Oh Baby! a Guide For Big Brothers And Big Sisters

When I was two years old, something new entered my life: competition. It came in the form of a teeny tiny puke and poop factory named Dawn. She was my baby sister, and she did an awful thing: she stole my mommy and daddy away from me. I retaliated by putting all of my toys into her crib while she was inside (I was going for my rocking horse when my mother intervened). To this day, my mom thinks I was sharing; but my sister, who knows better, never turns her back on me. Had I seen Oh Baby! before my sister came home, she might not have that extra birthmark on the side of her head today. Narrated by Gus the Bulldog, Oh Baby! is a slick and highly entertaining production which should go far in allaying the fears and addressing the concerns of young siblings facing the prospect of a new baby in the house. Gus and his animal friends (shown live action with clever editing) share "new baby" horror stories during the first half of the program--an excellent approach which acknowledges young viewers' true feelings--and then explore the good aspects of having a new baby brother or sister. A pair of music videos "Can't We Take This Baby Back?" and "I Am Special" add to the fun. Also included is a companion tape Those Baby Blues, which is a superb production in its own right. Hosted by former CNN anchor Marcia Ladendorff, and featuring noted psychologist Brenda Wade and other child care experts, the program visits several families with new bundles of joy and unhappy big sisters and brothers, offering guidance on what to do and not to do in helping siblings work through their feelings. At $24.95 for the package, this is a great deal. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)