Googol Power: Multiplication Vacation

Apparently it's never too soon to initiate math anxiety: supposedly geared toward ages three and up, this program features Googol Power (“Canada's Favourite New Children's Group”) presenting 18 cute and educational songs, covering multiplication tables for the numbers zero through 13, along with math rules. The Googols themselves are six rod-and-hand puppets who “help children in their quest to learn,” backed by several very stilted child “actors” and musicians Mr. I and Gary Q. DVD extras include “The Learning Lady” segment on multiplication. While the songs are admittedly clever and catchy (and the CD is available separately for $13.95), the low-budget, clunky production values on the visual side make this an optional purchase. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Reagan)