Product Details

• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: World Notes Llc/Global Mkt
• DVD Release Date: December 1, 2004
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0007R4T44
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,171 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Booklist

This sweet-natured program introduces kids to other lands and cultures... Many Spanish, Hindi, and Arabic words/songs are introduced...

Product Description

Baku the Travel Bug says, "Hola! Namaste! And Hello!" Baku is a loveable travel bug who lives inside the travel bag of his best friend and travel partner, Aunt Sydney. When children from the neighborhood visit Aunt Sydney’s house, Baku pops out of the bag to share pictures from his magical Scrapbook. As Scrapbook makes the pictures come to life, children visit Mexico, India and Lebanon. Between making tostadas, dressing up in a sari, spinning the Big Globe, and learning to dance – Lebanese style! – kids will love this virtual adventure to faraway places and making friends around the world.

- Winner of a 2005 Parents' Choice Approved Award,
- Endorsed with an all-star rating by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media,
- Critically acclaimed in Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, Booklist, and other media.
- Seal of Approval recipient from The National Parenting Center, which gave this review:

"Far too often these days, cultural awareness takes a back seat to other concerns. That should not diminish its importance when raising our children. Baku the Travel Bug celebrates the diversity that makes us different and yet the same. This is a very, very good video that features an adorable host, Baku, who takes us along on journeys to Mexico, Lebanon and India through his talking scrapbook where pictures magically spring to life. Our testers gave high marks to the production values as well as the acting, praising its ability to hold the audience's attention throughout, while teaching some wonderful lessons."

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed DVD promoting cultural exposure/understanding, March 6, 2005

By 

Jan Bremner (So. California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baku The Travel Bug Episode 1: Making Friends Around The World (DVD)

As a mother, grandmother, educator and therapist I found this video refreshing and educational. I bought several for Christmas presents and the kids loved them. My biggest surprise came with children younger than the target age (3 - 8). My 10 month old niece and 5 month old grandson were enthralled by the colors, sounds and movement. My 5 month old grandson lit up with joy and reached for Baku each time he came on the screen. Aunt Sydney was both nurturing and exciting bringing the educational aspect to life. (I wish we had more teachers in the schools who could disseminate knowledge in such an engaging fashion.) I loved the cultural theme, introducing children to different cultures and languages through the use of puppetry (Baku and Scrapbook), animation (Baku's travel bag and Compass), dance (Lebanon), food (Mexico and India), and dress (India and Mexico). It was delightful seeing children representing differing races, as well as actual footage from the different countries. The use of the globe tangibly helps children begin to see that our world is broader and more varied than their little neighborhoods and understand that although we have differences we are still similar. I highly recommend this DVD and eagerly anticipate future episodes.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to share culture with kids, May 24, 2005

By 

Baby1Miami (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Baku The Travel Bug Episode 1: Making Friends Around The World (DVD)

I got this DVD for my niece (9yrs.) and nephews (5 and 3yrs.) and so far have watched it with the little one. He really liked the DVD and I thought it was a wonderful presentation of teaching about different cultures with kids. The Mexican food cooking scenes, the Indian clothing, and Lebanese dancing was entertaining and well done. My nephew also loved seeing the cute little bug. I highly recommend this DVD!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the Indian part the most, February 28, 2005

By 

Rajesh Chopra (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Baku The Travel Bug Episode 1: Making Friends Around The World (DVD)

It was quite interesting to see how an Indian sari is worn! I thought the subject was treated very well and I hadn't ever seen anything like it on educational videos before. My 3-year-old loves Indian sweets and enjoyed watching Baku go after "mithai". Great debut and I hope there are more coming!