Frances: Bedtime for Frances (NR)

Based on characters from the books by Lillian and Russell Hoban, FRANCES: BEDTIME FOR FRANCES bundles up three episodes from the animated children's series created by Jim Henson Productions. All center on a lovable girl badger named Frances who has a younger sister named Gloria and a best friend named Albert. In the first story, Frances' excitement about a Family Day at Lizardland is dashed when Gloria gets sick. The second story sees Frances helping her mom get ready for a piano recital by decorating cupcakes for her fellow students, and struggling with jealousy and self control in the process. The final tale is one all parents will recognize, as Frances delays bedtime by using her very rich imagination.

This gentle and funny collection is sure to entertain and educate its target audience of preschoolers. Frances is not perfect, but with her non-stop singing, dancing, and genuinely warm heart she's a heroine that kids will root for. The dilemmas she faces in this DVD are wisely chosen; they're lessons that all kids struggle with during the preschool years. Frances' technique of sneaking off to have some "Me Myself" time when faced with a problem is one that parents may try to emulate for children learning to control their impulses and emotions.

The animation is lovely, utilizing state-of-the-art digital puppetry courtesy of the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a groundbreaking technology that allows performers to puppeteer and voice digital characters in real time. Frances' ongoing sing-song as she works out her problems and choices is nicely set to classical music pieces, reinforcing a little musical education along the way.

Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Brian Henson
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 46 minutes
DVD release: March 31, 2009
MPAA Rating: NR