Barney's You Can Be Anything!

Now with a prehistoric foot in three decades ('80s, '90s and '00s), Barney's victorious reign over children's entertainment continues unabated. Complete with nearly 20 melodious songs, You Can Be Anything! outlines career options for younger viewers, as the purple dino, familiar cohort B.J., and four young friends dress-up (using Barney's "really cool costume shop") and try out a host of job opportunities. In the "Career March" song, the kids alphabetically review possible professions--with x-ray technician, quarterback, and yo-yo maker topping the list of creative choices. Whether on the farm, or in the veterinarian's office, B.J. predictably pops up as a mailman in each vignette to helpfully bestow some item specifically related to the profession (although the special delivery for the astronaut seemed to be a bit of a stretcher). Inspiring children to think outside of the box when considering career options, You Can Be Anything! employs imagination and fun to convey the message that jobs can be wonderful--and Barney's vow that being a friend is the best job of all will help seal the deal with the juvenile crowd. Also, seeing the B-man flanked with miniature blue- and orange-haired punk rockers and attempting wild splits is a delightful change from his usual saccharin-tinged antics. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)