Happy B-I-R-T-H Day Around the World

Although I was initially turned off by the low-budget corniness (including a gallingly repetitive theme song), this colorful, original program ultimately proved to be a winning overview of children's birthday celebrations around the world. Starting with onscreen graphics for saying “Happy Birthday” in 10 languages, the tape features a brief, simple overview of the origins of the birthday party, as well as traditional customs such as lighting candles on a cake, before launching into country-specific segments (Germany, Italy, Israel, Japan, Sweden, France, Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Mexico/South America [“Spanish-speaking countries”]) that feature live action clips and relevant onscreen graphics to spotlight birthday morning routines, school and family parties, customary gifts and giving times, dos and don'ts, decorations, refreshments, “thank you's,” games and entertainment, and other customs. Helping to introduce children to other cultures in a fun and unique way, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)