Snapatoonies, Episode 2

PreS—This animated presentation invites preschoolers to become "Color Callers," naming the colors that they see on the screen. Cartoon-style children sitting on train cars introduce themselves as "Snapatoonies" and invite viewers to join in. Then, the Snapatoonies are minimized to a corner of the screen where they remain throughout most of the production, occasionally cheering or leading in the color calling. A bland rain-drop shaped figure narrates the program. In addition to the focus on colors, numbers and shapes are presented. For example, children are asked to count the number of letters in the word "red" and to explore the shape of a blue triangle. There is very little action. The raindrop appears on either side of the screen but seldom moves across it. The Snapatoonies remain primarily stationary while shapes and pictures of animals pop in and out of view. Viewer participation consists of calling out colors or occasionally joining an activity such as swinging their arm in front of them like an elephant trunk. While some preschoolers may enjoy picking out the colors on the screen, many will need something more engaging to hold their attention.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UTForeign Languages