Safari in your living room.July 21st, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
As many of you know, three or so weeks ago, we kicked of our “summer tour o’ continents” with Africa. This was the kids’ favorite, seeing as most of what we discussed was animal wildlife. (My daughter’s favorite animal is the elephant; my son adores lions.) When I began planning our activities, I found little to nothing available media-wise about African animals and landscape. Let me clarify: I found very little for KIDS, that is. Nature shows showing animals savagely competing for food and life was not something you should show a toddler and a preschooler. I wanted something tame, but not watered down or goofy.
My search led me to this DVD: African Safari by KidsLoveAnimals.com. Let me just say: It did not disappoint! It even had me hooked from the intro. It had familiar things for little eyes and minds, but even I learned a few things I didn’t know before. (Did you know there is a bird in Africa called a bee-eater?) Bravo for all-age-encompassing, educational entertainment.
The kids who host the program warm right up to you as they pledge to take you through some of Kenya’s most hallowed parks and reserves. The music? Ah, the music. I was not surprised when I read afterwards that the background soundtrack was written by a composer (Timothy Steven Clarke) well-versed in dramatic scores. With the inspiring notes and the breathtaking scenery, this DVD will no doubt keep us running back to watch it again and again.
Something also added in this presentation are screen tags showing animal names and places as you travel along (the educators out there can rejoice along with me on this one). And if there’s anyone else out there with a child who’s as technically-minded as our son is, you’d be happy to know that there are a few sneaked-in scenes that add pizzazz for those guys, too: A rapid changing of a tire as rhinos approach, and a play-by-play showing of how a hot air balloon is inflated, takes off, and lands. This inspired a lengthy discussion with G after the show!
There’s also a special behind-the-scenes bonus showing kids interacting with animals at the non-profit Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.
I highly recommend this DVD for all families, not just homeschooling families. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly documentary suitable for all ages. I’m so glad I came across it!
Great news. You can get this DVD from Amazon, or for a limited time through their Cheetah Special, you can order it for $10 via their website. What’s even cooler?? These guys donate $1 to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and an additional 40 cents to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy from every DVD they sell!
Want to win one? I have an extra DVD that the folks at Kidsloveanimals.com have graciously offered up to one of you lucky readers!
All you have to do is go to Kidsloveanimals.com and tell me which African animal on the DVD your child(ren) loves (or would love) best! I will close this contest at 11pm EST on Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 and announce the winner on Wednesday morning. Only US entries/addresses. Good luck!
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone!
Giveaways · Learning and doing · rants, raves and recommendations
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Amber
said,
July 21, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hmmm…. I am going to go with the elephant or “elphie” as he calls it. LOL. He loves all animals, though! Sounds like a neat dvd.
jodi
said,
July 21, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Walker is so intrigued by giraffes right now - we have a dvd that was made at the San Diego zoo and it just captivates him - have been thinking we needed to pick up some more animal ones - this one might be just the ticket. Thanks!
Connie H
said,
July 21, 2008 at 5:27 pm
It would have to be the elephants…always impressive!
~Connie
Thanks for the recommeded video
Patricia
said,
July 21, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I just found your blog through a comment you left on mine… I love it here! So inspiring and full of ideas I can’t wait to try!
Sheila at Dodging Raindrops
said,
July 21, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Giraffes are my son’s favorite right now!
LaDonna
said,
July 21, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Elijah is all about the elephants. Our zoo doesn’t have them but when he sees them on tv he gets so excited.
Capturing Today
said,
July 21, 2008 at 11:55 pm
My daughters are wild about lions - they love hearing all about them and then going around the house imitating them!
anu
said,
July 22, 2008 at 12:13 am
I think my daughter would love the hot air balloon the most. She has been playing hot air balloon games for a long while with balloons and teddy bears. But as hot air balloon is not an animal, I think cheetahs would be next. Somehow the big cats (tiger and leopard as well) are a big favorite.
Meg T
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:03 am
My son is a RHINO lover for sure. It cracks me up the way he says it!! We love animals! Thanks!
Sara G
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:13 am
The girls are still too little to have a favorite, but I think they will love Giraffes cause I do!
Piseco
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:28 am
My son has a soft spot for the ungainly giraffe… I would LOVE to get this DVD since in about two years we’ll be traveling to visit my dad in Africa!
Sundi
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:31 am
My daughter loves elephants! My kiddos would love this DVD!
Mama Zen
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:31 am
My daughter would love the Elephant!
Patti
said,
July 22, 2008 at 10:48 am
My kids love Zebras. Actually they love them all. They think all the animals are so neat!
Jennae @ Green Your Decor
said,
July 22, 2008 at 11:33 am
Thanks to my husband (and Madagascar), my daughter is in love with lions and zebras.
kelli
said,
July 22, 2008 at 11:38 am
My son loves elephants — whenever he sees a picture he tries to make an elephant noise.
Naomi
said,
July 22, 2008 at 11:52 am
Very cool! Roo loves tapirs, although I didn’t see them listed. Who doesn’t like giraffes?!
Kristie
said,
July 22, 2008 at 12:06 pm
My daughter would love the elephants the best-she does a really cute impression of them
Ellie
said,
July 22, 2008 at 12:31 pm
My son loves Elephants, it would be great to show them in their natural habitat.
Gina Stratos
said,
July 22, 2008 at 12:37 pm
My favorite is the Lion but my kids are into elephants at the moment.
gkstratos@ yahoo.com
Alice Hansen
said,
July 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I think the cheetas would be the biggest hit. Thanks for the giveaway!
Christian Bruce
said,
July 22, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hippos, hippos and more hippos!! Cool dvd!
Stephanie V
said,
July 22, 2008 at 1:37 pm
zebra!
Staci J.
said,
July 22, 2008 at 1:54 pm
My daughter would love any of the monkeys. She loves going to the zoo to see all the animals. This would be great for the days we can’t go to the zoo.
Julie G
said,
July 22, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Without a doubt, my child would love the flamingos the most.
Julie Majors
said,
July 22, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I just ordered the DVD - since I won Child of Wonder from you, I figured that I wouldn’t be lucky enough to win twice. Thanks for the tip!
sarah b
said,
July 22, 2008 at 2:45 pm
My son loves the monkeys and the lions.
Marcy
said,
July 22, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I’d have to say the boys would like the cheetah best, they are big cat fans!
Channah
said,
July 22, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I’d have to say my son would love the monkeys best!
Genevieve
said,
July 22, 2008 at 6:02 pm
My girls love elephants. Until a couple months ago, one of my twins said “ee-hee-hee” instead of elephant. I was so sad when she learned to say it the right way!
Michelle T
said,
July 22, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Giraffes…my son calls them gi gi
Stacy
said,
July 22, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Definitely the elephant is my favorite, as well as my sons - I think!
Go Amie
said,
July 22, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Giraffes! They are especially impressive up close!
Lisa M
said,
July 22, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Zebras for sure! Absolutely nooooooo question.
Reiza
said,
July 22, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Giraffes. My kids LOVE giraffes.
Erin H.
said,
July 23, 2008 at 12:00 am
Well, he’s a little young for favorites yet, but our little guy is very fond of both giraffes and elephants. I know he (and I) would love to watch a DVD like this one; thanks for the contest.
shelley
said,
July 23, 2008 at 7:39 am
my youngest is crazy about animals. his favorites are either giraffe or elephant
misty w
said,
July 23, 2008 at 5:26 pm
My daughter loves elephants. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Liz Cranage
said,
July 23, 2008 at 6:02 pm
My grandson loves any and all cats so his would be a cheetah or a lion.
I painted a 4.5 by 5.5 ft jungle mural for him that he adores, it has a tiger parrots butterfly and of course a Tiger
Thanks
Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland
said,
July 24, 2008 at 12:15 am
My daughter would love the flamingoes. great giveaway, thanks!
Shelly
said,
July 24, 2008 at 12:44 pm
The current favorite is giraffes, closely followed by elephants
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere - Week 43
said,
July 27, 2008 at 4:29 am
[...] Megret - Kidsloveanimals.com’s African Safari DVD for kids (July 29th/US) [...]
Beth/Mom2TwoVikings
said,
July 27, 2008 at 6:36 am
The Vikings are big on elephants right now! LOL
Angela
said,
July 27, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Our kids would love the leopards.
Untrue Media » 5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere - Week 43
said,
July 29, 2008 at 3:04 am
[...] Megret - Kidsloveanimals.com’s African Safari DVD for kids (July 29th/US) [...]
Xenia
said,
July 29, 2008 at 2:18 pm
It’s hard to choose just one animal because my daughter (who is almost two) loves them all, but I think elephants are near the top of her list right now. She puts one arm up like it’s a trunk and makes an elephant noise whenever she sees one!
Vicki Wurgler
said,
July 29, 2008 at 3:02 pm
my grandson would love the Colobus monkey
Nicki
said,
July 29, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Little Bear would love the elephants best! She knows they’re her grandma’s absolute favorite animal when they go to the zoo, so she has a special place in her little heart for elephants!
loki
said,
July 29, 2008 at 4:56 pm
My kids love monkeys so it would be the Colobus monkeys!
Lisa P
said,
July 29, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I think my son will get a kick out of the meerkats.
Elizabeth M.
said,
July 29, 2008 at 9:27 pm
We’re all looking forward to watching the elephants!
LeeAnn P.
said,
July 29, 2008 at 11:12 pm
My son and daughter both love Giraffes!
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere - Week 43 - Untrue Media
said,
August 1, 2008 at 2:05 am
[...] Megret - Kidsloveanimals.com’s African Safari DVD for kids (July 29th/US) [...]
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere - Week 43 - Infomisa.com
said,
August 1, 2008 at 4:17 am
[...] Megret - Kidsloveanimals.com’s African Safari DVD for kids (July 29th/US) [...]