Avigile and Friends

Avigile (pronounced A-ve-GYLE) is a curious, beguiling, and purple three-year-old inhabitant of Rechov Sumsum—the Israeli Sesame Street—who, like her American counterpart Elmo, speaks in the third person. This compilation from the popular series features three episodes, in which Avigile expresses her feelings through painting (and is sung to by Israeli musical heartthrob Lior Narkis); learns that people can hold differing opinions; and misses a friend, but appreciates that she has others. Interspersed throughout are vignettes featuring familiar Sesame Street characters (Grover is Kroovi, and Oscar is Moishe), such as one in which the Israeli Cookie Monster paints something “so round, so beautiful … it's a cookie.” Live-action segments include a lovely little story of a boy preparing for his younger brother's Sneyniyeh party, in which a dish made with wheat berries, pomegranates, almonds, and raisins is served when a child gets a first tooth. Kids learning Hebrew will love this subtitled program, but it will also appeal to youngsters in general. DVD extras include a sneak peek at the Shalom Sesame series and bonus clips. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)