Dinosaur Train Submarine Adventures DVD Review & Giveaway *5 Winners*

PBS Kids has just released a new feature from the popular Dinosaur Train series entitled "Submarine Adventures!" It is now available for purchase and is actually on sale on Amazon.com for $7.83.The video run time is about 50 minutes and includes some extra bonus features like dinosaur facts and coloring pages to print from your PC.

Since I'm already familiar with a lot of great programs on PBS Kids that support literacy, math and science, I was very eager to check out this new DVD in the Dinosaur Train series. The story line is very simple and appealing: Buddy and his family of fellow Pteranodons get a chance to visit their underwater friends and learn some fascinating facts about undersea creatures when they take a ride on the amazing Dinosaur Train Submarine. Four different stories highlight some of the most exciting creatures that roamed the seas during the "Age of Dinosaurs."

Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train characters are cute and likable and graphics are simply stunning. My little ones were literally riveted to the screen for the entire feature. As parents, my husband and I appreciated that there wasn't any loud or obnoxious rap or rock and roll music. The Dinosaur Train theme is catchy and upbeat; we were all singing along within minutes.

Although marketed for preschoolers and young children, I have to say that all my children loved this DVD. And after viewing it twice, I wanted to see if the older ones had learned anything. Turns out, the two oldest (ages 8 and 9) had some interesting facts to share with me. Catherine explained how turtles lay eggs on the beach and then leave them to hatch. The tiny babies crawl back to sea all on their own! Joseph told me how much bigger prehistoric animals were compared to modern-day creatures like turtles and lizards. He had especially enjoyed the bonus segment where a real paleontologist talks about some of his favorite prehistoric water creatures and compares them to modern animals.

If your children love dinosaurs or the sea or just colorful and engaging stories, they will truly enjoy this DVD! You can view full episodes and clips from Submarine Adventure using the PBS Kids Video Player and the PBS Kids Video App.

You can connect with PBS Kids on Facebook and Twitter.

Ready For a Giveaway? 

5 Lucky Winners Will Receive the Dinosaur Trail Submarine Adventures DVD!

Celebrate "The Great American Backyard Campout with Dinosaur Train Books Giveaway

It's summertime again and you know what that means- vacationing, camping, cooking out and much more fun. Not to mention, no school! As we are an on-the-go family who is constantly spending time outdoors, I am excited to tell you about Dinosaur Train helping celebrate "The Great American Backyard Campout" with Penguin Young Readers Group!

Buddy, my son's favorite Dinosaur Train character, supports "The Great American Backyard Campout" initiative (Organized my the National Wildlife Federation-NFW) on June 23rd! This campaign is directed at reminding parents and children just how important it is to spend time outdoors! I don't know about you, but my family stays outdoors during the nice weather. We love being outside, camping, hiking and swimming!

I remember my childhood, too, and we spend summers pretty much outside! We played baseball, hide and seek, road our bikes and more, but these days children are spending half as much time outdoors as they did 20 years ago (Juster et al 2004); (Burdette & Whitaker 2005); (Kuo & Sullivan 2001). I find it so sad that children these days are addicted to their electronic games and television and would rather do that than actually get out, exercise and spend time in the yard. Did you know that in a typical week, only 6% of children from the ages of 9-13 play outside on their own(Children & Nature Network, 2008)?

I cannot stress enough just how important it is for children to have play time! Children who play outdoors are physically more active, more creative in their play, less aggressive AND show better concentration. I can only see benefits to children being outdoors. It's essential to their health.

What can you do to encourage children to turn off the tv/games and head outdoors? Do your part by joining NWF's "Great American Backyard Campout" is a great way to set an example for children and will help get them excited about the great outdoors! How do you participate in the campaign? Just click HERE to register for FREE! You may choose to campout on June 23th, but either way, the website has many great ideas, recipes, campfire songs and much more to make your experience fun and unforgettable for children. What better way to keep them outdoors!

To celebrate the "Great American Backyard Campout" we are giving away some awesome Dinosaur Train books featuring fun outdoors! Take them on your camping trip, vacation or just read them before bedtime. The kids will enjoy them either way. You can also download Dinosaur Train's Nature Trackers Club Guidebook, filled with fun activities to do during your campout, too! Plus, if you complete the four activities in the guide, mail it in and you will receive an official Dinosaur Train Nature Trackers member token!

Giveaway
One Lucky Reader Will Win these latest Dinosaur Train books from Penguin Young Readers Group:

• In Dinosaur Campout, The Pteranodon family is going on a campout! This adorable 8 x 8 is perfect for a first camping trip or night away from home.

 

• And in Ride with Buddy, Buddy introduces readers to his friends and family on the Dinosaur Train. This Level 2 reader is perfect for young fans who are starting to read on their own.