No one cashed in more successfully on what's essentially a form of home video than the two mom pals who rocked the infant and toddler market in 1995 with
BabyMugs! This short but sweet video showed nothing but gurgling, giggling baby faces. The concept--that babies are captivated by watching other babies, whether one bouncy seat away or on the tube--has matured slightly under the direction of early-childhood educator Karen Brusso and TV journalist Mary Richardson. In
Toddler Takes, which is targeted to babies and toddlers ages 9 months to 4 years, a group of youngsters, including some rabble-rousers and some sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice types, trek to the playground and, by the looks of it, somebody's backyard. There they swing, slide, squabble, snack, splash around in a wading pool, and sometimes share their toys. All the while, an exceptionally clear-voiced narrator delivers the play-by-play: "I'm angry!" she announces as a disgruntled little fellow fitfully kicks a toy truck, and "Sharing is hard!" she declares while a quarrel flares over a wagon. Such commentary is wisely kept to a minimum; wordless nursery songs nicely soak up the silence otherwise.
Toddler Takes is meant to be screened as an educational tool. It's promoted with a promise to bolster emotional intelligence--the theory being that watching fellow kids' negotiation and problem-solving strategies helps the world come across as a more sensible place. That logic seems sound, but even if it isn't, the scenarios played out here are bound to leave the very young, especially those who also happen to be very sociable, spellbound.
--Tammy La Gorce
| CATEGORY: | Video |
| MANUFACTURER: | Mvp Home Entertainment |
| MPAA RATING: | NR (Not Rated) |
| FEATURES: | Color, NTSC |
| TYPE: | Children's Video |
| MEDIA: | VHS Tape |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| UPC: | 785855401430 |
Customer Reviews of
Toddler Takes
Every one of my 3 kids loved it! All of my 3 children love this video. My 6 year old will still watch it with his 2 year old and 9 month old sisters. It is a real hit in my household! It calms them as they watch these toddlers playing outside on a warm sunny day. It is soothing I must admit. My husband and I are mesmorized by how much our children love to watch it. It is a great video to have in your library if you have toddlers. You won't be disappointed.
Works Like a Charm
The "prequel" to this video, Babymugs, was the only thing that would calm my son down when he was under a year old. Now that he's over one year, this video has replaced it. It's a lifesaver for parents with an active, fussy baby who needs to be entertained or distracted.
Mesmerizing!
My son loved this video when he was a toddler. It's simple, but very entertaining for young children.
