Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Videos Help Teach, Inspire Children

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

The arrival of autumn brings an armload of wholesome family videos as alternatives to the fast-paced images of television. These videos engage youngsters in stories which inspire, stimulate and teach at a comfortable pace.

Take a look:

“Little Bear Winter Tales” (Paramount, $9.95).

The charming antics of Maurice Sendak’s animated characters make this film an instant favorite for children from 2 to 6.

For Little Bear and his menagerie of friends, wintertime brings four new adventures, including “Winter Solstice,” “Snowbound,” “Snowball Fight” and “Little Bear and the North Pole.”

These simple tales are woven with warm relationships, providing a half-hour of enchanting entertainment. This one’s a winner, available at area Blockbuster Video stores.

“The Adventures of Corduroy - Corduroy Goes Home”(Paramount, $9.95).

Based on the timeless children’s books by Don Freeman about the stuffed bear with the missing button, this 25-minute video offers a winning combination of funny mishaps and loyal friendship between Corduroy and his toy-shelf friends.

Although the film’s characters are a bit more irreverent than Sendak’s Little Bear, the gentle message about trust and responsibility will appeal to parents. Available at Blockbuster.

“I Love Toy Trains 4” (TM Books & Video, $12.95).

The fourth award-winning video in the “I Love Toy Trains” series does not disappoint. Impressive footage of actual trains and elaborate toy train layouts is accompanied by lively music.

Children will love educational segments interspersed with quirky humor, such as when the toy trains tow a set of dinosaurs. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the broad spectrum of trains represented, spanning several eras. Enjoyable songs, such as “Stop, Look and Listen,” teach about railroad safety. To order, call (800) 892-2822.

“So Smart!” (The Baby School Company, $14.95).

This innovative video is based on the research that says infants respond favorably to contrasting colors, geometric patterns, facial expressions and peekaboo games. “So Smart!” is an animated stimulation video that incorporates attention-grabbing images with classical music for babies 3 months to 1 year. Not at all like television, the film more closely resembles the geometric mobiles which hang above cribs.

Producers of the 30-minute video intend for parents to use it in 5-minute increments as a learning tool for infants while the family enjoys the music by Bach, Brahms and Beethoven. The video also includes a brochure on language development and interactive games for parents and infants. To order, call (800) 663-2741.

“Wilbur Visits the Farm” (EKA Productions, $14.95).

The star of a new series of children’s videos is a black-and-white spotted calf named Wilbur, a puppet which narrates this charming 30-minute video.

Youngsters follow Wilbur through the magical barn doors to meet 14 real barnyard animals and hear the sounds they make. Young viewers will love to imitate the animal sounds along with a group of children in the video.

Other terrific videos in the Wilbur series are, “Wilbur Teaches Parts of the Body” and “Wilbur Sings the Classics.” To order, call (800) 945-2875.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098. (Editor’s note: Beginning Nov. 9, look for Family Notes in Community Update, which runs in Sunday’s In Life.)

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN, VIDEO REVIEWS - The Family Track

The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098. (Editor’s note: Beginning Nov. 9, look for Family Notes in Community Update, which runs in Sunday’s In Life.)

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN, VIDEO REVIEWS - The Family Track