Mother Nature Tales Of Discovery: Antlers Big And Small; Mother Nature Tales Of Discovery: When Bears Go Fishing

Created for The Discovery Channel, these two programs are narrated by Su Ours, who assumes the role of Mother Nature, and tells children tales set in the natural world. Antlers Big and Small introduces kids to the habits of the elk and moose, as the camera captures footage of wapiti elk, big-horned rams, white-tailed deer, and caribou. The focus is on the hat rack that these mammals carry on their crown--the antlers being a sign of social status and an influence on mating decisions. Hard, bony, and deciduous, antlers are the male deer (and related species) annual project, and some of the spreads seen on the video look like true prizewinners. Yet, while the show is interesting, it also harkens back to documentaries of old since the information is presented piecemeal rather than in a story fashion. When Bears Go Fishing is much better, primarily because a good portion of the program is devoted to following the antics of a single mother grizzly and cub team who are fishing for salmon. At one point, the mother is approached by another mother with two fairly grown cubs, and it looks as if we may be in for some serious no-holds-barred female wrestling. But after some baring of teeth and a few water splashes the mamas decide that the river is big enough for both families. Woven around this central story are tidbits about other members of the bear family, and a look at doll sheep. Too, there is an impressive introduction to the life cycle of the salmon--and a beautiful explanation of how the salmon "contributes, even in death" as others feed on its remains (trust me, the program makes it sound nicer than that). Antlers Big and Small lacks a central focus and is therefore an optional purchase, while When Bears Go Fishing is an excellent and involving program and is highly recommended. These titles are available separately, or as a 3-pack (which includes The Business of Beavers) for $39.95. (Available from most distributors.)