Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Holiday VHS

EDITORIAL REVIEWS .COM If sleuthing, not Santa-stalking, is the name of your 2- to 5-year-old's game, grab your scarf and settle in for Blue's Big Holiday, a festive double feature that doesn't dissolve into folkloric fluff. The title episode arranges itself gently around December's gift-giving trifecta. Steve and Blue, delivering presents, pick up on some peculiar goings-on at the homes of their pals: At Wynonna Judd's, a tree twinkles in the living room at Lisa Datz's, candles symbolizing a miracle burn brightly and at Tyrese's, corn and a cup, tokens of community togetherness, create a curiosity-arousing tableau. Who knew Blue hung out in such swanky celebrity circles? No matter--they're a mere sideshow here. The mystery we're meant to tackle is not who celebrates what and why, but which patch Blue wants to add to her holiday quilt. "A Snowy Day" also circumvents the seasonal trappings in favor of a romp through the white stuff. Before bundling up, though, Steve will need to get to the bottom of what Blue wants to play (hints: a carrot and a snowball factor in). He'll also have to skidoo into a calendar to fix an inappropriate winter scene (swimsuits in the snow?) and match some falling snowflake patterns for Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper. What's best about this collection is its bold choice to go against the holiday herd and bag the moralizing. Instead of getting all wrapped up in the dog days of December, it keeps its concept on a short leash, which means plenty of skill-builders and problem solving. It's perfect for preschool fans of the show, and parents hoping to head the annual hoopla with calm, low-key holiday fare. --Tammy La Gorce

From picking out presents to playing in the snow, the holiday season at Blue and Steve's house is an exciting time! Join Steve and Blue in these two festive winter episodes for two great games of Blue's Clues. "Blue's Big Holiday" Steve and Blue are celebrating the holidays! Blue wants to celebrate by adding a special memory patch to her Holiday Quilt, but what patch does she want to add? As preschoolers help Steve figure it out by playing Blue's Clues, they explore and celebrate three winter holidays - Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa! "A Snowy Day" It's snowing outside Blue and Steve's window! How beautiful! Blue and Steve want to go out and play. But before they do, preschoolers need to help search for clues to figure out what Blue wants to do in that wonderful white snow.