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Little Einstein's

Little Einstein's Musical Missions CD & storybook offer interactive fun

By Evan & Debbie Gardner, Kindergartner & Mom/PRIME Editor

I don't know exactly when Evan discovered the program, Little Einsteins, on the Disney Channel's a.m. Playhouse Disney lineup.

But I do know he took to the mix of animated "musical mission" adventures set to famous classical pieces right from the start.

That's why I was so excited when the Disney's Little Einstein's Musical Missions CD and accompanying mini-storybook with reusable vinyl picture clings of the characters in the series came in the mail.

I though to myself ... finally ... of all the things we've received for review lately, here's something that's neither too young nor too old for him!

So, I was a little disappointed when I showed him the package only to be told it was "for babies."

(Technically Little Einsteins is listed as a preschool program but that hasn't stopped my "big boy" six-year-old kindergartner from enjoying that program, or other shows such as The Wiggles and Higglytown Heroes!)

And Evan's opinion changed as soon as I cued up the CD and he heard the first few bars of the program's theme song.

From the Birthday Balloon mission, featuring Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic to the final Golden Pyramid mission highlighting Brahms Hungarian Dance #5, he was entranced, and scarcely aware that he was also learning about the different instruments in an orchestra, as well as experiencing other music fundamentals such as what the term allegro means when it comes to music tempo.

He also quickly discovered the accompanying booklet and vinyl clings, and took great pains to introduce and explain each of the characters and their equipment to me.

I don't know if he actually used the clings and backgrounds to create a picture to accompany each mission, as the Disney press release suggests children will do, but I do know he had fun with the book and clings for the better part of an hour.

And he doesn't think the CD is "for babies." anymore (In fact, he didn't want me to bring it to work so our art department could scan the cover to accompany this review!)

So we're giving this CD a thumbs up for kids from about age 4 to 6 with this warning to parents of younger music fans. The vinyl clings are small and limp, and could pose a choking hazard for children younger or older than three who like to put things in their mouths. (a similar warning is listed on the back of the package).

The Little Einstein's Musical Missions CD and storybook retails for about $12.98 at the Disney Store, most music stores, and online at www.DisneyRecords.com

Have a great musical adventure together!