Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat: Sagwa's Storybook World

Containing two programs (with three adventures each), this compilation based on stories by celebrated author Amy Tan follows young cartoon cat Sagwa and her family (including younger and older siblings), who live as magistrate's pets in historic China. In “Explorer's Club," the opening episode of Feline Frenzy, Sagwa is given the cold shoulder by brother Dongwa's club and decides to form her own, ultimately leading to a contest between the quarreling groups to climb Waterfall Mountain, where various crises force them to work together. The other two adventures are “Treasure Hunters” and “Sick Day,” and the program also includes a pair of live-action "What About You?" segments in which real kids discuss “Making Art” and their “Neighborhood.” Cat Nights, Flights and Delights starts out with “Firefly Nights,” which finds Dongwa striving to keep up with adult activities when he's given the opportunity to see a rare light show for mature cats, learning that while adulthood has perks, childhood should not be rushed along. The other shorts are “Fu-Fu's Full Moon Flight” and “Shei-Hu's Secret,” and the program includes "What About You?" clips on “Martial Arts” and “Lucky Animals.” These lesson-filled programs are not only fun and informative, but also full of interesting facets of authentic Asian culture (including food, landscapes, art, and games). DVD extras include “Sagwa's Story Trivia Game,” a weblink, and a message to parents from Amy Tan. Recommended. [Note: also newly available on DVD at the same price is Sagwa: Cat Tales and Celebrations.] Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)