Peg + Cat: Chickens on the Loose and Other Really Big Problems!

PreS-Gr 2—Spunky Peg teams up with her purple pal, Cat, to solve problems in this delightful DVD, which includes eight adventures. Young viewers may not even notice that Peg is teaching them basic math skills, such as identifying shapes, counting by twos and 10s, sorting, and more as she chases errant chickens, deals with dinosaurs, aids aliens, manages a messy room, and even helps Beethoven get the beat. Simple, child-friendly animation combines bright colors and a light graph-paper background with humorous elements to catch the attention of viewers. Voices for the characters are enthusiastic and very individual. Who wouldn't love an operatic pig, a mellow cat, or a vivacious girl who is always on the lookout for a solution? Each is unique and adds to viewer enjoyment. Teachers will appreciate the way the program introduces story problems and Peg's coping technique when she gets frustrated. Catchy songs abound, and if you don't come away with the "Problem Solved" song dancing through your head, you haven't been paying attention. This excellent, Emmy-winning program will appeal to children, parents, and educators. Preschoolers and kindergartners would find it especially valuable. (However, this DVD is designed for home use, as the case notes that public performance rights are pursuant to a separately purchased public performance license.) The exceptional program will appeal to families.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA