Media Review: Between the Lions

Book #52

Book Image:

Bibliographic Citation: 
Between the Lions. (2005) Between the Lions: Fuzzy Wuzzy, Wuzzy?. United States: PBS.
 

Age Group:
Toddler to Gr2
 

Genre:
Fiction
 

Awards:
Here is a complete list of the awards won: Between the Lions Awards

Topics/Issues: 
Early literacy, Reading
 

ELS promoted: 
Print motivation, print awareness, phonological awareness, vocabulary, narrative skills, letter knowledge

Format: 
DVD, TV Show
 

Author/Illustrator sites:
http://pbskids.org/lions/

Categorization Tags:
E Between the Lions

Annotation: 
 Between the Lions is a PBS Kids puppet show designed to promote reading. In Fuzzy Wuzzy, Wuzzy?, everyone except for Lionel is thrilled that Fuzzy Wuzzy from the book comes out to conga in the library.

Reactions/Observations:

Between the Lions is an award winning PBS program. The series premiered in 2000. The program consists of different segments focusing promoting literacy skills to its audience. Each show playfully teaches about a letter sound from a rhyme or book. I previewed Between the Lions: Fuzzy Wuzzy, Wuzzy? Segments included “Gawain’s Word”, “Cliff hanger”, and “The Vowelles”. The program focused on the short “u” sound with a variety of great skits and segments showing how different words can be made using the same short “u” sound.

This series is entertaining both for the child and the parent. It demonstrates valuable reading skills in a fun and interactive way. The segments serve as great skill builders for a variety of early literacy skills including phonological awareness, vocabulary, and print motivation. Concepts and text are often repeated for additional practice and building fluency. Vocabulary used in discussion between characters was not oversimplified. It served as a great vocabulary builder for viewers. Out of the five digital media sources, I find this show to be the most valuable tool to help children to become successful readers. The content and humor are age appropriate and easily enjoyed by the entire family. Between the Lions is a definite “must see” for the 3-7 years old audience.