Animal Safari, Vol. I: Wild World Habitats

Host Karla Majewski slings around a cockatoo, pygmy hedgehog, Nile monitor, and a lemur, in addition to showing off a llama to a group of restless children in this labored "animal safari." Apparently wearing a body mic, Majewski comes across very loudly (and rather raucous and bug-eyed in her efforts to be humorous), while the children asking questions can barely be heard. Majewski acquired the animals from breeders or families bored with their exotic pets and now uses them in a kind of dog and pony show. Because this appears to be taped in someone's back yard, the educational message about the animals' habitats is unenhanced by actual views of those places. Too, the creatures don't really fit into any geographical or biome category; they're just what the host happens to have (literally) on hand. Not recommended. [Note: A second volume, Animals of the Amazon, is also available, with six other volumes currently in post-production.] Aud: P. (R. Reagan)