Peep & the big wide world Peep's new friends Peep's new friends /

PreS-Gr 2-This animated series offers a humorous and engaging introduction to the sciences geared towards young children. Each DVD features six episodes. The series currently airs on TLC and the Discovery Kids channels. The stories feature three characters-Peep, Chirp, and Quack-and are narrated by actress/comedienne Joan Cusack in a voice wonderfully suited to the wry humor of the series. Peep is a newly hatched chick, Chirp is a brainy robin, and Quack is a lovable, yet slightly smug duck. The animation is simple and endearing. Peep is a sweet, inquisitive little creature who young viewers will love and identify with. Peep and his friends spend their time exploring their park world, while learning about various science concepts such as shadows, sound, light, gravity, ecosystems, animal adaptations, and more. After each animated segment, live-action episodes follow featuring real children as they experiment in their own big wide worlds, implementing the science concepts featured in the animated sequences. For example, children race leaves in a sidewalk stream, try to make boats that float, build a beaver dam, and discover what's growing under a pile of leaves. The stories are engaging and children will be entertained while learning about science and being encouraged to be inquisitive. The DVDs include English and Spanish audio tracks as well as downloadable science activities and coloring pages. This series is a wonderful way to introduce young viewers to the wonders of science and the world around them. Sure to be a hit with young public library patrons.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.