Ni Hao, Kai-lan: Princess Kai-lan

Chinese cultural touchstones and vocabulary are sprinkled throughout this compilation from the Nickelodeon series following 6-year-old adventure-loving preschooler Kai-lan and her animal friends. The central story “Princess Kai-lan” finds the gang's game of “butterfly ball” interrupted by a visit from the shape-shifting superhero Monkey King, who wants our heroine's help in bringing together rival kingdoms: the Fox and Bear domains, which are separated by a high wall. Kai-lan and the crew meet two young members of the opposing factions (who immediately bond over a love of yummy peaches), and eventually set up a meeting for the groups to work out their differences (the foxes are irritated because the bears make the ground shake with their dancing, and the bears find the foxes inconsiderate due to loud incessant singing). The episode also features various whimsical interactive segments, in which viewers can help the characters pick the right path, jump over obstacles, and travel by bubble. Other episodes include “Lulu's Cloud” and “The Moon Festival.” DVD extras include a bonus music video. This fine bilingual program (in the Dora the Explorer vein) is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)