"BARNEY: Mother Goose Collection," Lionsgate/Hit Entertainment, 2 discs, $14.98
That big, purple dinosaur is at it again in a new release from Lionsgate and HIT entertainment, "Barney: Mother Goose Collection." Mother Goose visits the caboose kids and brings to life rhymes like "Humpty Dumpty," "London Bridge" and "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," while encouraging them to make rhymes of their own. Barney, Baby Bop and the rest of the gang perform song and dance numbers that will get little ones up and moving, while teaching important concepts like math and phonological awareness through rhymes your child is already familiar with, and some lesser known rhymes as well.
Sticking to the same formula that Barney fans have enjoyed since 1992, "Mother Goose Collection" is both wholesome and entertaining. Barney has always encouraged positive social skills, as well as sharing and caring. In an age where most cartoons (even those geared towards the preschool audience) throw around such phrases as "shut up" and "stupid," it's nice to know there are still wholesome options out there for our kids. Although most parents are thankful for the type of movie or cartoon that can keep our kids happy and entertain us as well, crazy animation and sarcastic undertones can cross the line sometimes. "Mother Goose Collection" and the Barney franchise in general, takes a back-to-basics approach to entertaining preschool-age children.
"Barney: Mother Goose Collection" also includes a CD with five nursery rhymes and an additional coloring and activity book. At about an hour in length, this lively movie kept my own children interested and dancing, and allowed me to take a shower and get dressed in peace. In my opinion, any movie that can do that and enforce learning at the same time is Oscar worthy.
Nicole Pollard currently resides in Canyon Country, Calif.