Parents' Guide to Hack Along with GoldieBlox

You'd think a series produced by a toy company would be heavy on the product placement, but thankfully that isn't the case here. Hack Along with GoldieBlox isn't just a triumph of a tie-in series -- it's an enjoyable show on its own merit. The host is truly charming, with a playful sense of humor, and the backdrop is a treat to look at with its colorful art, craft, and building materials. The workspace she creates her projects on is cute, but also a little messy with glue remnants and such, which is a nicely realistic touch. The simple act of showing a young girl confidently using power tools with no hesitation is a big leap forward, representation-wise, and the projects she makes are just plain fun. (Her power drill is fun too: It's decorated with yarn and nicknamed "Felicia.")

What kid wouldn't want to learn to make their own poppy seed-speckled watermelon soap, a gelatinous "raindrop cake," or a glow-in-the-dark pen to use at sleepovers? The projects vary in skill level, and Goldie doesn't shy away from admitting when things just don't turn out right -- like when only 3 of her 5 jars of rock candy come out correctly. This makes the act of creation seem less intimidating and more attainable for kids, unlike a lot of picture-perfect internet before-and-afters.