Two new Disney Learning Adventure titles were released earlier in August: WINNIE THE POOH: SHAPES AND SIZES and WINNIE THE POOH: WONDERFUL WORD ADVENTURE (Walt Disney Home Ent., $19.99). Developed by Disney and leading educators, the DVDs help build fundamental skills for kids prior to entering pre-school or kindergarten. Featuring Winnie the Pooh and his friends, the DVDs integrate entertaining stories with cognitive learning- based themes to help educate young audiences.
SHAPES AND SIZES revolves around the coming Harvest Day. Rabbit needs Poohs help to find boxes, baskets and crates of all shapes and sizes to organize his garden goodies. But Pooh is confused about the various shapes and sizes, so he learns how to fit different vegetable shapes into right-sized baskets. The lively story uses colorful, kid-friendly objects, including kits and pumpkins, to teach kids what shapes look like and how to draw them.
WONDERFUL WORD ADVENTURE has Owl organizing an elaborate series of races in the forest. In order to reach the finish line and earn a medal, the Hundred Acre Wood gang must figure out word opposites. This engaging story stimulates kids to expand their vocabularies through fun word associations.
The DVDs are directed by David Bossert, produced by Baker Bloodworth, written by Carter Crocker (Karl Geurs co-wrote WONDERFUL WORD ADVENTURE) and feature the voice talents of David Ogden Stiers (Narrator), Jim Cummings (Pooh and Tigger), Peter Cullen (Eeyore) Ken Sansom (Rabbit), Travis Oates (Piglet) and Andre Stojika (Owl). The DVDS are produced by DisneyToon Studios, with animation production by Wang Film Prods. Co. Ltd.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
