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Well, that was quick. It seems to take at least a full year for new kids shows to hit DVD, but PBS Kids is rolling out the first Super WHY! DVD exclusively to shoppbs.org. Nice to see PBS capitalize while the show is still fresh and in demand. Plus it’s a pretty cool show to boot.
Hey look, FREE STUFF! The folks at Tot By Me have offered up a free DVD for me to give away.
I wrote about Tot By Me recently, but the main idea is that they create DVDs for toddlers and preschoolers where the parents are the stars. Familiarity in the faces is comforting to the children. It’s also a way to enhance familiarity with grandparents or other relatives that kids might not see very often.
But on to the giveaway. The rules are pretty simple. Just use the contact form to send me a message and include the following information:
The 30th person to contact me wins a gift card good for one DVD. Please make sure to provide a valid email address, otherwise I won’t be able to notify you if you’ve won.
Typically on this site I’m referencing shows that others have made. However, a new service called Tot By Me allows you to be the star. Your photos are uploaded and you - and brothers and sisters and grandma’s and grandpa’s can be the main characters in a customized DVD for your children. Right now DVDs are on sale for $24.95 but you can make a 1 minute free sample to see what you think.
The product is the brain child of some self proclaimed geeky dads who thought:
we knew that all children could be watching better, more meaningful video content with little or no extra effort from parents. Thus, we set out to create our patent-pending technology and family-friendly content so that parents could use the web to easily create videos that integrate family members as characters.
For more about the product, you can check out their blog. There’s also a video describing the product and the process.
Well in time for Halloween (and doesn’t the Halloween season start just as soon as back to school stuff ends, like in mid-August?) Playhouse Disney has release Mickey’s Treat - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
In this adventure, Mickey and his pals journey to the Trick-or-Treat Tower for Pete’s big Halloween Party. Many surprises await and The Sensational Six need a couple of tricks to reach the tower in time for the festivities. Also, episodes “Goofy the Great†and “Doctor Daisy, MD†capture the magical spirit of Halloween while showcasing how cooperation and teamwork go a long way in getting out of any sticky situation.
PLUS, a bonus Halloween episode with the cast of another Playhouse Disney favorite, Little Einsteins. In “A Little Einsteins Halloween,†Leo, June, Quincy, Annie and Rocket plan a night of trick-or-treating at a European castle and are joined by some spooky visitors. In true Little Einstein spirit, this Halloween adventure illustrates simple examples of teamwork, friendship and compassion, stimulating curiosity and learning along the way.
To create Disney fun in your own home and get the Halloween party started, the DVD also includes a party planning guide and special Halloween recipes from Mickey and his pals.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’s Halloween DVD joins a list of other DVDs already available from preschool television favorites including:
For those of you looking for a DVD of The Wonder Pets you’re luck. Or at least you will be in the spring when the first DVD from the show will be released. There isn’t much detail, this was just mentioned in a recent press release from Nickelodeon.
Nick Jr. will air a new episode of
In the episode, Dora leaves on a trip with a plain messenger bag. Along the way she meets Boots, Tico, Isa, and Benny. Eventually the group encounters Swiper for the first time.
The episode will premiere on April 7th at 9:00am.
The episode will also be available on DVD (aff link)
Any parent that has Noggin is familiar with
The DVD is a nice blend of the songs you’re already familiar with, such as Bumblebee and We Are the Dinosaurs, and some songs that may become new favorites. One of the new songs, Walk Along the River has quickly become a favorite in our house. The song, inspired by walks along the Hudson River, is fun, upbeat, and like so much of Laurie’s music can be enjoyed by the whole family.
1. I’m gonna catch you
2. We are the dinosaurs
3. Victor Vito
4. Walk Along the River
5. Under a shady tree
6. Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)
7. O Susannah
8. The Goldfish
9. Pig on her head
10. Moon Moon Monn
11. Telephone
While most of the songs can be seen on Noggin, the presentations are slightly different. On the DVD we seem to see and hear more of Brian Mueller (bass, vocals, husband) and Susie Lampert (keyboards, vocals). Whether it is the keyboard in the calypso styled Under a Shady Tree, or Brian taking lead vocals on O’ Susannah the versions on the DVD seem to be richer. There are also several acapella renditions that feature all 3 including the lullabye Moon Moon Moon, and Telephone.
Two things seem to set Laurie Berkner apart from many of her contemporaries. First, the band seems so normal. Brian, Laurie, and Susie all seem like people you wouldn’t be afraid to have your kids talk to. It seems like so many of the acts try and connect with kids by being downright weird - including strange costumes and hair-dos. The Berkner band manages to connect with good music and natural friendliness. Second, many of the songs don’t necessarily sound like kids songs. The intro to Bumblebee sounds like any song you’d hear. And even the songs that do sound like kids music aren’t overly sugary or simplistic. The appeal for kids is that the songs are fun. The appeal for adults is that you actually don’t mind Laurie Berkner shaping your children’s music tastes.
If you’re interested in purchasing We’re the Laurie Berkner Band, it can be found at Starbucks and other outlets. In addition to the 11 tracks, there are 3 bonus tracks and a 5 song CD included.
A new episode of the 
Also of note is that starting March 10th, the Backyardigans will begin airing regularly on Noggin. It will become a part of their daily schedule, airing at 4:30pm. That happens to be a timeslot currently occupied by
As someone born in 1974 I have a very vague recollection of The Electric Company. It’s somewhere jumbled in my memory alongside 3-2-1 Contact and The Great Space Coaster. In any case, a four disc set called The Best of the Electric Company will be available on February 7th.
Press Release: Sesame Workshop - Press Room
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