DVD Review - The Snow Fort

Got this from Netflix.com and my kids love it! They didn't want to watch anything else for several days.

Just like It's Great to Be a Ghost, The Snow Fort has four episodes.

• The Snow Fort - While Ski Patrol members Tasha and Uniqua try to rescue them, Mounties Pablo and Tyrone defend the snow fort against what they think is the girls' attempt to steal the giant snowball.
  
• The Yeti - Tasha, Uniqua and Tyrone track Yeti Pablo.
  
• Knights are Brave and Strong - Queen Tasha sends Uniqua to deliver an important message to King Austin. Pablo and Tyrone join in her quest to become a knight.
  
• Secret Mission - Description

There weren't as many Special Features as before, but they are much better. There are two music videos, Ski Patrol to the Rescue and The Yeti Stomp, and a Previews section which advertises miscellaneous Dora the Explorer, Blue's Room and My Little Pony videos. The music videos are not just clipped straight from the episode where the characters are singing. They show several bits from the episode, tied together by an overarching theme. The Ski Patrol video shows the girls skiing, interspersed with clips from the episode; The Yeti Stomp video focuses on Pablo, with occasional shots of the other three characters that are in that episode.

You can play the DVD in English or French. You can Play All, which will play each of the episodes and then automatically restart through the entire thing, or choose one episode at a time, which will not automatically start again upon finishing. Leave it too long on the menu page (15 seconds) and it will automatically go into Play All.

This is very good video, a must have if you are looking to build up a Backyardigans collection and an excellent choice if you only want one Backyardigans DVD. If I had to choose between this and It's Great to Be a Ghost, I'd choose The Snow Fort.

No, really, I mean it. I really, really am back, this time.

First it was my wrist, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Now it's my knee and a sprain.

That'll teach me to take the kids sledding.

So I've been laid up for way too long, spending all my time on the couch and feeding my family things like pizza and tv dinners. And even that hurt. Do you have any idea how much you use the muscles around your knee, even just to shift position when you're sitting down?

By this point I am completely out of the rhythm of blogging, so bear with me, please, while I get back into the habit of posting regularly.

Meanwhile, I'll be posting my long-promised review of The Snow Fort, today.

Honest, I will!

Trivia - Snacktime

"We've got the whole wide world in our yard to explore, now it's time to have a snack, see you next time when we're back, with your friends the Backyardigans."

Ah, but what snack are Uniqua, Tasha, Austin, Pablo and Tyrone going to have? Here's a complete list of the episodes so far and the snacks the Backyardigans have at the end of the episode, as far as we know at least. Special thanks to Backyardiganteen, who did most of the work in putting this together!

• Knights Are Brave and Strong - Pretzels and juice, at Uniqua's house (Ben notes: Tasha is the one that offered the snack, right? Why did they go to Uniqua’s house instead of Tasha’s?)
• The Yeti - Hot chocolate, at Uniqua's house
• Pirate Treasure - Not specified, at Uniqua's house
• The Heart of the Jungle - Pretzels, at Uniqua's house
• Secret Mission - Brownies, at Uniqua's house
• Riding the Range - Cookies, at Pablo's house
• The Key to the Nile - Cheese, crackers and apple juice, at Tasha's house
• The Snow Fort - Not specified, at Tyrone's house
• It's Great to Be a Ghost - Apples, at Pablo's house
• Viking Voyage - Graham crackers, at Uniqua's house
• The Quest for the Flying Rock - Waffles, at Tyrone's house
• Surf's Up - Grilled cheese, at Pablo's house
• Race to the Tower of Power - Granola bars, at Tyrone's house
• Castaways - Applesauce, at Uniqua's house
• Cave Party - Cinnamon toast, at Pablo's house
• High Tea - Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, at Pablo's house (Thanks to Grandpa Phil for this information.)
• Eureka! - Graham Crackers, at Uniqua's house
• Polka Palace Party - Strawberries, at Uniqua's house
• Race Around the World - Chocolate Chip Cookies, at Uniqua's house (Thanks to Grandpa Phil for this information.)
  
• Monster Detectives - Celery with hummus, at Tyrone's house

Brownie points to the first person to post in comments about a noticeable oddity here! Hint: His name starts with an "A".

Backyardigans radio

Want to listen to Backyardigans music but don't have your Backyardigans music CD? You can listen to many of the songs online!

Just go to Nick Jr., and click on the Nick Jr. Playtime link on the upper left side of the screen. This will open another window. Click on the red radio on the upper right, then click on either arrow until you see a picture of the Backyardigans. Click on that picture and you'll be hearing songs from the episodes right away!

Sorry for being gone!

I haven't been well, which is why I've mostly been offline the last couple of weeks. I hope none of you have given up on me coming back!

I'm working on a review of the Snow Fort DVD. I'll get that up as soon as possible.

Trivia - Who is Where?

So you're only interested in episodes that have Austin? Upset that Tasha doesn't seem to be getting her fair share of screen time? Well, here's a list of which Backyardigans are in each episode.

Episodes with all five Backyardigans:

• The Key to the Nile
• Knights Are Brave and Strong
• Cave People
• Race Around the World
• High Tea
  

Episodes with four of the Backyardigans:

• Pirate Treasure - Uniqua, Austin, Pablo and Tyrone
  
• Yeti - Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Uniqua
  
• The Heart of the Jungle - Tyrone, Pablo, Austin and Uniqua
• The Snow Fort - Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua and Tasha
• It's Great to Be a Ghost - Tyrone, Pablo, Uniqua and Tasha
• Riding the Range - Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo and Austin
  
• Viking Voyage - Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua and Tasha
• Castaways - Uniqua, Tyrone, Pablo and Austin
• Race to the Tower of Power - Uniqua, Austin, Tyrone and Pablo
• The Quest for the Flying Rock - Uniqua, Tasha, Tyrone and Pablo
• Polka Palace Party - Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo and Austin
• Surf's Up - Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua and Austin
• Eureka! - Tyrone, Pablo, Tasha and Uniqua

Episodes with only three Backyardigans:

• Secret Mission - Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone
  
• Monster Detectives - Pablo, Uniqua and Tyrone

It wasn't until I sat down and starting counting that I realized that Pablo, Uniqua and Tyrone are in every episode. Austin and Tasha are the two that trade off when there are less than all five Backyardigans. Of the 20 episodes so far, Austin is in 12 and Tasha is in 11.

Mommy, Mommy, I'm playing with the Backyardigans!

Interesting - just saw an ad for this at Amazon and I was very startled:

Backyardigans Make Your Own Little Golden Book (Make Your Own LGB) (Hardcover)

Now, this isn't available until next July, but it really got my attention. Could this be a book you could put your child's name in? One of those type of books that they can read it and see their name as being one of the Backyardigan's friends?

Wouldn't that be cool?

Backyardigans website

The problem with having a blog is that when I post something, like song lyrics, it gets lost within just a few days as newer posts knock the older ones off the front page. Soooo, I thought I'd put together something that should make it a little easier to find information I've already put up here. I won't be repeating it, just using the site as a kind of blog map.

The Backyardigans Fansite

Stop by, check it out, and tell me what you think. It's still under construction, so bear with me if you can't find something. I'm working on it!

Contest Announcement

Backyardiganfans.com is having a holiday contest. The winner will get a free one year subscription to Nick Jr. magazine.

For details about how to enter go to their Contest Time thread. All entries must be submitted by November 15, so if you're interested, don't waste any time getting your entry in!

A Backyardigans Friday

This Friday, November 4, Nick Jr. will be having a Backyardigans marathon, starting at 10:30 a.m., Eastern/Pacific Time.

They'll be showing (in order):

• Cave Party
• Heart of the Jungle
• Key to the Nile
• Super Heroes vs. Super Villains (Race to the Tower of Power)
• Knights Are Brave and Strong
• Eureka!
• Monster Detective

Happy viewing!

More Backyardigans?

I was just thinking that, now that Nick Jr. has run Monster Detectives yesterday, that leaves only two episodes, of the original 20 that were made, that they haven't aired yet: High Tea and Race Around the World. I wonder when they'll run those episodes? And is anything else in the works?

Does anyone know if any new episodes are being made?

Tyrone

Tyrone is a moose, whose antlers make him the tallest of all the Backyardigans. He is orange and dresses in a blue and orange striped shirt. He is very confident, sometimes to the point of not listening to the others when he should. Easy-going and optimistic, Tyrone is smart and quick to find a solution to any problem. With Uniqua, he is one of the leaders of the group.

Tyrone is voiced by Reginald Davis, Jr., sung by Corwin C. Tuggles and danced by Greg Sinacori.

Lyrics - Mermaid Lullaby

From the Viking Voyage episode.

Tyrone: Rest my little darling
You’ve had a busy day
The sun is a'falling
And it’s time for me to say

Together: Hush, hush, hush little mermaid,
Good night.
Hush, hush little mermaid,
Sleep tight.
Close your eyes,
Close your eyes and lay down your head,
In your peaceful ocean bed.
Have a snooze, please, like I said and
Hush, hush, hush little mermaid,
Good night.
Hush little mermaid,
Sleep tight.

Tasha (spoken): I'm feeling a little sleepy.

Tyrone: You’re feeling kind of sleepy,
Uniqua: You’re feeling kind of loopy,
Pablo: Your fins are getting floppy,
Tyrone: And your eyelids getting droopy.

Uniqua: May your dreams be sweet,
As you fall into a snooze.
Perhaps again we’ll meet,
But now we have to cruise.

Together: So hush, hush, hush little mermaid,
Good night.
Hush, hush little mermaid,
Sleep tight.
Hush, hush little mermaid,
Good night.
Hush little mermaid,
Hush little mermaid,
Good night.

New Backyardigans Printable

Nick Jr. has a new printable exclusively for members. It's a Halloween picture frame, with an "It's Great to Be a Ghost" theme.

You'll need to sign up for a Nick Jr. membership to get it, but it's free and simple to do. Just go to their Member page and follow the link that says Sign Up. All they require, besides a member name and password, is your zip code, e-mail address and date of birth.

The Backyardigans Magazine

My daughter has keen eyes where fun stuff is concerned. There we were in the grocery story, Mommy concentrating on getting past the animal crackers before anyone notices them, when she grabs one particular magazine out of the mass of them in the books and periodicals section.

"Mommy! Uniqua!"

Over at BackyardigansFans.com there's been a certain amount of discussion about a Backyardigans magazine, but no-one seemed to know where it was. Trust my daughter to find it. It wasn't cheap ($4.95/Canada $5.95) but we got it anyway. I had to write a review of it, after all! Yeah, yeah, that's why I got it. Sure ...

Nick Jr. is calling it a magazine, but it's really more of an activity book, with a section in the middle with articles for parents. You can't subscribe to it and it doesn't say if there are going to be any more issues. It's titled "The Backyardigans Magazine" with "Collector's Issue" over the title. It's marked as being the Fall 2005 issue, and in the block where the bar code is, there is the notation "Nick Specials" and "Display until November 22, 2005"

All of which leaves me not sure what to think. Is this going to be a regular publication, or is this a one off? I'm inclined to think they're testing the waters to see how many of us pick this up. Of course, if they'd PUBLICIZED it, more of us might have been on the look-out for it and that would help their sales, but no. That would be too logical.

Anyway. It's centered around the Tower of Power episode, with one half of the magazine featuring roleplaying being a superhero and the other half of the magazine (flip it over to read the other half) featuring roleplaying being a supervillain (Tasha is in here as a villain, Eraser Girl). There's a two page poster of all the Backyardigans dressed up as heroes and villains in the middle of the magazine saying "You did it!" and urging kids to go have a snack with the Backyardigans after all that playing (featuring apples!)

The parents section has some great articles. There's information about the people behind the show, Janice Burgess, Jonny Belt, Robert Scull and Beth Bogush. There are photos of the kids who sing and voice the characters. A chart of the types of music found in season one was especially interesting. It talks about which type of music is found in each episode and something of the history of that genre as well as where to hear more of that style of music.

If you are concerned about your child pretending to be a supervillain, there is an article about why children love to play superheros and how to use this kind of imaginative play as a positive part of your child's life. They have 12 imaginative play prompts, only one of which involves superpowers.

Dancing is not left out; there is an easy Salsa how-to and an article on the benefits of dancing for your children.

Do expect to help your preschoolers with this magazine. There will be some cutting to do (superhero and supervillain props as well as some puzzles) and, of course, they will probably need you to read it to them.

Uniqua face-painting how-to (and an episode premiere, also!)

Nick Jr. is doing a special day of spooky episodes on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31. Among the shows will be the premier of Monster Detectives at 10 a.m.! So, if you haven't had a chance to see the It's Great To Be A Ghost DVD, you'll finally get to see this episode.

Nick Jr. might not have Backyardigans costumes, but they do have a face painting how-to video for Uniqua! They also have a printable (for members only, so you'll have to sign up with them to get it) Backyardigans Halloween Door Hanger. If you don't want to sign up you can still find a Backyardigans "Happy Haunting" e-card at the Nick Jr. site's Halloween section.

Epinions review of Backyardigans

I thought this review was excellent. I really like how comprehensive it is. You might find it interesting reading, too!

Just in time for Christmas shopping!

Finally! Backyardigans merchandise that moves beyond clothes, books and music. Because as nice as all that is, our kids are asking for more than that, aren't they?

Linens 'n Things is now carrying Backyardigans bedding and "fun stuff." They have a Backyardigans Art Set, a Backyardigans Hopscotch game, dinnerware, Micro-Beaded Pillows, and a Backyardigans table and chair set.

There are more items available at TC Toyz. They carry a divided plate, flatware, as well as offering a twin bed sheet set and comforter and micro-bead pillows.

Hopefully, more toys will come out in the next few weeks. They'd be crazy to miss the Christmas shopping season, and considering Nickelodeon's success I would say we can count on them not being in the habit of making foolish decisions. Which means we should be seeing more items very soon!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, though, just in case.

Pablo

Pable is a penguin, the shortest member of the group, given to panic and running around babbling at least once in every episode. Never think he isn't brave and courageous, though! Pablo never lets anything keep him from jumping into the midst of the fun. Creator Janice Burgess describes Pablo as being wound a little too tight, and admits that he's the character most like her as a child.

Blue, with a pale yellow belly, a blue bow tie and feet that look like blue shoes with spats (but that's just his natural coloring), Pablo wears a beanie with a red propeller on top.

Pablo is voiced by Zach Tyler, sung by Sean Curley and danced by Tasha Cooper.

Trivia - Musical Genres

Each Backyardigans episode is in a different musical style. Here is a list of each episode and the style of music used.

• Knights Are Brave and Strong - 40's Big-Band Jazz
• The Yeti - James Brown-Style Funk
• Pirate Treasure - Reggae/Ska
• The Heart of the Jungle - Gilbert and Sullivan
• Secret Mission - Tango
• Riding the Range - Hip-Hop
• The Key to the Nile - Broadway Musical (a la Rogers & Hammerstein)
• The Snow Fort - Western Swing
• It's Great to Be a Ghost - ‘20s Jazz
• Viking Voyage - Rockabilly
• The Quest for the Flying Rock - Disco
• Surf's Up - Afro-Pop
• Race to the Tower of Power - Salsa
• Castaways - Bossa Nova
• Cave People - Calypso
• High Tea - Irish Jig
• Eureka! - Township Jive
• Polka Palace Party - Polka
• Race Around the World - Zydeco
• Monster Detectives - 60's Rock/English Pop

Already planning for next summer

I wish I'd known about this earlier, but maybe you can incorporate this into your plans for next summer. I will be!

We're not big amusement park customers, but in looking around for Backyardigans sites I found this page for Paramount Carowinds. Evidently, they have a section of the park which has a Nickelodeon theme, including a Backyardigans ride! My kids would love it, I know.

The picture doesn't show much, unfortunately. From what it shows, the ride looks rather generic. I should hope that there would be at least some pictures of the Backyardigans there!

According to the Carowinds website there are also costumed Nickelodeon characters walking around Nick Central. I wonder if any of them are dressed up as Backyardigans? If anyone knows for sure, post in the comments and let me know!

You can read a review of the park by Allison Perkins, at GoTriad.com.

Treehouse TV Backyardigans page

In case you didn't realize it, Nick Jr. isn't the only place on the web where you can get Backyardigans printouts and information. Treehouse TV, the Canadian channel that runs the show in Canada has a section of their website devoted to the Backyardigans, too. They don't carry as much as Nick Jr., but they have some things not available at the larger site, including 17 pictures from the series.

Available merchandise

Since somebody came here through Yahoo, looking for Backyardigans merchandise, I figured I'd do a quick rundown on what's available. Which is to say, not much, unfortunately. There's plenty of books and other items scheduled to come out this fall, but we're still a few weeks away from being able to hold them in our hands.

What's available right now:
The Backyardigans CD
It's Great To Be A Ghost DVD
It's Great To Be A Ghost VHS
Here Come the Backyardigans! Hardcover Book

What's available in November:
The Snow Fort DVD

Available for pre-order, but no release date announced:
Pirate Treasure (Paperback Book)
Race to the Tower of Power (Paperback Book)
Castaways (Paperback Book)
Secret Agents (Paperback Book)
Riding the Range (Paperback Book)
A Royal Valentine (Paperback Book)
Backyardigans Ultimate Sticker Book
Meet Pablo! (Rag Book)
Jungle Colors (Board Book)
The Soccer Ball Mystery (Board Book)

So, if you're looking for something for Christmas presents, you're not completely out of luck. Hopefully, they'll hurry up and get more stuff out on the shelves before Christmas, though!

Too funny

I couldn't help it. When they started doing the Hokey Pokey today, I just started laughing. My daughter was bewildered.

"What's funny, Mommy?" Then she decided she'd better follow my lead, and forced a laugh of her own, which made me laugh all the more.

We wound up laughing and giggling together for real.

So glad I got this episode on tape! The Hokey Pokey, of all things. I would never have dreamed it.

Missed it!

I am so annoyed! I just checked the tape I had set up to record yesterday's Backyardigans, and it was empty. I did something wrong, I don't know what (hey, isn't that a song?) and now I have to wait for Friday to see it.

Did anyone else see it? How was it?

Episode - Castaways

Castaways was on today, as you probably already know. What did you think of it? I liked the music, but I thought it had a feel like it should have been the first Backyardigans episode shown.

The official character description of Austin says that he's the "new kangaroo on the block" and is a little shy, but that's never made sense to me. He's never acted shy or new, until now. At the very beginning he's watching the other kids through a hole in the fence and talks about how he wants to play with them but he's too shy. It doesn't make sense this far into the series, but would if this was the pilot episode. At the end, it becomes apparent they know Austin at least to recognize him, but they still seem a little hesitant, unlike earlier episodes where the friendships seemed much more established and sturdier.

On TV.com in the episode notes, the same thing was pointed out. The commenter said that she/he thinks Austin might show up more often, now. That should make the Austin fans happy!

About reviews the Backyardigans

The Kids Movies and TV Guide at About did a review of the Backyardigans. She gave it five stars and says many nice things about it. Naturally! Because it is a great show, as we all know.

Backyardigan's DVD Review - It's Great to Be a Ghost

Well, we've finally had a chance to see the new Backyardigans DVD, It's Great To Be A Ghost. Best of all, we got to see Monster Detectives, which, at this date, hasn't yet played on Nick, Jr. So, if you're wondering whether to plonk down the cash for this DVD, here's my review to help you make up your mind!

This DVD gives you four episodes. You can choose to play them all, or play just one. In the order they play, they are:

• It's Great to be a Ghost - Did you ever play at being scared when you were little, until you actually worked yourself up into being scared? In this episode, the Backyardigans pretend to be ghosts, but it's all fun and games - for a while.
• Monster Detectives - When Uniqua's ball is stolen by the Soccer Monster (Pablo), it's up to Tyrone, the Monster Detective, to help her get it back. (Interestingly, this episode is the only Backyardigans episode we've ever seen that has actually frightened my daughter. She runs out of the room and hides when it's playing.)
• The Key to the Nile - When Egypt suffers a drought it's up to self-centered Princess Tasha to find the key to restoring the Nile. But will she ever remember to thank the faithful servants who are doing all the real work?
• Pirate Treasure - Two sets of pirates (you can tell they're pirates by the way they say, "Arrr!") are looking for the same treasure on a desert island.

Each episode starts with the same opening musical number you see on television, and ends with a closing credits sequence that I thought was a little lengthy, but that my daughters didn't seem to mind at all.

I was disappointed by the Special Features. The first two special features require reading skills, which makes things difficult for parents if their children can't read. Since the Backyardigans' target audience age is 2 to 5 that's probably going to be most of us who are considering buying this DVD.

• Meet the Backyardigans - This feature presents each of the Backyardigans, one at a time. They do not move, but are presented as stiff drawings (I was reminded of paper dolls) bouncing around against the show's backyard play area. At the bottom of the screen is a description of the pictured character. There is background music (the music from the opening sequence), but no voiceover reading of the description.
  
• How to Be a Backyardigan - As with the first special feature, this one requires an ability to read or a parent with the patience to read and reread ad infinitum. Pictures of the various Backyardigans doing things from the shows are shown, with written instructions on how to be like that character. Example: Picture of Pablo playing drums. Written next to it is, Be a MUSICIAN How to be a musician like Austin: Bang your drums, Play the tuba, Say, "Let's polka!" You use the remote to move on to the next character.
• "A Pirate Says Arrr" Music Video - By far the best of the special features. Scenes from the episode are arranged pleasingly. My only quibble is that it isn't the full song from the episode and it ends a little abruptly. My girls loved it though, and asked me to replay it several times.
  
• Previews - Ads for other DVDs being released in fall 2005: Dora's Dance to the Rescue, Pirate Adventure, and Fairytale Adventure; Blue's Room Alphabet Power, Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, and It's Hug Day; My Little Pony - A Very Minty Christmas.
  

Overall, I would recommend this DVD, especially if your child can read. My girls loved it and would have watched it all day if I'd let them.

Lyrics - Backyardigans Theme Song

Another song from the Backyardigans CD.

The Backyardigans Theme Song

Spoken:
Hi, I'm Pablo.
My name's Tyrone.
I'm Uniqua.
I'm Tasha.
And my name is Austin.
And we're ...

Sung:
Your backyard friends, the Backyardigans!
Together in the backyard again,
In the place where we belong,
Where we'll prob'ly sing a song,
And we'll maybe dance along.

We've got the whole wide world in our yard to explore.
We always find things we've never seen before.
That's why every day we're back for more
With your friends, the Backyardigans.

Austin

Austin's fans are varied and passionate. Up to now, Austin has been perhaps the least seen of the Backyardigans, a fact his fans are quick to point out needs changing. Austin got his own solo in Surf's Up, where he is a Mysterious Lifeguard.

Austin's singing voice, Thomas Sharkey, is also the voice of baby Jaguar, on Dora the Explorer. His mother is active on the Nick Jr. Backyardigans forum. (You can see a post from her about Thomas in the Austin thread.)

Facts about Austin:
Austin is a kangaroo, tall and purple, thoughtful and rather serious. According to his official description from Nelvana, Austin is the "new kangaroo on the block". He wears dark blue shorts, and a light blue shirt with a yellow stripe across the middle.

Austin is voiced by Jonah Bobo, sung by Thomas Sharkey and danced by Kristen Frost.

A full week of premieres

So here's the rest of the story on the Backyardigans season premiere week, according to Nick.com.

Wednesday, Sep. 21: Polka Palace Party
Herman the Worman (from the "Heart of the Jungle" episode) is having a surprise birthday party. Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo and Austin are musician cowboys who form a band to play at the party. Music: Polka

Thursday, Sep. 22: Cave Party
All five of the Backyardigans are in this episode, about the Valley and Mountain Cave People coming together for a party. Music: Calypso

Friday, Sep. 23: The four new Backyardigans episodes will all be airing one after the other. So don't worry if you miss seeing one earlier in the week!

New episodes next week!

Yes! Castaways is airing September 12, at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT on Nick Jr. According to the television schedule on Nick.com they will also be showing Eureka! September 13.

Castaways: The kids are on a desert island. The music is Bosso Nova.

Eureka!: Dinosaur scientists and desert prospectors search the South Dakota hills. The music is Township Jive.

Yippee! Get those recorders programmed!

I'll update you on new episodes as I am able to get the information.

Backyardigan's clothing line officially launched.

A holiday and my daughter's first day of school made for a very busy few days for me! But I'm back, with some news about Backyardigans merchandise at Kohl's.

In the Sunday paper there was a multi-page ad for Kohl's, of which one full page was devoted to the Backyardigans! "Introducing the Backyardigans" it said. I guess the stuff I bought a few weeks ago wasn't officially available?

You can see the same ad on the front page of Kohl's website. Right now all playwear and sleepwear is 30% off, if you're in the market. And if you're looking for your favorite Backyardigan, it shouldn't be too hard to find something that has him or her on it!

New Episode?

Noggin, I'm told, has been playing some new episodes. I wouldn't know, since we only get Nick Jr. I have heard, however, that the episode Castaways is scheduled to be shown September 19.

I can't verify this, so don't count too heavily on this date. I'll post here as soon as I know for sure, though!

And if any of you know for sure what's playing 9/19, let me know!

Backyard dreamin'

After watching the Backyardigans don't you just wish your kids had a play area like that and friends to share it with? Of course the Backyardigans get along much better than any group of kids I've ever met, so maybe that wouldn't work out as well as I fantasize, but still, it would be neat!

We are currently living in a rental that has the virtue of being in a nice neighborhood and having a small yard. Very small. Miniscule, in fact. There's not much room for the girls to run around and play.

There's not much happening in the way of playmates, here, either. There's a little boy next door the same age as my oldest, but his parents don't let him outside to play very often and won't let him go to anyone else's house to play. There's another little boy behind us, but he's a year older than my oldest and isn't interested in playing with a) girls, and b) younger children. A year makes such a big difference at this age, doesn't it?

My dream is to buy a house of our own some day, one with a big yard. There should be trees to climb, lots of room for a swingset and sandbox, soft green grass for running and tumbling, and if there were plenty of other kids their ages living nearby that would be just perfect. Throw in a house designed with plenty of windows looking out onto the children's play area so I could keep an eye on them without having to be right there next to them, and I would be in heaven.

What would your dream house be like?

Lyrics - A Pirate Says "Arrr"

This is one of the songs on the Backyardigans CD.

A Pirate Says "Arrr"

If you want to be a pirate,
Get up on your feet.
You can't be a pirate,
If you're sitting in your seat.
Swing your arms tough,
And stand kind of low,
And make this noise wherever you go.

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
It might seem strange, just a bit bizarre,
But they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
You wear a spare part, a bandana and a scar,
and they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"

The Jolly Roger is the pirate flag,
A skull and some bones on a big black rag.
We'll fly it on our ship, up above the sails,
And we'll search for treasure,
And be tough as nails!

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
If you think we're noisy, you're right, we are,
'cause they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"

Let me listen in peace!

We're watching Backyardigans right now. It's the Riding the Range episode. I just love the "echo in the canyon" song. (I don't know what it's called) but it's the Buffalo Girls song at the end that always sticks in my head after this episode is over.

The problem is, all summer they've had that stupid activity meter from Lazy Town popping up during other shows. That's not an issue during Dora or Blues Clues, I'm sure, but here on The Backyardigans it keeps coming on in the middle of a song! There I am, with my children, all of us singing along with the music, the girls maybe dancing around the living room, and all of a sudden this noise interrupts. Very annoying. The kids always complain about it. I hope that thing goes away at the end of the summer.

Cowgirls, cowboys won't you come out tonight,
come out tonight, come out tonight,
Cowgirls, cowboys won't you come out tonight
and dance by the light of the moon?

Uniqua

So just what is Uniqua? That seems to be the big question and no-one agrees on what the answer is. "A ladybug," says one mother. "Are you an idiot?" another fan inquires sweetly. "Can't you tell she's an ant?" "No, no," says another. "She's a pig!"

Whatever the answer, Nick Jr. isn't saying. When the discussion gets intense, though, the answer that usually shouts the rest down is that Uniqua is exactly what her name implies: unique. She's one of a kind, not meant to be any particular species.

That makes sense to me.

Facts about Uniqua:
Light pink, with dark pink spots and light pink antennae, Uniqua wears overalls that are the reverse of her coloring. One of the smallest of the Backyardigans, she is very confident and daring, full of ideas and energy. Backyardigans creator Janice Burgess says that Uniqua is the Backyardigan she wishes she was like as a child.

Uniqua is voiced by LeShawn Jeffries, sung by Jamia Simone Nash and danced by Hattie Mae Williams.

UPDATE: According to the Nick Jr. FAQ on Backyardigans, Uniqua is "unique, just like her name!"

Backyardigans Birthday Party

If you're looking to buy official Backyardigans party invitations, cards, decorations and the like, you'll have found they're just not available yet. Nick Jr, however, does have items you can print out for a "Riding the Range" party. They've got directions for making a Pablo Cake, printouts for cards, badges, nametags, decorations, and a poster.

Most of the stuff they have is fairly generic Western party stuff, but there are printable placemats featuring Tyrone, Tasha, Uniqua and Pablo. Other Backyardigans specific printables include song sheets from "Riding the Range", invitations and thank you notes. The only Backyardigans recipe is the cake, but the other recipes look pretty good. Forget waiting for a party, I'm thinking I'll make the Southwestern Style Cornbread Pizza for dinner tomorrow night!

Netflix has the Backyardigans

I just checked and sure enough, Netflix has Backyardigans: It's Great to Be a Ghost! Amazon doesn't have details about what's on this DVD, but according to Netflix it has four episodes. While Netflix doesn't specify which episodes, from the description it sounds like they are:

• It's Great to Be a Ghost
• Pirate Treasure
• The Key to the Nile
• Monster Detectives

Monster Detectives hasn't been shown on Nickelodeon Jr. as of this date, so if you move fast you might be able to see a new episode right away!

Backyardigans Forum

Just ran across this great site where you can go to get information and talk about Backyardigans stuff.

BackyardiganFans.com

Clothing at Kohl's

Speaking of birthday's, I was very happy to find that Kohl's is now carrying Backyardigans clothing. I went ahead and ordered the nightgown and the sweatshirt for my little fan. (Although, why is the sweatshirt labeled "boys" clothing? Because it has Pablo, Tyrone and Austin on it? Oh, puh-lease!)

I just typed "Backyardigans" into their search box. Besides the nightgown and sweatshirt, they carry pajamas, shoes, and underwear.

Anyone know anywhere else to buy Backyardigan's clothing?

I want my river back - or at least the song.

My oldest daughter's birthday is coming up, and I've been thinking about getting her the Backyardigans CD. One of the things I really like about their music is that I can listen to it without going crazy. In fact, I'll find myself starting sing bits and pieces of Backyardigans music when the kids aren't even around! So I think I can handle listening to this over and over again.

The only problem is that they don't have some of my favorite songs on there. Although, as one reviewer at Amazon mentioned, they have enough music between the various episodes to make two CDs. The reviewer thinks that would be overkill; I'm not so sure!

Imaginary Friends

Ever since we started watching Backyardigans, my daughter has been just crazy for the show. She had loved music since she was a tiny baby. (It was the only way I could reliably get her to sleep when she was a newborn!) I think that's what appeals to her the most about this show.

She was just starting into imaginary friends when we started watching. It didn't take long before she started playing with not just one, but five imaginary friends! Months later, she still plays with Pablo, Uniqua, Tyrone, Austin, and Tasha almost every day. She even tries to bring them playdates. And you should see the problem it causes when we get in the car or sit down to eat! Luckily we have a minivan (I tell her they're sitting in the back seat), but our table isn't big enough for five extra guests.

Talk about making life complicated ...

Why I'm here

As the mommy of two small children, I've had ample opportunity to become familiar with The Backyardigans and I'll admit it. I'm hooked!

I know I'm not the only parent out there who enjoys the music and humor of The Backyardigans. Neither am I the only parent searching for places to buy Backyardigans merchandise for my children. I thought I'd set up this blog, therefore, so all of us can share our thoughts and ideas on where to find the as-yet scarce merchandise.

Come on in! Let's talk.