Baby Alive

Following a rather tedious and overly melodramatic opening-in which a kid chokes on a hot dog in slo-mo--this American Academy of Pediatrics approved production sets about cautioning viewers as to types of accidents that can occur to children, aged 5 and under; and gives specific instructions about what to do in case of the following emergencies: choking, drowning, poisoning, head injuries, burns, and cuts. Hosted by Phylicia Rashad (77ie Cosby Show), who is joined by doctors Joseph Greensher and Steven P. Shelov, this program has its share of unnecessary "dramatic" sequences (usually overproduced, and often accompanied by blaring music which nearly drowns out the information) and entertainment sections (we don't question the information's seriousness, but is it really necessary for Rashad to quote Shakespeare at length?) Still, in the main, the information offered is solid. Additional directions on buying a car seat, selection of toys, and how to childproof your home, coupled with the low purchase price for the tape, make this a suitable addition for libraries. Recommended.