The Best DVDs for Preschoolers - 10 Top Picks

While we do not subscribe to cable television, videos on DVD play an important role in our family. They allow more control over what we watch and help limit the time our children spend in front of the TV. Videos are also not interrupted by commercials, which means that my children are blessedly unaware of the latest new toys and processed snacks. Limited segments of quiet viewing time can be helpful for me as a parent, and for my kids when they need some "down time."

My husband and I carefully consider each video, whether we have purchased it, received it as a gift, or borrowed it from the library. Those that don't make the cut are given away or returned. So how do we decide which DVDs are keepers? Admittedly, choosing our 10 favorites is somewhat subjective and could change over time. However, we screen videos based on several constant criteria.

The Criteria:

1. Does the video tell an interesting story?

Kids love and need stories. Many kids videos today have no real story, especially "educational" ones. Barney and Dora are essentially banned in our house for this reason. It seems that many TV programs rely more on fresh episodes than on engaging story plots.

On the other hand, many classic children's stories, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Harold and the Purple Crayon, have been told on video, which offers an enjoyable way to revisit great illustrated stories again. These videos are not replacements of the books, but are useful viewing options after the books have been introduced in a parent's lap. A good story never gets old, especially with children. Children love classic tales for a reason.

2. Does the video encourage our children to use their imaginations?

If it has a story they can follow, it should. After watching the video, we notice which characters and story snippets reappear and serve as jumping-off points for imaginative free play and riffs.

3. Is the music and voice acting of good quality?

Many kids programs are uninspired and rather inane-- musically and dramatically. This is why we genuinely appreciate videos such as the "Angelina Ballerina" series, which includes the voice talent of Judi Dench. "Milo and Otis", featuring the voice of Dudley Moore, is also a phenomenal example of the power of a superb storyteller.

4. Is the pacing appropriate?

Depending on if the video is too slow or too fast, it either loses kids' interest or overloads them with action and images. Most cartoons on TV move too fast, and the commercial interruptions cause kids to lose the thread of the fragmented story completely.

Best Kids DVDS: 10 of Our Top Picks

The list here, which though neither perfect or comprehensive, has videos that meet our criteria as parents. These titles have furthermore stood the test of time with our three preschool children, ages 2 to 5 years. These DVDs have captured their imaginations and sparked their curiosity.

1. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" - Disney DVD

2. "Angelina Ballerina" - a series from HIT Entertainment

3. "Kipper" - a series from HIT Entertainment

4. "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" - Disney DVD

5. "Harold and the Purple Crayon...and more Harold Stories" - Scholastic Home Video

6. "Stuart Little" - Sony Pictures

7. "Milo and Otis" - Columbia Pictures

8. "Peanuts Classics" - a series from Paramount

9. "Classic Holiday Stories: Walt Disney's Classic Cartoon Favorites -Volume 9"

10. "Bambi" - Disney DVD

While not as fast-paced as many programs on TV, we believe that in addition to books, these and other high-quality videos have contributed to our children's development. Strategic selection and viewing of DVDs has very likely contributed to the language and imaginative abilities of our children. If we were less picky and did not interact with their questions as they watched, videos might hinder their growth. Books remain irreplaceable; yet by guiding our kids to videos with quality music and storytelling, their lives are further enriched.