The Backyardigans: It's Great to Be a Ghost



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		The Backyardigans: It's Great to Be a Ghost

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		On DVD Now Best For Preschoolers (3-5) Not Rated
		Animation \| Educational

		That quirky quintet from the animated hit TV series scares up a variety of musical monsters and ghosts in this pre-Halloween treat. The episodes on this DVD, which deal with "spooky things," will go a long way toward dispelling children's fears and may actually have them singing and dancing their way through them.

The catchy tunes and enthusiastic characters will hook even the youngest viewers. The Backyardigans are always on the move, and toddlers will also be on their feet, tapping and shimmying along to styles of music they may not have heard before. Those who don't feel like dancing can still practice kicks, as soccer takes center stage in "Monster Detectives," showing kids how much fun different forms of physical activity can be.

Preschoolers will totally relate to the way the characters use their imagination, and the way they act with each other. They'll love when Pablo pretends to be a ghost, walking with his arms straight ahead, screaming "boo," and constantly asking, "Did I scare you? Did I scare you?" Many of them will empathize with Tyrone's nervousness about entering a haunted house and the fact that he feels like a "scaredy moose," and they'll feel empowered when he overcomes his fears and ultimately becomes the one to frighten the unflappable Tasha. Three- to five-year-olds will get a lot out of these episodes, including lessons in taking responsibility and getting the job done. In "Monster Detectives," they'll have a blast joining Detective Tyrone as he solves the case of Uniqua's missing soccer ball, learning about legendary soccer stars Pele and Mia Hamm along the way. Kids in this age group will also appreciate song lyrics like, "We must be especially sneaky now/Can't have sneakers that are squeaky now," and Tyrone's confession in the middle of a tune about fears, "I've got two night-lights."

If the numerous internet blogs are any indication, "The Backyardigans" is a hit, even with older kids, who proudly admit their guilty pleasure. For many, it's an introduction to a whole new world of music, from jazz to salsa to Broadway. The nontraditional children's song lyrics like "Look at me, I'm in a painting/When she looks at me, she'll be fainting," are also a welcome surprise for older kids. And, for viewers of any age, it's hard to resist characters who end every adventure with a snack.


	This DVD is intended for younger children.

--Lois Alter Mark, the Flicks for Kids Expert



		"Meet the Backyardigans"; a music video; plus two bonus musical episodes: "The Key to the Nile" and "Pirate Treasure."



			Movie Pluses
		Encourages imagination Celebrates friendship Introduces kids to different styles of music and dancing Gets young viewers up and moving

			Movie Minuses
		None