Mr. Language Tree is a live-action dude wearing a green shirt with sewn-on leaves, who introduces children to Penelope, a native speaker of French, and her somewhat annoying computer-animated French poodle Pezi. Seven short lessons are presented as viewers follow Penelope through her 10th birthday celebration, covering greetings, as well as vocabulary for relatives, colors, body parts, food, the numbers 1-10, and the names of a few toys. Each section is followed by a quiz or a matching game, and the program features four original songs (in addition, a 16-page accompanying booklet includes much of the onscreen content but not the phonetic pronunciations). Although correct in terms of content, the program seems a little amateurish: aside from the stilted acting, the poor lighting choices are very noticeable, whether it's artificial fill-light or the uncontrolled outdoor sunlight of the dining sequence. Finally, the program occasionally sacrifices believability for expediency (among the gifts 10-year-old Penelope receives are some blocks). Optional. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Reagan)
French for Kids: Beginner Level 1, Volume 1
(2005) 45 min. DVD: $25.99 (booklet included). Language Tree. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 0-9763444-0-8. Volume 20, Issue 4
French for Kids: Beginner Level 1, Volume 1
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