Magic Cellar: Volume 1, Episodes 1-5

Commissioned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation, this five-episode first volume from the computer-animated series Magic Cellar is based on world culture and African-themed tales. In the framing device, young Pula, who lives with her grandmother Gogo after her parents are divorced, makes new multicultural friends Marcus, Navitha, Josh, and Melissa…and meets a couple of cellar-dwelling creatures: the wise, story-reading Zee and talkative gecko GG. The cozy basement becomes a stage for folktale renditions featuring the characters as participants. Volume 1 includes “Where Stories Come From” (about stories originating in a conch shell), “The Tortoise and the Elephant” (a turtle tricks a pushy pachyderm), and “Shakutara” (a story about a magical ring), as well as two other pieces, all backed by perfectly matched original music from South African composer Musa Manzini. Vols. 2, 3, and 4 are also available. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)