This likable 75-minute video includes thirteen animated shorts starring the storybook character, Spot. These stories, based on the Spot books by Eric Hill, bring life to the characters and stories in an engaging manner. The shorts are bookended by live-action segments featuring children who demonstrate and extend some of the concepts presented in the stories in a lighthearted way.
Spot, the yellow dog with big brown spots, embarks on simple adventures in and around his neighborhood with his mother, father, grandma, grandpa, and three good friends. His "adventures" may seem tame, but their simplicity is what seems to appeal to young viewers. For example, Spot plays dress-up with his friends: Steve, Tom, and Helen (a monkey, crocodile, and hippo, respectively); he gets ready for bed, washes dishes, plays hide-and-seek, and attempts to make breakfast all by himself.
Spot is eager to learn — he is a youngster, just like his little viewers. Even though he is an animated puppy, children easily identify with him as he discovers the "great big world" around him. The bold outlines and colorful, yet simple, illustrations lend a decidedly cheerful feel to the series; and the positive attitudes of all the characters in Spot's world may be a tad unrealistic to some parents, but many will consider Spot a good "role model" for toddlers and young preschoolers. After Spot makes a mess in the kitchen, for example, his mother cheerfully asks him to clean it up — and he does! The stories are never preachy because they do not explicitly teach children to cultivate follow-through, politeness, and responsibility. Rather, they "teach" through example.
This latest Spot video is different than the older editions for a number of reasons. For one, it is lengthier, featuring a baker's dozen of animated stories. For another, there are more songs and new voice-acting. Finally, live-action short segments that feature children playing and learning with colorful props run at the end of each Spot segment. These video shorts extend the learning presented in the stories quite effectively. Although pleasant, some parents find Spot stories lacking in clear plots. The live-action shorts teach children such concepts as making associations (matching objects that go together), determining what objects float and sink (and why!), learning about which animals sleep by day and by night, and so forth. These segments are playful demonstrations — they are never heavy-handed — and they add educational value to the video.
Discover Spot is best for toddlers and young preschoolers who appreciate the simplicity of the stories. Youngsters will learn new vocabulary, social skills, problem-solving skills, and basic early concepts (such as making associations).
