Sesame Street: Baby and Me

Graciously hosted by popular Henson muppets such as Elmo, Zoe, and Big Bird, this parent-child program bubbles along gently and merrily from games of "Peek-a-Boo" to "Do What I Do" to "Silly Songs." Transitions from screen to screen and activity to activity are handled slowly and calmly, just as a baby needs. ("Are you saying bye bye?" Big Bird asks. "Okay, bye bye.") While the parent navigates, the child discovers the power of the mouse (to "rake up" screens full of autumn leaves, or "unwrap" presents) as well as the effects of the keyboard buttons (to make Elmo pop up in "Peek-a-Boo" or advance to new letter pictures in an alphabet game).

The only disappointment in this CD is the absence of any nod to urban culture or childhood emotional education that the Sesame Street television show handles so beautifully. Indoors and out, all the scenes have a rather bland and homogenized look. As well, there are only one or two moments that display CTW-style wit (Elmo's relationship to the doe-eyed Baby Natasha is the best). Here's hoping they crank up the playfulness, emotional sensitivity, and world culture references in version 2. (Ages 1 to 3). --Jean Lenihan

Amazon.com Product Description
Developed by the Children's Television Workshop trusted experts in early-childhood education, Sesame Street Baby and Me encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's development. Twelve activities entertain children with sing-along songs, cause-and-effect explorations, and an entertaining introduction to colors, shapes, animals, and more! Sesame Street Baby and Me features LearningBuddies technology! That means Big Bird and his Sesame Street friends act as LearningBuddies, tailoring the program to your children's changing needs while keeping them entertained and encouraged. (Ages 1-3)