Inquiring Young Minds

I have two boys, so at the recommendation of MOMS Conni (and seven-year-old daughter Britny) I drove out in the rain and rented two videos, "The Case of the Ghost of Thorn Mansion" and "The Case of the Logical I Ranch," both part of the "Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley: A Musical Mystery Series."

Now, my sons did at one time enjoy watching Full House, so I knew what I was getting into: a deep, wide, syrupy vat of cute. But I was pleasantly surprised. This detective series, in which the Olsen twins "solve any crime before dinner time," is an fine example of high-minded edu-tainment, created and produced with a very real understanding of what appeals to young girls -- to their hearts AND to their minds.

In fact, these videos are a triumph of substance over form. They are produced with a minimum of glitz and a maximum of thought -- the reverse of what we've come to expect from programming for kids. The twins' charisma and fame may be what draws the young audience into the video store, but the simple and affecting narratives are what keep them entranced, playing after playing.

These videos extol intellect, inquisitiveness, and the value of a good sense of humor. They do pay homage, in passing, to some over-exposed aspects of popular culture, but few mothers will object to the rock or rap video format of some of the musical numbers. Why? Because the songs are catchy and clever, aimed at building vocabulary (Give us a Mystery), promoting self- esteem (Bravery), and encouraging reflection (It's Not Logical). One the Olsen twins' principal strengths is their impeccable diction: all the song lyrics are clearly articulated and easy to follow.

The stories in "The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley" series adhere to a charming format. Each adventure begins in their attic office, where the twins are awaiting a "case" to solve. A phone call comes, usually from a wacky adult, and they're off. It's all good fun. In "The Case of the Ghost of Thorn Mansion," Mary-Kate and Ashley set off to Transylvania, some "3000"miles from their attic, and arrive in twenty minutes to check out a report of strange occurrences at a rickety old house. Putting their fears aside, they follow a set of clues, never failing to "look up" information in books when need be, to eventually solve the mystery to everyone's satisfaction. (Oh, by the way, these are science-literacy videos, too, but don't tell the kids!) In this one particular case, the ghost turns out to be a beautiful bee-keeper in her protective white suit.

Inquiry education is a teaching method where children are encouraged to employ "detective" techniques to investigate the world around them. That's what these videos really all about. And as someone who is keen on promoting science to young girls, I give these videos two enthusiastic thumbs up. (That's one with each hand!)

Britny, who will be 7 very soon, loves Mary-Kate and Ashley videos. She owns ten already and will be getting another for her upcoming birthday. I chatted with Britny and her Mom, Conni, about the Olsens and their videos in a chatroom.

Dot: Can you tell the twins apart?

Britny: No. Can you, Mom?

Conni: I think so. But I can't tell you exactly how.

Dot: My husband says that one of the girls seems more "into it" than the other.

Conni: That's Mary-Kate.

Dot: What do you like best about these videos?

Britny: I like the girls and the songs.

Dot: Do you know you are learning things while you watch the videos?

Britny: No, I just like the fun of them.

Dot: But would you like to be a detective when you grow up?

Britny: Yes, very much, I would like to be a detective.

Dot: Conni, do you feel that there is a lack of quality programming out there for girls like Britny?

Conni: Yes. I feel that most programming is either aimed at younger children or boys.

Dot: Do you dread when your daughter starts watching programs Beverly Hills 90210?

Conni: Sort of.

Dot: Is there any peripheral merchandising available from the Olsen video factory?

Conni: Just some T-shirts and such through their fan club, The Mary-Kate and Ashley Fun Club. Britny loves the fan club. They send her all kinds of news about upcoming releases as well as special birthday packages.

Britny: I like the way the girls do their hair. I like to do my hair like them.

Dot: Thanks, Britny, you're the best! By the way, has Britny ever seen any Shirley Temple movies?

Conni: No.

Dot: In your opinion, Connie, who's cuter, the twins or Shirley?

Conni: I think the twins. They are more down to earth. But maybe that's just because they are from another time.

Yes, another time, indeed. Imagine a time when a sweet little girl could be the top movie star of her day. Imagine a time when a titian-haired female detective could capture the hearts and minds of girls across the country. Mary-Kate and Ashley can count on being number one in Britny's heart, at least for now -- and that's certainly something.

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