Jojo's Circus: Take a Bow!

Co-produced by Jim Jinkins (Nickelodeon's Emmy-nominated Doug), this stop-motion animated preschool series from the Playhouse Disney programming block follows the enjoyable escapades of likable young clown Jojo. Bookended by connective segments that feature Jojo and her pet lion Goliath, this compilation starts out with the series premiere “Easy As Pie,” which focuses on Jojo's first day at clown school, where she learns to follow instructions after making a mess with a pie-throwing machine (Jojo redeems herself by cleaning up and being honest with her teacher Mrs. Kersplatski). In the titular “Take a Bow,” Jojo is nervous about her skills--or lack thereof--when the Flying Frogginis amphibian trapeze family come to instruct the class, but she relaxes when new girl Croaky Froggini admits to having anxiety as well. Also featuring “Jojo on the Tightrope” (she learns that practice is more important than appearance, but also delivers a “wow”-inducing performance by relying on her prowess for slapstick) and “Happy Hoppy Day” (the Frogginis return for a wacky holiday celebration), this is a cute, vibrantly-colored children's series that should be a popular addition for most collections. DVD extras include DisneyPedia interactive fun facts on the circus, the Higglytown Heroes short “Havin' a Ball,” and DVD-ROM printable coloring pages. Highly recommended Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)