The Siblings Show

PreS-Gr 3—Kelsey Collins is charming as Ruby, the host of this series. In the opening sequence, viewers follow her on a walk through town as she briefly joins a soccer game, jumps rope, waves to everyone she meets, and grabs balloon strings that whisk her off to a large, bright studio, filled with eye-catching items. There, Ruby feeds her fish, which magically become animated and introduce the program's theme by arguing, like siblings, about sharing. Ruby's work-it-out song and advice solve the problem. Soon seven children from diverse backgrounds arrive, and she engages them in brief discussions on what it's like having a brother or sister. Four animated shorts focusing on a middle child illustrate ways to deal with issues such as celebrating one's own special passion, preparing for a new baby, coping with younger siblings who want attention, and understanding adoption. The children create cereal box theaters to act out fun activities involving siblings, while viewers are treated to an exceptional children's music video starring the charismatic, rocking Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. A bonus feature offers facts about siblings from a psychologist.