Zoboomafoo: Zoboo's Little Pals (NR, 1999)

ZOBOO'S LITTLE PALS briefly touches on dozens of different animals but focuses on seven species and their babies: horses, chickens, black bears, alligators, jaguars, dogs, and zebras. Kids learn a bit about the birth and care of these babies, as well as their adult habits in the wild. Cartoons and claymation segments alternate with the Kratt brothers interacting with real animals. Kids hear the correct names for the animals--Belgian horses, Shaver chickens, black bears--and the correct names for their babies--horses have foals, bears have cubs, prairie dogs have pups. They see similarities between species--birds and reptiles both hatch from eggs--and differences--lemurs eat papayas while chicks eat seeds. They learn that while bear cubs naturally know how to swim, foals have to learn to jump over high obstacles.

Zoboo's Little Pals is perfectly designed for preschoolers. Kids are naturally drawn to animals, but the focus on baby animals makes this program particularly appealing. The factual information satisfies the ever-present "Why?" question, but the show's quick pace ensures that little viewers won't be overwhelmed. The cartoons, claymation segments, and Kratt silliness also provide breaks from the natural world, broadening the video's appeal.

The video stands up to repeated viewings, too, because young viewers absorb only a few of these facts at a time. Older and younger siblings can also enjoy this program. Babies and toddlers won't follow the content, but will respond to the images. School-age kids are ready for more, but they'll still learn from the information presented. They also learn from the Kratt brothers, whose enthusiasm, physical energy, and sensitivity to the environment inspire the grade-school crowd. Little Pals is a rare find: a good video for the whole family.

Studio: PBS Home Videos
Director: Jacques Laberge, Pierre Roy
Cast: Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 50 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1999
DVD release: September 19, 2001
MPAA Rating: NR