Early Start Mandarin Chinese with Bao Bei the Panda Volume 1: Colors and Animals
Simple "Chinese words, phrases, and tones" relating to colors and animals  are introduced in this charming title. Hosted by hand-puppet Bao Bei  (speaking in a youngster s voice) and Chu-Chu, a bouncing, animated cricket  (speaking in an adult voice), the DVD also features ethnically diverse  youngsters ranging in age from preschool to elementary school. Bao Bei and Chu-Chu ask questions in both English and Chinese, and the children answer by repeating the new terms, which are pictured in drawings, still photos, and live-action shots. The concluding "Vocabulary" section lists new words in both Pinyin and English subtitles, but without voice-over pronunciation. Backed by classical piano music, this energetic program is also useful for older children interested in learning Chinese. --Eloise Kinney, American Library Association Booklist MagazineDesigned primarily for the preschool crowd, this live-action DVD series stars Bao Bei ( Treasure  in Chinese), a child-voiced panda hand puppet. Bao Bei, an animated cricket, and a multiethnic cast of children teach viewers simple phrases and words in Mandarin Chinese. Volume 1 introduces basic colors and animal names. It also provides some phrases and words that would be useful in making friends. Volume 2 covers numbers and fruit. Each is well-designed for auditory learners, containing a lot of repetition. Reviews are frequent, but not monotonous. The vocabulary list found at the end of the programs show the words written in English and phonetic Chinese, but they are not orally reinforced. Audio quality is good, with all words clearly enunciated. The constant lively background music may irritate adults, but will please young audiences. The series is a visual delight, clearly organized, and nicely paced. Parents will appreciate the limited scope of the vocabulary covered, which will not overwhelm young children. A good, simple introduction to Mandarin Chinese. --School Library Journal