A delightful tool to help kids learn their letters, Richard Scarry's Best ABC Video Ever finds Busy Town pals Huckle and Lowly Worm discovering that it's Alphabet Day at school. Their teacher, Miss Honey, invites her stude... more »nts to join in a spirited rendition of "The Alphabet Song." Next comes a series of 26 vignettes developed around each letter and cleverly intertwined with Sergeant Murphy's investigation into the mystery of some stolen bananas. Simple, sweet, and as entertaining as it is instructive, this production exemplifies the great care put into the Richard Scarry video series. --Tom Keogh« less
A. Anderson | Indianapolis, Indiana United States | 01/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had to take time out to write this review. I purchased Richard Scarry's ABC'S and Counting DVD last week. We haven't had the video a week yet and he's asked for both videos EVERY DAY more than once a day (he's watching it right now actually). We, actually, got a Charlie Brown Valentine's Day DVD today and he chose these DVD's over Charlie Brown! My son memorized the phonics of each letter but not all of the actual letter names (ex. he'll say FFFF instead of F). I didn't realize he'd be so attached to this DVD. I can't say enough good things about it. It's not computer graphics, this was made back in the day when you actually drew the cartoon wich I, personally, prefer and lucky for me my son doesn't care one way or the other.
The video has a letter and a small story for each letter with alot of the featured letter. I like that the kids names start with the letter they're talking about (Letter L has Libby talking about Lowley drinking Lemonade). The counting video goes up to 20 wich is why I purchased it, most only go up to 10. He's learning alot from the counting video because he only knows his numbers up to 10, he already knows most of his alphabet but doesn't know how to read yet so the video could help teach him. We own every leapfrog product known to man and TONS of books and the Hooked On Phonics set but anything that'll help is welcome.
This video and the counting video are EXCELLENT and HIGHLY recommended. The only Alphabet DVD (besides this one) I can highly recommend is LeapFrog's Letter Factory. It's more polished but it teaches the phonics of the words just like the toys do. Leapfrog's Talking Words Factory 1&2 are also highly recommended but NOT Math Circus, don't waste your money on that one. I'm going to purchase Richard Scarry's The Best Learning Video, I hope it's as good as the other 2."
Entertaining way for toddlers to learn their ABC's
A. Anderson | 08/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My almost two year old loves any Richard Scarry video; the songs, the animal characters and the stories totally captivate him. This video tends to be a bit slower paced than the others we've seen (Best Learning Songs, Best Busy People) and doesn't have as many catchy tunes as the others. The ABC song at the beginning and end is really it. But the alphabet is acted out by Miss Honey's class in a sweet and interesting way, with each student introducing their letter and telling a story about it (Patty had a party and got pretty presents). These videos are great, clean, non-violent alternatives to regular t.v. and kids love them!"
Great introduction to the alphabet
Learner | Colorado, US | 01/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Our two-year old daughter loves this video. I highly recommend it.
The animation is basic, but it's not the sort of thing little kids care about. The content and educational value are first-rate. It does a great job of introducing all the 26 letters. To keep kids' interest, it mixes in a lot of interesting characters and stories. Our daughter loves the sweet animal characters. It includes the traditional "ABC" song, which is very helpful.
We like that the presentation is low-key, not like some of the loud, frenetically paced stuff you see nowadays. If your kids see a lot of TV, they might have a different reaction than our daughter did to this video. We don't let her watch a lot of video unless it's educational (studies show TV and rapidly changing video images are not healthy for kids' brain development, especially before age 3).
In addition to this video, for learning the alphabet I also recommend the video "Leap Frog - Letter Factory (2003)." It's a regular video - you don't need a LeapPad or anything to view it.
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Nothing has ever kept the attention of my son
A. Anderson | 11/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My son never sat to watch anything before for more than 30 seconds. He watches this video at least once a day. He is counting to 15 and doing very well on his ABC's. I recommend this video to EVERYONE with small children!"
Great ABC intro
Stefanie N | Schuyler, VA | 09/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What I especially admire about this video is the way it is parcelled into 26 different vignettes (corresponding to each letter) yet retains a leisurely pace. The images and stories are engaging without being assaultive. Another nice thing (true of his other videos too) is the variety of different voices, boys and girls and adults. There is enough in the video to engage kids' and adults' attention through repeated viewings. I would say there's a lot of bang for the buck here. In addition to introducing the ABC's, the notion that learning and going to school is fun is also well-presented. Now whenever my 16-month old sees a schoolbus he becomes very excited because he sees how eager the Busytown students are to get on theirs !"