Go Potty Go: Potty Training For Tiny Toddlers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have 2 sons, 2 yrs. 4 months, and a nine month old. The very first time the 2 yr. old saw this DVD, the moment it ended he asked to potty. Then he did it again later! He immediately started singing the theme song, and asked for this video again and again. Scary how easily a kid can be indoctrinated by someone other than the parent! We have been trying to get the kid to use the toilet, but he was not crazy about the idea until we bought this DVD. I also bought the recommended "Potty Adventure" - my son did not respond that well to that one for many reasons (which I will explain in my review of that product). There are several reasons I think this works well: (1) catchy songs. The DVD has the film and then the "music videos" which my kid is into also. I can see him trying to memorize the songs as he's watching the cartoon. As I said, he sings the refrain from theme song! (2) They let kids know that there are different kinds of potty chairs. We use the seat that goes on the toilet, and they explain that that's a potty chair too. So it doesn't matter what kind you use in your house - the seat or the potty chair - your kid will be included. (3) They show the toddler that everyone goes potty (not just your parents who are pressuring you to join them in the toilet-going thing). I think it registers that your favorite animals (pandas, ducks, elephants, bears...) all have to potty somewhere. (4) They let the kid know that it's a feeling in the tummy that lets you know you have to go potty. I think that's smart and helpful, and I haven't seen other books and films say this. ...We've seen "Go Potty Go" twice already this morning, and my child is asking for it again. My 9 month old watches it too. He likes the music, and maybe he likes to see the babies (in the sequence that says, basically, "babies poop and pee too, but in their diapers, and that's okay, but I want to be a big kid, and go potty"...). I can't recommend this one enough.
Update: The boys are now nearly 4.5 and 3 - and the just-shy-of-3 year old has started asking to see this DVD. He argues with his older brother about whether or not he's a baby or a big kid, and big brother says he's not because "big kids go potty." I think that this DVD is about to work his magic once more. If you ask me, this was money well spent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Go Potty Go: Potty Training For Tiny Toddlers

Catchy songs, silly stories and fun, interactive-games are guaranteed to inform, inspire and motivate tiny toddlers to use the potty.Along the way, appropriate toilet skills are modeled for the viewer.Join Paige & Parker Panda and a gaggle of other lovable animated characters as they show kids what they need to know to go potty all by themselves.

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about Go Potty Go: Potty Training For Tiny Toddlers

Curious George: Back to School Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just finished watching this new DVD of every childs favorite monkey Curious George.
The DVD has an episode about when George gets invited to be a guess in Kindergarten, there is another episode about a maze in Rankings Farm, Hundley teaching Sharky to behave so she can stay in her apartment complex and George of course has to come to the rescue, Professor Wiseman can't BAKE, so George seeks the help of Cheef Pasketi. It's a wonderful DVD that encourages children to use logic, seek help, try new things, use their imagination and invent new things! A must have DVD for any young child.
My kids both 3 right now love this pbs kids series, and I would encourage any parent to allow their children to watch Curious George.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Curious George: Back to School

SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN & CURIOUS GEORGE CAN'T WAIT TO GO! THERE'S SO MUCH TO LEARN & DO AT SCHOOL & FRIENDS TO MEET TOO.

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Curious George: Back to School

Potty Power - For Boys & Girls Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to say I was throughly impressed with this video the first (and subsequent) times my daughter watched it. I do agree with a previous viewer that it is kinda geared toward girls, with dainty little songs and a princess story at the end.
My daughter is just over 2 years and we've run headlong into negativism in our attempts to potty train. She knows EXACTLY what we want her to do when we sit her on the potty, and blatently refuses to do so (to the point of painfully holding in both "number 1" and "number 2"). In desperation, I ordered this video based on the positive reviews.
I have to say she has loved it FAR more than any books (which she has been mildly interested in), which makes sense since 2-year-olds are much more "sucked in" to the TV than a book. In fact, I think creating a DVD on this subject was an ingenious idea! She watched it once the day it came, and in the week following, she completely undressed herself 3 times on a whim (and to my complete surprise) and sat on her potty chair. This was without me even mentioning it - just the sight of the chair triggered her enthusiasm. She didn't go, but I figure getting her interested and willing to go alone is a BIG start! When she watched it again, she insisted on it three times in a row before declaring it was time for Nemo. :)
The kids in the video are about 3 years old, which I think is perfect because my daughter still considers them "equals" but they can talk and sit on the potty well. The narrator is a pretty young woman with bright eyes that will easily attract any child. Although they primarily talk about kids going potty on a potty chair, they do also show video of kids sitting on a toilet. Some of the discussion might be a little advanced for my daughter, but all the video of real kids (no animation) using the potty chair has had powerful influence.
Here's a quick run-down of things in this 30 minute video:
- The narrator defines the difference between being a baby and a "big kid" with a little game that shows what babies do (sleep in a crib, spoon-fed by Dad, wears diapers, etc) and what a big kid does (swings, stacks blocks, etc).
- Sings a song about all the things a "big kid" can do by him/herself (sleep in a bed, eat ice cream, kick a ball, etc) and says that going potty by yourself is just one more thing big kids do.
- The definition of "pee" and "poop" (terms they use) as being made by the body. Babies go in their diaper and "big kids" and grownups go in the potty (the grown ups in a toilet).
- Introduces the idea of the potty chair (versus the toilet) and explains that they come in different shapes and sizes. Also introduces what toilet paper does - wiping yourself is just like when mom and dad wipe a baby with wet wipes.
- Sings a song about what you can do while you're sitting on the potty for awhile - read, sing, play with a toy. I really liked this part because it showed my daughter that she'll just spend some time sitting for awhile as part of her training.
- Sings a song about wiping afterward - the children wipe a large teddy bear (front to back!) to illustrate since they obviously can't show the children actually doing it to themselves.
- Sings a song about washing your hands, and says that you should scrub with soap and water for about 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing Twinkle Twinkle little star. I LOVE this idea!
- Mentions that learning to use the potty isn't an over-night thing, but that once you do, you've got POTTY POWER!!!
- There is a princess story at the end that they could easily have left off as far as my daughter is concerned, but I would imagine a 3 or 4 year old girl (I'm thinking of my nieces) would LOVE the idea of becoming a princess with "royal underwear" after learing to potty. I think the purpose of the princess story is to establish how great it is to get to wear underwear after you've got Potty Power.
The songs are simple and catchy, and I sing them to my daughter sometimes throughout the day (usually because they are - unfortunately - stuck in my head). Obviously this video isn't going to replace parental training, but repetative viewing along with lots of book reading and a general "toilet training" mindset throughout the day is going to be a big help!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Potty Power - For Boys & Girls

POTTY POWER - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Potty Power - For Boys & Girls

Curious George (Widescreen Edition) (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a child, what I loved best about Curious George was his absolute inability to resist temptation, especially if fun was involved. His curiousity got him into all sorts of trouble and I got a vicarious thrill out of watching him get out of trouble and have everything turn out all right, but not without a lot of action and suspense and humor first.
What kid can't relate to the constant struggle between following the rules and testing the boundaries.?
Luckily, this movie stays true to the spirit of the classic books and it features a stellar cast, including Drew Barrymare and Will Ferrell. They do fine in their roles.
DO keep in mind that this movie is NOT designed to entertain adults (as Shrek did) There aren't the clever "in" jokes and the animation is a bit strange at times. Also, there are updates such as cell phones (not around when Curious George was created).
But the spirit of the series remains intact. At the theatre where I saw the film, the younger members of the audience were laughing wildly. The older ones weren't nearly as thrilled. It really is aimed at a younger age group.
With those aspects in mind, it'd be the perfect family film for those with young children.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Curious George (Widescreen Edition) (2006)

"Buckle up for this amusing, exciting and hilarious adventure" (Janet Stokes, Film Advisory Board, Inc.) with everyone's favorite inquisitive little monkey! When The Man In The Yellow Hat befriends Curious George in the jungle, they set off on a non-stop, fun-filled journey through the wonders of the big city toward the warmth of true friendship. Featuring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore and an all-star cast, Curious George is ""a family classic"" (Dean Richards, WGN-TV) that will have the kid inside everyone giggling with delight again and again!

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Curious George (Widescreen Edition) (2006)

Baby Einstein - Discovering Shapes (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have both of the Baby Einstein shapes videos (Baby Newton - All About Shapes and Discovering Shapes - Circles, Squares, and More!). Both of my sons LOVE the new video (Discovering Shapes - Circles, Squares, and More!). Baby Newton has never kept their attention but they are eating up the new one. The Baby Einstein group did a much better job with the new one. I highly recommend Discovering Shapes - Circles, Squares, and More!!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Baby Einstein - Discovering Shapes (2002)

A playful introduction to five basic shapes!-- Introduces circles, ovals, triangles, squares and rectangles-- Presents shapes within the context of your baby's worldAs babies develop, their understanding of the world, and how its pieces "fit" together, continues to progress. DISCOVERING SHAPES playfully introduces five basic forms circle, oval, triangle, square and rectangle as each appears in the context of toys, nature and everyday objects. We've added adorable puppet shows; silly sound effects; happy, busy babies and captivating real-world imagery accompanied by beautiful classical music to provide a delightful sensory experience. So whether your baby plays along by bouncing a ball, watching eggs hatch, building with blocks, or tracing the outline of a checkerboard, you'll enjoy sharing in that fresh sense of wonder that takes shape as your child greets each new discovery! DVD Features-- Repeat play-- Language tracks (Spanish, French and English)-- Discovery cards-- Story time with See And Spy Shapes-- Locate the shape-- Puppet shows-- Toy chest-- About Little Einsteins (Available in French and English only)

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Baby Einstein - Discovering Shapes (2002)

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The popular curious monkey is back once again in another adventure along with Ted and a new friend named Kayla in a cross-country adventure filled with action and humor!
With the success of the first "Curious George" film back in 2006, the popular character from the children stories by H.A. and Margret Rey makes his return to the sequel "Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" in a direct-to-DVD release (note: the film made its world premiere last Summer in several countries) from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
In "Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey", Mr. Bloombsberry wants Ted (played by Jeff Bennett) to become the next museum director. Excited about his job, he now needs to impress the museum's Board of Director's and has been too busy focusing on his work. With the Piccadilly Circus coming to town, George wants Ted to take him to the circus and Maggie wants Ted to spend more time with her. But he is too focused on working on his presentation.
But nevertheless, he feels he does owe it to George to take him to the Piccadilly Circus and somehow, the two get selected to go up on stage by the magician Piccadilly (played by Tim Curry). But George as curious as ever, ends up at the bottom of the stage and meets a new friend named Kayla, an elephant from the circus who has the talent of juggling and ends up breaking him out of the circus. Government investigators led by Danno Wolfe (played by Jamie Kennedy) are called in to find out on what happened to Kayla the elephant and why its missing. Meanwhile, George is missing as well.
George and Kayla end up walking through the city together with George taking back Kayla to his home. George and Kayla then watch a newscast in which Hark Hanson (played by NBC's "Today Show" host Matt Lauer) talks about the missing elephant and how he lived in California with his siblings. George realizes that Kayla is homesick and missing his family. Meanwhile, as a search for the elephant continues and news reports saying that the elephant was stolen, Ted goes back home and finds out that George and Kayla have been at the residence all this time. This is the last thing he needs to deal with because he has to prepare for his presentation to the museum Board of Directors.
But before he can make the call to have Kayla returned, George decides to help Kayla go back home to California by going to the train station. And thus, Ted goes after them and finds the two inside a train box car. As he tries to convince them that they need to get out of the box car, the train starts moving and the next thing you know, the three are stuck inside and now are being taken cross country in the middle of nowhere.
Meanwhile, the investigation starts to center on Ted as the main suspect in Kayla's disappearance and people including Ted's boss Mr. Bloomsberry and even Maggie believe there must be a reason why Ted may have escaped with Kayla. Ted knows he's in a deep mess but hopefully he can clear his name. But for George, all he wants is to make sure Kayla the elephant sees his brother and sister.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" is featured in anamorphic widescreen (1:78:1). Featuring the same vibrant style and painted backgrounds along with CG incorporated from the first film, "Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" manages to capture the characters and the world of "Curious George" quite well. Featuring a pretty colorful pallet, and beautiful artistic backgrounds, fans of the first film will no doubt enjoy the animation used in the sequel.
As for audio, audio is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Spanish and French Dolby Digital 2.0. Audio quality is nice and clear, dialogue is understandable and music is also crystal clear through the front and center channels.
Subtitles are in English SDH, Espanol and Francais.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" comes with the following special features:
* Curious George's Cross Country Caper Game - Using your DVD remote control, you can help George and Kayla travel throughout the country safely.
* "Hold On, Here We Go" Music Video - (2:25) Featuring an animated video with clips from the film.
* DVD-Rom - By playing the DVD on a computer (DVD-Rom Drive), you can access printable coloring pages, wallpapers and more.
* Bonus TV episodes - Featuring two never-before-seen TV episodes (around 12 minutes each) from the new TV season of "Curious George" - "A Monkey's Duckling" in which a baby duckling thinks George is its mother. In "George's Super Subway Adventure", George as curious as always, hops aboard a subway in the city without Ted and thus Ted tries to go after him.
JUDGMENT CALL:
In my household, "Curious George" has been a big part of my young son's upbringing. From the animated television series, to the coloring books, reading books and the first film, I watched "Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" alongside with him and he absolutely loved it and giggling at many parts of the film.
As for me, I enjoyed the film. As usual, George's curiosity tends to get Ted in a bit of a bind and in this case, a fun adventure throughout the country. The sequel also features a good number of talent such as Tim Curry as Picadilly the magician, Jamie Kennedy as investigator "Danno" Wolfe, Matt Lauer as news host Hark Hanson, Jerry Lewis as the stationmaster, Frank Welker as a cow, Amy Hill as a flower pot lady and many others with short vocal cameos.
Where the first film featured adventure and the romance between Ted and Maggie, there is less of the relationship factor between the two adults but focusing on the adventure of Ted, George and Kayla ad featuring a message to those who tend to put work ahead of their love ones. But for the most part, this is a fun "Curious George" film.
In a parent standpoint, for me...I felt the film was quite safe but there is one segment in the film which Ted, George and Kayla meet new friends who own a farm and the son of the farmer is jumping high and landing in a haystack and then they all take part in the jumping of the haystack. My son thought that was such a cool thing and wondered if he can go up high and land on things and thus, it's important to talk to your child about those type of situations and making sure that he/she knows that they can't jump high from anything and land on whatever.
As for the DVD, it's a pretty entertaining and educational DVD with a game, DVD-Rom features such as coloring pages and wallpaper, two never-before-seen TV episodes and more.
Overall, "Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey" is just as entertaining as the original animated film. A lot of fun, humor, beautiful and vibrant animation and both myself and my seven-year-old enjoyed the film/DVD and I imagine parents and their children would enjoy this DVD release as well! Definitely recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (2009)

The world’s most beloved and inquisitive monkey is back in Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, the fun-filled sequel to the hit animated movie. Join Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat as they set out on a madcap cross-country adventure to reunite Kayla, a homesick elephant, with her family. This unlikely trio faces all types of comic calamities and colorful characters and in the end learn that with family, friends and determination you can achieve anything. Featuring the voices of Tim Curry, Matt Lauer, Jamie Kennedy and Jerry Lewis, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, “proves that family, friends—and curiosity—are number one." (Francine Brokaw, Los Angeles Family Magazine)

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey (2009)

Caillou - Caillou, The Everyday Hero (2000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There's a lot to praise about the Caillou series, but three things stand out especially in my mind. First: having myself three kids in or slightly past the age of Caillou (4) and his sister (2), I must say I have never seen video-stories so sensitive and accurate in portraying the mental world of the two age levels. The author is reported to be a children's psychology specialist, and it certainly shows.
The second point is related: the stories unfold in a wonderfully gentle, serene, every-day manner. They're in total contrast to the prevalent action-packed, slightly hysterical type of children's movies, yet somehow they're very powerful in drawing the audience into the little joys and pains of a kid's life.
Finally, though perhaps less uniquely: Mum and Dad are depicted in a refreshingly modern, realistic way which does more than just break the dualist Dad-as-career-hero, Mum-as-saintly-guardian stereotype. It shows them as people who sometimes want to have fun on their own, and who call in a nanny for the kids when they throw a party.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Caillou - Caillou, The Everyday Hero (2000)

Includes CAILLOU TO THE RESCUE: Caillou Helps Out, Caillou the Firefighter, and Caillou to the Rescue; CAILLOU THE DETECTIVE: Where’s Gilbert?, Where I Saw it Last, and Lost in the Jungle; CAILLOU THE BRAVE: Caillou and the Water Slide, Caillou the Sailor, and Creepy Crawlies!; and CAILLOU THE BUILDER: Caillou the Road Builder, Caillou’s Building Adventure, and House in the Sky.

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about Caillou - Caillou, The Everyday Hero (2000)