Spanish for Kids

PreS-K—Fritzi, a charming little gray mouse, is having a birthday—but which season is it in? Fritzi, his friend Maria, and a group of fun-loving kids sing and dance through the seasons as they learn Spanish words. The songs, with lyrics and music by the accomplished Jorge Anaya, are catchy and singable. "Las estaciones" is broken up into verses which accompany segments about each season. The combination of cartoon animation and real children in different environments—winter, autumn, summer, spring—is colorful and engaging, and will hold the attention of young viewers. The repetition of Spanish words in context reinforces word meanings and uses, and the interactive format will be familiar to fans of Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go. Included with the DVD is a translation guide that includes song lyrics as well as the words and phrases used in the spoken sections. Preschool children and kindergarten students will be amused by Fritzi and will find the appealing songs an easy way to learn some essential Spanish phrases related to the seasons.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, School, Tacoma, WA