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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Brother Bear - The Merchandise
With the top toys this year being movie-related, there are so many fun items that will keep the adventure of Brother Bear alive long after the curtain falls. Besides the wonderful soundtrack, there is a Brother Bear On My Way DVD Sing Along Songs featuring two of the songs from the film - "On My Way" and "Welcome." Kids can sing along, dance, laugh and learn with this DVD. The disc includes actual scenes from the films and the songs. Besides Brother Bear, there are songs from Stitch the Movie and more. And, there is a Karaoke section where kids can sing alone to the music while watching the scenes. The bonus features include several vocabulary and spelling games and activities to play with Koda and the others.
With the Brother Bear Read-Along, everyone can read along to an audio version of the story (with a narrator and the actual cast of characters), or simply read the story from the little book that is filled with great pictures from the movie. The 21-minute CD makes a great CD to play in the car, keeping kids' attentions so they won't keep asking, "Are we there, yet?"
For computer users, there is a CD-Rom game. Players can explore the world of Koda and Kenai or transform into a wolf, eagle or crow. The game is based on the film, with the beautiful scenery and the fun adventures.
Hasbro has a full line of Brother Bear toys. First, the adorable Tumble 'N Laugh Koda will keep you in stitches. He has two modes: a talking mode and a tickling mode. When his paw is squeezed, the little cub says one of nine phrases, and once in awhile he'll fall over and kick his feet as he laughs. When he's on his back and his tummy is pressed, he talks and kicks his feet as he laughs and says things like, "Hey, that's my ticklish spot!"
The Talking Bear Cub Koda talks when his left ear is pressed. He then responds when you answer his questions. This little bear has the softest fur and the sweetest little face. After approximately 15 seconds of inactivity, he'll say his name, "Koda," and turn off until the next time the button in his ear is pressed.
In the film Kenai turns from a human into a bear. The Super Switchin' Kenai doll does the same thing. His face, hands and feet can be turned inside out to change him into a bear with paws. So, it's like two dolls in one! And, he talks too! When he's in his "human" mode and his tummy is pressed, he'll talk about himself and his totem. When he's in his "bear" mode, he growls. Changing him from one to another is easy, but little hands might need some help at first. All of these talking animals are recommended for ages 3+ and include the batteries.
There are several small plush animals that don't talk or growl or laugh, but do provide a lot of cuddles and love and good times. Of course, there are Koda and Kenai, but some of the most popular characters from the movie are the moose, Rutt and Tuke. These small plush animals are recommended for ages 2+.
Brother Bear Books
There are plenty of books to go along with the film. The Brother Bear Read-Aloud Storybook is a hardcover book that recounts the entire story. The pages are filled with beautiful illustrations of scenes from the movie. This is one book that will be cherished for years to come. (Ages 3-8)
For very young kids, the Little Golden Book of Brother Bear tells an abbreviated story with fun illustrations of Koda and Kenai. The story in this book is a little less traumatic for very young kids who don't understand the concept of death. It just depicts the great story of brotherhood between Koda and Kenai. (Ages 2-5)
Bear With Me is a "step 2" reader for young readers ages 4-7. With fun illustrations, easy words and big print, kids will enjoy being able to read the story for themselves.
For young readers ages 3-7, A Magical Journey is a pictureback book that is easy to hold. Many kids will be able to read or just follow along with the story while enjoying the adorable graphics.
Truly Brothers, Side By Side, and Mark of the Bear are three different coloring books that will provide hours of fun and entertainment. And New Friends to Meet is a reusable sticker book recommended for ages 3+. There is a gorgeous backdrop of the forest painted in vivid colors. Just place the characters on the picture and create new adventures.
Adults are not left out of the Brother Bear magic. The Brother Bear: A Transformation Tale is a beautifully crafted coffee table book filled with colorful images from the film as well as drawings and illustrations by the filmmakers. The book tells about how the film was made and how nature played an important part of the film. "Brother Bear features a broad and thrilling view of the natural environment, making it something of a player in the drama that unfolds." The colorful Northwest provides the location of the story. The creators made several trips to the Northwest to study the land to bring authentic scenery to the animated film. Besides the visual effects, the story centers on the relationships between the characters, specifically Koda and Kenai. This beautiful tale of brotherhood was not easy to make, and stories from the creators about the difficulties as well as the easy parts are included in the book. Everything from the Phil Collins songs to the crafting, writing and drawing are part of the book. Readers will get a greater understanding of the film, and for those who don't want to read, the pictures alone are delightful to look at.
© 2003 Francine Brokaw
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