LetterFun!

Although I had a little trouble understanding the sound for "X" ("X says [sound of several three and four-year-olds making unintelligible noise]"), LetterFun! is generally right on target in its kindergarten romp through the alphabet, phonics-style. Low key, simply shot, and easy to follow ("'R' is for 'rabbit'; 'R' says 'ruh'"), the program is also notable for its kid-friendly instructors, a pair of eight-year-old young ladies and a puppet named "Buddy the Education Bear," who lead their charges twice through the alphabet and then separately through the consonants and vowels. The final admonition to "study hard, obey your parents, and be kind to each other" may be a little far afield of the study of phonics, but the advice itself is good. An inexpensive, inspirational introduction which will encourage young viewers to begin learning the (more common) sounds of letters before being hit with the rude shock of "exceptions to the rule," with which the English language is particularly blessed. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)