Caillou: Caillou's Family Favorites

"Parents for whom a little Caillou goes a long way, be forewarned: this volume contains four new-to-DVD episodes from the popular Canadian animated series based on the books by Christine L'Heureux. Caillou's Surprise, People I Love, Captain Caillou, and Knowing How depict further reassuring coming-of-age adventures and milestones in the life of the bald-pated four-year-old. Caillou's voice and Elmo-like laugh are as ear-piercingly grating as ever, but as this series has evolved, his behavior has been toned down. In these more recent stories, he is much less whiny and bratty than in previous incarnations. Another plus is that the stories encourage artistic creation and creative play. In several of the stories, Caillou's imagination gets a stimulating workout, whether imagining what it is in the mystery box his grandfather has brought with him on a trip to the park, or fancying himself as a cowboy and the skipper of a boat. There are tangential lessons in good sportsmanship Caillou graciously congratulates his friend who has defeated him in a boat race) and perseverance (Caillou returns for a more rewarding second skating lesson after falling down on his first time on the ice). Caillou's critics carp that the show is not realistic, and they may be on to something. Not a voice is raised or a discouraging word is heard (""Accidents happen,"" Caillou's mother shrugs it off after he breaks the favorite cup her mother made for her). Caillou's home is alive with the sound of laughter and giggles. Must be a Canadian thing."