Barney is a stuffed animal that comes to life only via kids' imagination. Similarly, in this 54 minute DVD, Barney uses imagination to teach his friends about flexibility, compromise, and different aspects of "celebration" throughout the world. Barney's "imagination train," reminds me of good ol' Mister Roger's trolley, taking us to the "Land of Make-Believe."

Not many shows label imagination as "imagination," as Barney does. Certainly, there are fantasy-based shows, but they don't identify themselves as such. I like that Barney has a "real-world" part and an "imagination" part.

Surprisingly, Barney is not a new show on the block: it is celebrating twenty years this year. Amazing! I would have guessed ten years at most, but then my oldest is seven, so clearly I am "out of it" as regards the history of television shows. Still, Barney is clearly a long-lasting fixture in children's educational television, and I can see why. (Apparently, Barney is on a 20-city wide bus tour where he’ll be giving back by visiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in celebration of his 20th Anniversary!)

Barney: Celebrating Around the World follows "Ben" and "Tracy" as they plan their own party. Each child has a different perception of what a fun party might involve. But Barney takes them on the "imagination train" to visit five different types of parties.

They see Carnival in Brazil, a St. Patrick's Day celebration in Ireland, the Cherry Blossom festival in Japan, a music festival in Kenya, and a Festival of Lights in India. At each stop, Barney and the kids are treated to some local flavor, including a word in the native language. The kids to whom they are introduced in the other countries have traditional names, which is fun (but then watching the credits is funny, because in "real life" the kids have quite vanilla, typical U.S. names!) The gang sings at least two songs at each location, so it isn't a rapid-fire visit through many different places; kids have time to digest each location. Each stop is substantial, but the songs and action flow in such a way to retain the kids' attention.

Of course the traditions - dances, food, games, names, and so forth are all "stereotypical," but even a glimpse of different cultures is a start in the right direction. My mom happens to be in India right this second, so watching the cheery, beautiful dances on Barney and contrasting that with the images I've received via email of poverty, yet smiling faces, is a disconnect, although educational.

I haven't been to any of the countries mentioned on the DVD except Brazil. I had to laugh, since my big memories of Brazil involve a friend whose step-throat was misdiagnosed by a clueless doctor and a group of evangelical Christians who were combing the used-condom-filled beach for people they could "take back to Christ."

But back to Barney...

Although unrelated to the concept of "different cultures," the song that stood out to me the most was one about trying new things: from flutters to a queasy stomach, and simultaneously hot and clammy, sweaty hands, they described "first time jitters well." It seems many kids go through the same trepidation that the Cat does. Sure, at age 7 he may react more than others his age when faced with new situations, but I am glad that enough other kids have this hesitation that an entire song is devoted to such a feeling in a Barney DVD.

It is knowing that you have similarities with others that leads to respect of differences. The ending songs are of inclusion, with lyrics such as "different but still your friend," and "love is the key." The DVD ends with Barney's signature song, "I Love You, You Love Me..."

My kids enjoyed the DVD, and so did I. My one pet-peeve was that the lip-synching is ever-so-slightly off at places. The over-exagerated facial expressions can grate on adults, but are certainly clear-to-read and enjoyable for children. In the Cat's case, he needs a more prominent facial reaction to really "stick," so the over-acting is a good thing for teaching him!

Visit Barney.com for more information about the Big Purple Dinosaur and his 20th Anniversary!