Sooty ABC – Learn the Alphabet DVD introduces a new generation of children to joining Sooty, Sweep, Soo and Richard in a fun-filled educational experience. The DVD teaches the alphabet with the added bonus of the phonetic sounds as well as listing words that begin with each letter. Also on the DVD are extras, part of classic Sooty (The Farm, The Swimming Lesson and Beach Patrol), these are real bonuses for the die-hard Sooty fan and those soon-to-be fans.
I must admit that I had never heard of or seen the Sooty show before doing this review. My husband, on the other hand, had grown up with Sooty and had labelled the show a "British Institution".
I enjoyed the educational aspects of the DVD but was surprised to find that Sooty and his pals were puppets with the exception of Richard, the man. More interestingly, Sooty, a bear, only whispers to Richard to communicate, Sweep, a dog, doesn't speak, he only squeaks like a squeaky toy but is somehow understood by the group, and the only credible speaker is Soo, a panda with attitude. Furthermore, Soo narrates for most of the show teaching the viewers the alphabet, the phonetic sounds of each letters and showing an item or word that begins with each letter.
Victoria and Beatrice enjoyed watching The Sooty ABC – Learn the Alphabet DVD. They seemed quite at home with the puppets and were not bothered by the characters behaviour. They both were fascinated at the comedic running around of the actors, the pie throwing, the juggling; even Richard falling into the water and the numerous things the characters did to make them laugh. I was pleased to hear Victoria, saying her phonics with Soo and knowing the words that began with the letter in question even before Soo repeated the word. I noticed how the DVD seems to peak Beatrice interest with the phonetic sounds. I was overwhelmed to hear Beatrice repeating the sounds after Soo.
In my opinion the best part of the DVD is the educational element, in fact the way the alphabet and phonetic sounds are taught is excellent.
Sooty was once considered one of the UK's best loved children's character, and without a doubt this title is retained. As suspected, you do not have to be a Sooty fan to thoroughly enjoy the DVD. Although, the educational aspect is second to none, the content is any thing but politically correct. Initially I found it somewhat disturbing when Soo would constantly call Sweep demeaning names such as sausage brain or bone brain. Even Richard, the designated adult with the puppets called Sooty some lacklustre names. This name calling is not something I would like introduced to my girls although I understand that this behaviour is something they would encounter in society. In my opinion, this name calling is the one thing that lets down the Sooty ABC – Learn the Alphabet DVD. However, I understand that this is part of the charm associated with the Sooty Show.
Most importantly, Sooty ABC – Learn the Alphabet DVD supports the Early Years Curriculum where your little one can learn the skills necessary to master their letters.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥