Parents that have seen the Super Why! show know that it addresses the most important learning tool in the toolbox: Reading. Kids won't necessarily perceive this show as a big educational push, since it looks fantastic and finds a great balance between learning and fun. The design style is all over the map, with computer animation mixed with what looks more hand-drawn even if it is actually computer-generated. The setting for these episodes is the Fairytale Village, where you'll see lots of references that kids may pick up on, like the shoe that "the little old lady" lived in, and other elements of classic fairy tales.

The format of Super Why! is a bit like Little Einsteins, revolving around a puzzle theme and a troupe of adventurous kids. Okay, one is a pig, but a talking and clothes-wearing variety... Each episode is set against a fairy tale that will be familiar to almost any young viewer, but there is a second layer of meaning. The Super Why! foursome, led by Whyatt (aka "Super Why"), is always called in to find the solution to a problem by way of a secret word. Gathering individual letters through the episode, the gang eventually discovers the word and solves the problem. The fairy tale is more of a backdrop than anything else, making these episodes way more than just a retelling of old material.

Whether it's the issue that Pig is having with Jill (of Jack and Jill) always knocking down his block-buildings, or the concern Princess Pea has that she'll flunk an important test, or the constant crying of Whyatt's little sister, the concept of wrapping relatively mundane problems around fantasy settings is smart and creative. The characters in these stories end up playing a role in the puzzle, and each member of the team has a chance to exercise his or her special skill. Pig can construct all kinds of things using letters, Princess Pea has the power of writing, Super Red (imagine Little Red Riding Hood on roller-shoes) has the power of spelling, and Whyatt is the reader, so there's almost nothing they can't overcome with their letter and word powers.

Whimsical and engaging but filled with activities for kids that include reading, drawing letters, spelling, matching word sounds, and acting out things happening during the show, Super Why! Jack and the Beanstalk & Other Fairytale Adventures is perfect for precocious little ones or early grade-schoolers learning to read and write. Nothing here would be out of reach for a child in first grade, if you're looking for a benchmark. Parents even have some resources on the DVD, and the extras for kids include PC games, songs with videos from the show, and printable coloring/activity pages. If you've never seen the show but are a fan of shows like Little Einsteins that find that perfect balance between education and entertainment, give Super Why! a shot.