What a puppy!
Written: Feb 04 '00 (Updated Apr 17 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots of family laughter
Cons: Too much merchandising
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| Redlass's Full Review: Archived Kids & Family Reviews |
After going 10 years without even a television set, I have been delighted by some of the offerings that producers have for children. Near the top of the list is "Blue's Clues." My husband and I frequently sit down with our 20-month-old son to watch one of the videos and are thrilled each time. Indeed, we eagerly anticipate each new video release, knowing that the episode will have something delightful in it.
Blue's Clues is a show that combines live acting with computer animation. Steve is a live actor who is delightful to watch. He is always willing to be silly and goofy, something that instantly endears him to the pre-kindergarten set. He makes faces, sing songs, speaks with accents, and makes funny noises. He also plays dumb for the sake of the kids. The kids realize quickly that they're needed and they're quick to talk back to Steve on the screen. It's equally impressive to realize that Steve is doing his acting against a blue screen--something that is hardly noticeable because his interaction with the animated characters is done so well.
Blue is a computer animated dog who has ten times the character and expression of a Jar Jar Binks and all the cuteness of a Stuart Little. Blue is also a "she," something that added to the show's appeal to me. She never speaks straight English, though her barking is usually distinguishable as our language.
Then there are all the other characters: Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper (who have delightful accents) and their daughter Paprika, Slippery Soap, Bucket and Pail, Tickety-Tock, Side Table Drawer, Baby Bear, and many, many more. Occasionally there are even guest appearances by other actors.
The basic premise of the show is that Blue wants to do something, sing something, read something, etc. But she won't tell poor hapless Steve what it is she wants. He must figure it out by playing Blue's Clues. Blue will leave three blue pawprints on three objects. They are the "clues." Then Steve and the viewers must put those three clues together, sit in the thinking chair, and think about what the clues mean. An example: Blue wants to buy something. The clues are ice cubes, lemons, and a glass. The solution: Lemonade.
Our son loves the video because there are all sorts of dances and songs that his parents will do with him and Steve. He learned how to do Steve's "giant steps"--complete with drawn-up shoulders--shortly after he learned to walk. Now that he's learning to sing, one of his favorites is the Blue's Clue's song. He loves making the hand motions to go with "pawprint", "notebook", and "thinking".
I'm also impressed with the variety of themes that Blue's Clues addresses. So far we've watched letters, numbers, science experiments (in which I learned quite a bit), animals, acting, songs, rhythms, and stories.
While too much television can be detrimental, it is hard to argue with the results of Blue's Clues--children learn through laughter and are encouraged to play games even away from the TV set. Perhaps the important point is that parents make the experience an interactive one--not just one where the child sits and absorbs. And it's not hard to get involved--Steve makes sure there is plenty for adults to laugh at too.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
Redlass
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 - Top 500 |
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Member: Bridgette
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Reviews written: 526
Trusted by: 482 members
About Me:
I have many loves: family, books, theater, writing, and the many communities I belong to.
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