The Clocks Symphony

Combining what sounds like a tinkly Casio keyboard with graphics that could have been generated by an old Amiga computer, this well-meaning but technically-challenged effort introduces Mini Maestro, a pint-sized faux German-accented conductor who serves as host for an animated introduction to telling time that features the music of Haydn. Loosely built around a day in the life of Tic and Toc, who rise at 7 a.m., catch the school bus at 8 a.m., study their letters and numbers in class at 9 a.m., and so on up to bedtime (9 p.m.), the non-narrated program encourages kids to use their imaginations to fill in the storyline. With an accompanying picture book and music CD, this package aimed at pre-schoolers would be an excellent value if it weren't for the fact that other really excellent programs on letters, numbers and time already exist. Optional. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)