The Riddle In A Bottle
$ 19.95
www.sisbro.com
Instead of taking a dry approach to the topic of water, brother-sister filmmakers Laura and Robert Sams mix documentary footage, comedy skits and music to show how oceans, currents, tides and weather move water around the Earth. The result is fun and informative, with the Sams revealing a nice chemistry together – as siblings should. A goofily enjoyable viewing experience.

The Swan Princess 2: The Secret of the Castle
$14.94
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
The Swan Princess 2 sees its DVD release some 10 years after its theatrical release. The tale – about a princess who magically transforms into a swan, her beloved prince, and his mother, the Queen – resembles Disney films of that period, with a strong female character and comic sidekicks. Although not the best of Disney, this movie offers plenty of entertainment for the elementary school set, appealing to princess-loving girls while offering enough action to occupy boys, too.

It’s Hip Hop Baby! All Your Child’s Favorites
$13.50
www.itshiphopbaby.com
This new series helps preschoolers learn about topics like colors and letters in a fun and musical way. Developed by a mom whose son has speech-delay issues, the 20-minute program mixes song-and-dance segments with games like Simon Says. While the show is a low-budget affair, there is a charming aspect to its homemade quality.

Barbie And The Three Musketeers
$19.98
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
It’s good to report that this Barbie movie is more than just an exercise in product placement. "Barbie" here is actually Corrine, a teenaged French country girl who is determined to be the first female musketeer. She winds up working as a servant girl in the palace with three other girls who dream of being musketeers. They team up to save the prince from death. This film nicely tells its girls’ empowerment action tale.