Bear in the Big Blue House - Sleepy Time with Bear and Friends
One of the most endearing aspects ofBear in the Big Blue Houseis everyone's habit of talking directly to the camera. This has been a part of  Muppet practice for years, and when Bear is politely explaining the importance  of brushing your teeth before bedtime, it makes children pay attention far more  readily. Especially when everyone then breaks into song! Of course, that's the  other delightful aspect of the show; little bear Ojo, Tutter mouse, Pip and Pop,  Treela the Lemur, and Luna the Moon all join in on one of the cute and catchy  numbers. The songs featured in these three episodes ("The Big Sleep," "And to  All a Good Night," and "Friends for Life," all from the show's first two series)  focus on the rituals of bedtime and make ideal comforters to send a child to bed  happily. But since the second episode is about getting to stay up late, that may  not be the best choice if sleepiness is your goal.--Paul Tonks