Peli the Clown: People I Know, Vol. IV; Spanish Club: Los Animales!, Vol. 2

New volumes in a pair of ongoing Spanish-instruction video courses for children emphasize the immersion method of learning. The lesser of the two is People I Know from the Peli the Clown series (the other volumes are From Head to Toe, a Great House, and Desserts and More), a compilation of sing-alongs and skits, aimed at children 2-8, about family members and community workers. Surrounded by a ring of children and character actors, the central figure is Peli the Clown (Maria Eugenia Begue), who leads the children in songs, or plays a prominent role in the skits (one of the best involves Peli as the stricken Sleeping Beauty, who is approached by a doctor, an artist, and a mechanic, before a prince finally awakens her with a kiss). The program is entirely in Spanish, there are no drills or repetitions, and the script is delivered at normal speed. Many kids would be frustrated by this, but the program would work well in conjunction with a teacher.Not as clever, but boasting slightly higher production values, and some English bridging material, Los Animales, the second video in the Spanish Club series (the first is called Fiesta!), also aimed at kids 2-8, features Jennifer Reyes and a group of children learning about animals. They sing songs, learn about animals in Mexico and Latin America, visit a farm, and listen to a mariachi singer. Puppets, which were obviously inspired by Sesame Street, provide some humorous banter (and act out the tale of the Three Little Pigs). Our only quibble was with the very cheery children featured on the video (they either had a little cereal with their sugar that morning, or they're bucking for positions as replacements on the Barney the Dinosaur show). But this is a minor complaint.Peli the Clown: People I Know might be a good choice for an elementary school library, but is not a necessary purchase for a public library. Spanish Club: Los Animales! is recommended. (R. Pitman)