Little Einsteins (Disney Channel)

Don't be surprised if your preschooler starts humming Beethoven's Ninth Symphony or comparing Monet and Van Gogh after watching LITTLE EINSTEINS. Each episode begins with an introduction to a specific piece of art and musical accompaniment. Along with photography of nature, big cities, and famous structures, these art forms serve as backdrops for the adventures of Leo, June, Annie, and Quincy, four young animated friends. Each has a unique musical skill but together they always ask for the help of the viewer to successfully accomplish a mission. Leo is six and enjoys conducting. His little sister Annie is four and loves to sing. Quincy is five and plays instruments. And June is also six and loves to dance. Kids learn that special talents are fun, challenging, require practice, and in this case, can be used to solve problems.

The Little Einsteins' missions involve cute characters and intriguing situations, such as helping a fuzzy caterpillar find a musical tree so it can become a butterfly or guiding a little dragon kite to meet up with other dragon kites at the Great Wall of China. Kids will especially enjoy the character of Rocket, who's just as loveable as the others and capable of transforming into any vehicle shape to get a job done. Preschoolers love the nifty gadgets on Rocket, too, including a Grab Nabber, Drum Thumper, and Look-and-Listen scope.

Little Einsteins is a refreshing change from today's cartoons. It's a wonderful means to expose kids to art and music while involving them in stories about likeable characters solving interesting problems. With songs and dance, it not only holds the attention span of preschoolers, but it also sparks curiosity about beautiful pieces of art and music in their world. Bravo!