Knuffle Bunny . . . and more great childhood adventure stories! (DVD)

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Planting a Rainbow (1988) is one long extended metaphor, really, about planting a garden that erupts into a "rainbow of color" quite literally in this story. A mother and her child plant and tend a garden and watch it erupt. Nothing much more happens. Call it the equivalent of a non-rhyming poem that, with its bright primary colors, will appeal mostly to toddlers. The story is written and illustrated by Louis Ehlert. Another 7 out of 10.

(See below for bonus stories)

Video:
The video quality is up to par, with bright colors, very little grain, and a sharpness that's pleasing to the eye. It's not HD by any means, but for juvenile video the quality has always been good in this series, and this disc is no exception. The stories are presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio.

Audio:
Stories in this series are presented in English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, and while there's nothing in the sound to blow anyone away, there's no distortion and the sound seems clear and pure. Good balance of bass and treble, too, with bright high-notes.

Extras:

Brave Irene (1986) has already made an appearance on another Scholastic release, and is recycled here presumably because someone thought they needed another "adventure" story. Well, this one at least qualifies. Though the character is a girl, the challenge is enough to where pre-school boys might also find the story fascinating. It's a simple one, really, from William Steig. Lindsay Crouse narrates the story of young Irene, who has to rise to the occasion and brave a snowstorm in order to deliver a dress that her mother had made for the Duchess. The style of drawing is a nice blend of quaintness and warmth, which really complements the frigid thematics. An 8 out of 10.

Will I Have a Friend? (1967) is the oldest story on the disc, a simple fears-not-realized tale that will speak to pre-schoolers who are anxious about entering kindergarten. Miriam Cohen's story, which is illustrated by Lillian Hoban and narrated by David de Vries, takes the right direction when it makes the main character a boy, because it ensures that both genders will find the story useful. At this age, girls are much less apt to jettison any story featuring the opposite gender. Though it shows its age, this story is still a good one. It's just that, as with "Possum Magic," it seems so geared toward a very specific age range. A 7 out of 10.

Bottom Line:
For many parents, the title story will be enough of a reason to buy this DVD. It's a wonderful film adaptation of a beloved children's book. "Brave Irene" is the other gem here. But as I said, because the stories are all over the map when it comes to target ages, this DVD will get the most play in families that have a toddler AND a child ready to enter kindergarten.

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