Are We There Yet?

Taking advantage of the fact that road trips can now be “enlivened” thanks to built-in DVD players in newer vehicles, the quasi-educational kids' travel program Are We There Yet?--aimed at ages 3-8--features four “Question Kids” and the blue puppet goose Miles, who together lead viewers through a variety of games, educational trivia, and songs. The games are much the same as in my 1960s childhood: Alphabet Snoop, collecting points for car colors, observing cloud shapes, etc. The fun facts segments touch on topics such as bridges, trains, animal travel, famous American sites, and the weather. Finally, the songs by Rebecca Frezza and the Big Truck Band include the infamous one about “beans, beans, the magical fruit…”--that little ditty will surely be endlessly repeated, causing a slow-boil in the most patient of parents. Sound like a hodgepodge? Actually, this is the DVD equivalent of a grab bag. An optional purchase for larger collections. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)