Zoboomafoo - Zoboo's Scary Tails [VHS]

Leaping lemurs! Likable brothers Chris and Martin Kratt (of Kratt's Creatures fame) are up to their winning ways again in this excellent entry of Zoboomafoo, PBS Kids' wildly popular wildlife series. Combining live-action footage, zany antics, puppetry, music, and Claymation, they have crafted an engaging story, indeed, educational programming at its best. Their motive, of course, is to introduce preschoolers (and closet teen and adult fans) to the wonders of the animal kingdom through an evenly paced medley of silliness and seriousness. In Zoboo's Scary Tails, their lovable lemur puppet is spooked by some monstrous-looking creatures. To remedy Zoboo's fears through a dose of familiarity, the Kratts introduce a handful of nature's most misunderstood animals: grizzly bears, alligators, hippos, tigers, and snakes. Kids will learn the difference between alligators and crocodiles, the uniqueness of a tiger's stripes, and why a snake must shed its skin. A fascinating live-footage segment shows a family of grizzly bears feasting on salmon at a pristine spawning pool. Not-so-scary guests also include Muscles the Bear and Popper the Tiger, as well as wolves, wolverines, a jaguar, and Gila monster. Interspersed are Chris and Martin's playful stunts and visits to the Claymation world of Zobooland to reinforce the learning. And lest your youngster requests a pet Burmese python (14 feet long!), the Kratts echo their oft-repeated phrase: "They're best in the wild, give them lots of room." (Ages 2 to adult) --Lynn Gibson