Blue's Clues: Story Time

What a delightful surprise! Nickelodeon's spin-off for the preschool set, Nick Jr., has a bone-afide hit in Blues Clues. Live action host Steve--a perfect combination of Mr. Rogers and Pee-Wee Herman--lives in a computer-animated storyboard world with a cartoon dog named Blue who doesn't talk, but communicates by leaving clues for Steve and the audience to decipher. Blue has a favorite book she wants her friend to read, and as Steve engages the help of young viewers to help figure out what Blue wants, the clues build until--and here's the fun part--you scream the answers out in your living room loud enough for Steve to hear. And, guess what? He not only hears you, but appreciates your help! (If only this worked on teenagers...) Here, the video medium is perfect, as usually passive watchers interact in ways which help promote problem solving and thinking skills. With repeated viewings, kids will become expert Blue-clue-gatherers. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: K, E, P. (N. Plympton)