Journeys to the East - The River Dragon King is a charming story and a learning experience on DVD.

Jason and Jenny are brother and sister. The siblings set out on an adventure that begins with reading a book, The River Dragon King. As soon as they start the story they realize that they are in the story.

As soon as Jason and Jenny find themselves in China, they hear a call for help from people on a boat that is being tossed by the high waves. In order to help the people, the children venture to find the River Dragon King to ask for his help in calming the river. Before the River Dragon King will help the children, he requires them to complete a task then return to him.

The adventure invites the children to learn different and useful phrases about everyday things. The kids learn the Chinese words for some colors, counting to ten, the names of facial features, and fruit.

Ni Hao. Hello.

Wo yao chi hong pu tao. I like to eat red grapes.

Xie Xie. Thank you.

The fun cartoon will have your preschooler singing in Chinese the familiar song: “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Feet” in no time.

In the end, the children complete the task, please the River Dragon King and are sent back out of the book. Upon their return Jason shares some additional facts about places and people who were mentioned in the course of the story.

The animation is basic. The story is interesting. The way the story weaves learning Chinese into the Chinese story is very clever. Learning a new language with little effort is wonderful.

Xie Xie.

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