Armored Animals [VHS]
One of the reasons to watch this Dorling Kindersley series is for the pure joy of seeing a hedgehog sprinting or a blubbery elephant seal decadently lounging seaside. Another is the humor, which is generally aimed at the pre- high school set, although you will hear a restrained version of striptease music played as a lobster wriggles out of its old shell. Then there's that learning thing. If your preschooler knows more animal facts than you do, here's an easy way to keep up. This tape uses a broad definition of armor--besides the expected armadillo and rhinoceros, millipedes and ostriches get some air time--but it works the theme well. Whether it's crabs battling over food or a sea turtle escaping a shark, there's plenty of action-adventure to be had for ages 2 and up on this 24-minute tape.--Kimberly Heinrichs