Sagwa - Sagwa's Storybook World
A single DVD contains two full-length programs:Cat Nights, Flights, and DelightsInspired by prize-winning author Amy Tan's children's book,Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat, this PBS offering features the adventures of the young Sagwa (approximately 8-years-old in human years) and her siblings, both in their Chinese palace home and on the streets of their city. "Firefly Nights" finds an "almost grown-up" Dong following Dad to see pyrotechnics the cats mistakenly take for glorious insects. Changing bad luck into good luck is the theme of "Fu-Fu's Full Moon Flight," in which a bat with poor echolocation saves Sagwa and his self-confidence. In "Shei-Hu's Secret," a trusting mouse shares his friends' hideaway with Sagwa, but her urge to brag puts them all in danger. Each 11-minute segment is followed by a minidocumentary on relevant topics like tai chi. PBS considers this a show for ages 5 to 8, but feline-loving preschoolers will enjoy it, too.--Kimberly HeinrichsFeline FrenzySagwa, her parents, her brother, and her sisters are expert calligraphers who serve the magistrate, but still find plenty of time for fun and adventure. In "Explorer's Club," Sagwa's brother Dongwa belongs to a Gamester's Club that refuses to include Sagwa in its membership. Sagwa forms her own Explorer's Club and excludes Dongwa, but a perilous situation soon necessitates that the rivals work together. In "Treasure Hunters," teamwork and quick thinking yield rich results, and in "Sick Day," Sagwa and Dongwa discover the joy of imagination and storytelling while the rest of the palace learns the power of cooperation. Brief interviews with children from around the world punctuate the episodes, offering a glimpse of a variety of cultures.Sagwais a wholesome, entertaining series from PBS that encourages curiosity, cooperation, and an appreciation of different cultures.--Tami Horiuchi