drums tell the stories and see How the Animals Got Their Colors, How the Turtle Got Its Shell and Kijana's Tale.

Book by Sandra Robbins
Original Music by Sandra Robbins & Paul Johnson
Drum Arrangements by Leopoldo Fleming
Performers - Greg Alexander, Steven Charles, Michelle Ellis, Kristin Gehling, Jamil Mangan, Tessa Martin, Jill Michael, Kimberlee Monroe and Marcus Turnage
.

Audio Recording: 56 mins



Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin
Meet Farmer Joe and Sally Scarecrow and a wonderful cast of players such as Hoot the Owl, Jack the Rabbit, and Carolyn Crow. With comedy, compassion, and plenty of pumpkins, this Halloween story will have everyone singing along and rooting for Lumpy Bumpy to be the scariest Jack O'Lantern of them all.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Sandra Robbins
Performers - Jill Michael and Greg Alexander
.
Tobias Turkey
Tobias Turkey, Pushy Percival, and Farmer Joe will have children laughing and singing along with this humorous Thanksgiving tale. Tobias eats and hops, gallops, and flies. He knows, "with his determination he can do anything!" But can he win the prize?

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Sandra Robbins
Performers - Jill Michael, Greg Alexander, Michelle Ellis, & Aubrey Fennecken
.
Little Is Big
Big Fish scares little fish. Little fish join together to scare Big Fish. Everybody's scared. There's got to be a better way! This gem of a shadow puppet show, paired with a stirring Sing-Out for Peace, leads the way, helping Children find new solutions "hand in hand" through friendship and harmony.

Book. Music, and Lyrics by Sandra Robbins
Performers - Jill Michael, Michael Siktberg, Kristen Gehling, Jamil Mangan, Kimberlee Monroe, Michael Ellis, and Marcus Turnage
.
The Earth & Me
When a curious child wonders how our planet came to be, the Earth answers in beautiful poetic form, telling the wondrous, and sometimes destructive tale of the history of the Earth and its creatures. As its awe-inspiring story comes to an end, the Earth joins "hand in hand" with the child as they reach out to children of all nations, to honor and protect the Earth.

"This musical tone poem is well produced and professionally performed, and the arrangements are, appropriately, rather mystical and ethereal... the audio, with its high-quality musical selections, serves well as a supplement to ecology and other science-based classes or for individual listening."
--BOOKLIST 1/1/98

Book and Songs by Sandra Robbins
Musical Interludes & Arrangements by Jeff Olmsted
Singers - Steffani Bennett, Natalie Robinson, Nellson Moore, Jeff Olmsted & Lila Newman
CD produced by Jeff Olmsted & Sandra Robbins

Grades: PreK-up • Audio Recording: 49 mins



See-More's Surprise
This musical story about friends preparing to give See-More a surprise birthday party is everything a birthday party should be and have! There are hats and balloons, candy, cake, and candles, and excitement galore coupled with special surprises - plus songs that run the gamut from happy to happier to happiest. Above all, this recording is intimate, involving, and honest.

Book, music, and lyrics by Sandra Robbins
Musicians - Judy Markewich, Geoff Gray, Bill Van Riper, & Joe Rizzo
Singers: Al Bergeret, Robert Brooker, Audrey Knell, Judy Markewich, and Sandra Robbins

Audio Recording: 20 mins


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T-SHIRTS
See-More T-Shirts
SMWS makes fine-quality T-shirts in white, with a picture of our signature See-More logo on the front, reading "Shadow Box Theatre" or "Wear A Smile All Day" (let us choose). Child and adult sizes are available. To order select t-shirt type (Kids or Adult) and size from the choices below . At our mainstage productions, a concession stand is operated with additional items for purchase, including buttons, stickers, posters, "color-me"'s, and more.
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