The Very Brave Elephant and His Friends

Perky host Suzi Shelton guides youngsters aged 2-5 in a song-and-dance-filled interactive exercise program—from the commercial Gymboree kids' exercise trainers—built around the story of “The Very Brave Elephant and His Friends,” in which the telling of the tale is interwoven with various calls to action (“Can you make animal sounds?” “Let's all move like elephants do!”) as the brave elephant makes friends (a very hungry giraffe, a very happy puppy, etc.) while on a quest to investigate a strange faraway sound. Although adults might find Shelton and co-host instructor Eli Lucas a little on the irritatingly sprightly side, the participating kids all appear to be really enjoying the songs and movements. A colorful, professionally-produced, and relatively inexpensive program (especially considering that a 12-week Gymboree class starts at just under $200 in this reviewer's area), DVD extras here include song lyrics and suggested play activities for parent and child. Also newly available at the same price on DVD is Let's Get Moving! Trains, Cars & Planes. [Note: award-winning singer Shelton also has a new children's music DVD out entitled Suzi Shelton: Live at Southpaw, which is priced at $20 and available from www.suzishelton.com.]  Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)