Mommy & Me in Animaland

Kids with good imaginations and a lot of energy will enjoy this bouncy exercise video. Each tumble, hop, and stretch has a cute animal name, like "Kangaroo Hip-Hop" or "Monkey Face." Designed to get little bodies to have some active fun while at the same time developing coordination, creativity, and imagination, the program succeeds in being both entertaining and useful. However, the format is a bit confusing--divided into nine "music videos," shots of kids doing the exercise moves are intercut with shots of the band, the Bumblebeez, performing the accompanying songs, which are very clever and catchy (an audiocassette is available separately). Unfortunately, no instruction or introduction is offered for any of the activities, and the production values are mixed--edits are interesting, and the graphics are fun, but the video quality is wanting. An optional purchase. Aud: K, E, P. (E. Gieschen)