Here’s our weekly showcase of the latest and greatest new selections in media for youth.
From books and games to educational toys and DVDs, there’s never a dull moment for active and eager young minds.
This week, even though Halloween has just passed, here are two more fun, spooky DVD selections along with a fun and entertaining lunchtime video idea:
DVDS
AGES 1 TO 5
HIT Favorites: Trick or Treat Tales
(Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment, $14.98)
Get out your leftover Halloween candy and enjoy an hour of “not-so-spooky” tales of adventure, learning and friendship with favorite TV characters including Barney the Purple Dinosaur, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Thomas and Friends and even Angelina Ballerina. Stories shared include efforts to save a giant pumpkin pie from a hungry cow and a lesson in the fun that comes with choosing just the right costume when dressing up for a party. This DVD also includes a special bonus feature called “Cat Magic.” It’s available in stores now or by visiting hitentertainment.com.
AGES 2 AND OLDER
Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors
(Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment, $14,98)
Follow Wallace & Gromit’s wooly friend through six adventures involving a troublesome tractor, an investigation of “freaky” farm noises and more. In one instance, Shaun and his gang discover a metal detector can lead to lots of trouble. Special bonus features include a “Sheep Shearing” game and the ever-popular “Whack-a-Pig” game. It’s available in stores now or by visiting shaunthesheep.com.
Bob the Builder Lunchbox DVD Set
(Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment, $19.98)
No more “brown-bagging” it for lunchtime. Preschool pals such as Bob the Builder have their own DVD lunchbox sets. Each set features an insulated, “soft-sided” lunchbox that is easy to clean and ready to use. There’s a surprise inside each one, too; three DVDs featuring the same characters from the lunchbox design. Besides Bob, there are sets featuring Barney, Thomas and Care Bears. Each set offers 135 minutes to 224 minutes of viewing fun. They are available in stores now or by visiting hitentertainment.com.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.
