All About Boats

Did you know that in Louisiana's Cajun culture, Santa Claus is really called Papa Noel, and he brings children presents by pirogue (that's "boat" to you landlubbers)? Well, if you did know, then you're obviously spending too much time on the reference desk and not enough time watching avant garde animated short subjects. All About Boats is a reasonably entertaining video introduction to various types of boats and boating terms presented by Captain Buck to a group of children. The info is broken up by seven sing-along tunes that include on-screen lyrics and range across a number of musical genres. Ski boats, battle ships, yachts, cruise ships, harbor tugs and others are profiled, with my personal favorite being the barge ("I'm large and in charge, I'm a barge" sung in a basso profundo). Recommended for ages 4-9. (R. Pitman)