Arthur

PreS-Gr 2—These animated stories deal with health problems common to the younger set, all to the tune of lilting reggae music by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Based on Marc Brown's famous aardvark, the messages are embedded in amusing tales. "Just Desserts," "D.W., the Picky Eater," and "Sick as a Dog" all deal with making healthy eating choices, while "Arthur's Chicken Pox" and "Arthur's Tooth" explain the ups and downs of getting sick and losing baby teeth. While the stories don't impart a lot of health-related information, they are humorous and will hold the attention of young viewers. Most affecting are the "A Word from Us Kids" segments in which real children describe their experiences when they had chicken pox or a loose tooth, including some original poems and stories. Among the other tales are "D.W. Gets Lost," "Buster and the Daredevils," and "The Big Dig." More tips, activities, and background information on eating well, staying fit, and caring for teeth can be found in the PDF files provided in English and Spanish. Skip the ads, but enjoy the plug for finding Arthur books in your local library. Printable coloring pages, bookmarks, and more activities are available at pbskidsgo.org/arthur.—Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY