For a movie night that the whole family will enjoy, pop in the new DVD, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!,” Scholastic Storybook Treasure’s animated adaptation of three of Mo Willems children’s books. In addition to the title cartoon, there are animated versions of “Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion” (which had this sentimental mom weeping over the poignant tale of a little girl who loses her lovey and later demonstrates that she’s growing up fast) and “Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct.” In “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!,” Willems and author Jon Scieszka (of “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” fame) lend their voices to the story of the stubborn pigeon who pleads with the viewer to be allowed to stay up just a little bit longer, and Willems is joined by the voices of his wife, Cher, and daughter, Trixie, for “Knuffle Bunny Free.” The bonus features include an interview with the charming author-illustrator Willems and a recipe for Edwina’s chocolate chip cookies. The read-along function — think: subtitles — will even have you patting yourself on the back, because it’s encouraging your child to read! This DVD is recommended for ages 2–8 and the caregivers who adore them.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! … and More Stories by Mo Willems” DVD, $14.95, www.amazon.com.
