During the live-action sequences of traveling around town via underground, train, on foot, and by boat the boys and their parents provide a running commentary on the sights and events they are taking in. Interspersed with these adventures are forays into the history of England, and London provided by an English-accented narrator and depicted through comical animations and quirky sound effects. Ever seen a five-year-old and two-year-old sit spellbound through a presentation of the division of the United Kingdom? Mine did. With such a condensation of facts and educational tidbits, children and parents, who will pick up new information with each viewing, can mine this DVD repeatedly
Cognizant of the limited budgets most families deal with when traveling, pop-ups explaining the prices of various transportation methods and sight-seeing venues give an overview of how much to set aside for specific attractions. The Roberts themselves have a limited amount of money to spend, turning down a stop at the Westminster Abbey due to cost. These pop-ups also shoot up like a flash to share cultural and historical insights, but keep your pause button handy – they often disappear before the import of the note sinks in.
Providing far more than an entertaining, armchair visitor experience, this DVD is packed with supplementary information of use in studying London further or preparing for a trip abroad. Craft activities, authentic recipes, recommended reading for an assortment of age groups, and a listing of family films provide fodder for a place specific unit study or preparation for a family adventure. Packing tips, travel resources tips on including your children in the planning process and nitty gritty details on transportation and attractions provide a valuable travel planning resource.
I doubt our family will be traveling to London anytime soon, but we can experience her rich history vicariously through the lively, upbeat adventures of the Roberts family. My children and I look forward to joining them again as they leave London by train to explore the countryside of England in Travel With Kids - England.
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