Lots & Lots of Animal Songs for Kids

This title compiles 40 music videos taken from the Lots & Lots of Animal Stories franchise. Viewers familiar with the series will recognize Miss Danni Donkey, who appears in some of the songs either alone or accompanied by exuberant young dancers. The DVD menu allows users to choose songs relating to bears, whales, birdies, froggies, donkeys, or foxes, or simply play the program in its entirety. The first songs relate to teddy, panda, polar, and other types of bears, who dance, surf, and sing, among other antics. The original songs are accompanied by live-action shots of Danni and the kids, colorful animation, photos, and puppetry, while the music itself reflects a wide range of styles, encompassing country, light rock, opera, big band, and more (in one cute segment, four animated frogs sing a barbershop-quartet tune). While subtle messages about the environment, self-esteem, friendship, acceptance, and other child-friendly topics sometimes crop up, the focus here is mainly on fun and entertainment. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (S. Beauregard)