May 1^st is the beginning of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

In a new DVD from Scholastic Storybook Treasures called “Tikki Tikki Tembo…And More Stories to Celebrate Asian Heritage,” children can enjoy 6 classic Asian stories to celebrate Asian legends and heritage.

The title story is Tikki Tikki Tembo, a favorite originally published in 1968 that has sold millions of copies. Parents will recall watching film strips in grade school when they watch this story. Remember the “ding” to move the film strip forward?

Tikki Tikki Tembo was written by Arlene Mosel and illustrated by Blair Lent. It tells the legend why the Chinese no longer give their first born son a long name to honor them.

The other stories include:

• The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks – by Katherine Paterson and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon about a couple who risks their lives to reunite a pair of ducks.
• Grandfather’s Journey – by Allen Say, who also illustrated it. The story tells about a grandfather who travels to the United States and back from Japan.
• The Stonecutter – written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott. This is a legend about a lowly stonecutter, Tasaku who wants to be more powerful.
• Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding hood Story from China – written and illustrated by Ed Young. This is the Asian version of the classic story of courage, trust and strangers.
• Sam and the Lucky Money – by Karen Chinn and illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. This is a modern story of young Sam who meets a stranger who helps him decide how to spend his lucky money.

Several stories are narrated by the familiar voices of B. D. Wong from “Law and Order: SVU” and “Oz” and Ming-Na Wen from “E.R.” and “Two and a Half Men.” It also features a read-along capability so children can practice reading the stories while listening.

For more information, please visit www.newkideo.com.