Big Bird, Little Bird

Big Bird, Little Bird features 13 music videos of songs (mostly original) from the award-winning CD Newborn by singer/songwriter Sara Hickman. The offerings, which range from sweet lullabies (“This Heart,” “It's Alright”) to more up-tempo ditties (“Goop's In It,” “A Slice of Heaven”), are aimed at children up to kindergarten age, with Hickman's soothing and mellow voice shown off to lovely effect on several a capella numbers. The accompanying animations vary in style, but all are imaginative, charming, and colorful, while eschewing flashy effects or rev-'em-up graphics (this is much more suitable for bedtime than playtime). DVD extras include parenting tips from Hickman (a mom and a former certified parenting instructor), comprised of practical suggestions (on nursing, taking your baby to the store, etc.), opinion (“say no to pacifiers”), and simple bits of wisdom Hickman has gleaned through experience (“start family rituals”). Highly recommended. Aud: P. (E. Gieschen)