Clair's Cozy Cottage: The Teddy Bear Afternoon

In this easygoing live-action half-hour children's variety show, Clair LeBear, mistress of Cozy Cottage, spends an afternoon singing songs, baking cookies and eventually sharing a story ("The Teddy Bear Tea") with young viewers, while interacting with puppet forest friends and neighbors such as Bear and Polly Squirrel. Children will easily identify with amusing sequences such as Bear's mischievous inspection of the cookie mix bowl while Clair is off borrowing a cup of sugar (resulting in a floury white nose for Bear), or a picnic abruptly cut short (in speeded-up comic fashion) by incoming rain clouds. Still, the video's brief segments often seem to be merely an excuse to move from one song to the next, making the video itself a so-so experience. On the other hand, the songs (many "teddy bear" themed) are truly delightful (and available separately on the accompanying CD), making this a strong optional purchase. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)