Last month, I participated in the PBN blog blast featuring The Zula Patrol - a show on PBS promoting science education among 4-8 year olds - and it gave me an opportunity to talk about how my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I were bringing science back for our kids.
I said then, that this was a children's television program that I could see becoming a new house favorite.
But, could my computer savvy six-year-old sit through 57 minutes of uninterrupted space exploration...without having to use her hands...or, a safety helmet?
Well, I'll tell you. It was tough. We were given the opportunity of screening The Zula Patrol Explore Space DVD. It took me a while to convince her that it was NOT a video game.
"Are you sure?"
Well, no. I wasn't. So, I turned the cover over and made sure.
"Yep, says here that there's 4 episodes."
So, Mini-me and I sat down to watch it last night and - I have to tell you - within the very few minutes, I was blown away by the absolutely awesome computer animation.
"Wow, look at all the pretty colors!"
Mini-me agreed and, after the sixth time of my saying so, she suggested that I should perhaps start concentrating on the storyline, instead.
"Wow, I didn't know Mercury and Venus don't have moons!"
Seriously, we were hooked after the first episode - centered around Mini-me's favorite character Gorga, the space dog - and I was also very surprised to learn that there was...you know...a lot that I didn't know about our solar system.
"Mars has moons?!?!?"
Yep, and they are actually shaped like a couple of potatoes, but their characters had a pretty good comeback, too.
"Yeah, well, you look more like an eggplant!"
Is it wrong that I giggled more than my six-year-old?
"Look at the cute little space bugs!"
Actually, Wizzy and Wig are lightning bugs, I think (even their names are lovable) and they are the smallest of the Zula Patrollers. Interestingly enough, I found that all of the characters had some sort of endearing quality to them. Even the bad guy - Dark Truder - was, I don't know, kind of menacingly adorable. Nope, you won't find any ray guns, doomsday devices, or stray asteroids hurling towards earth in these totally character driven and brilliantly colored stories.
Oh, and I really didn't have to sit with Mini-me, or felt the need to explain every little thing that was going on. I hate that. However, the educational foundations of each of the story lines were very engaging and this time it was my turn to ask the questions.
"What did he say is another word for the moon?"
Mini-me answered without hesitation.
"It's a sad-delight!"
Close enough for government work.
Preschoolers will appreciate the vibrant colors and catchy theme song. But, I would recommend The Zula Patrol Space Explore Space to 1st and 2nd graders, as well. There's enough drama to satisfy even the PG-rated set and the only thing parents have to fear is the possibility of going into some sort of seizure, from an overload of cuteness.
In a non-threatening sort of way, of course!
Find It Here: Zula Patrol Explore Space Exclusively at Borders
[This review was made possible by the Parent Bloggers Network]
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