Barney’s Rhyme Time Rhythm (2000)

Published by Ice Zero | Filed under Video

No matter what a toddler’s parent does, Barney is inescapable. No matter how cringingly irritating adults find Barney’s goofy voice, he captivates his youthful audience. Barney’s Rhyme Time Rhythm is no exception. The video’s setting finds a frustrated Emily trying to pen a poem for school. Stepping in to help are the magical purple dinosaur and a host of friends, including Mother Goose herself. The video is an effective introduction to Mother Goose rhymes, songs, and stories (which, mercifully, are not rewritten in typical Barney fashion). As in most Barney fare, there’s an emphasis on cheerfulness, creativeness, friendship, and affection. It’s nice that the basic premise encourages children to read and write–especially their own rhymes. The many songs include “Did You Ever See a Lassie?” as well as “London Bridge,” “Humpty Dumpty,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “Little Boy Blue,” “Little Bo Peep,” “The House That Jack Built,” “Little Miss Muffet,” “Three Little Kittens,” “The Old Lady in the Shoe,” and “Old King Cole.” (Ages 2 and older)