I can’t help noticing how smart babies seem to be nowadays, and I think I know why. Those Baby Einstein videos and DVDs really work wonders. Just look at this high-powered line-up: Baby Mozart, Baby Shakespeare, Baby Newton, Baby Van Gogh, Baby Beethoven, Baby Galileo, Baby Monet, and Baby Da Vinci. What? No Baby Spielberg or Baby Hitchcock? Well, maybe they’re in the works, but the latest release is probably more appropriate. Titled Baby Wordsworth: First Words -- Around the House, it’s a playful introduction to words and sign language -- room by room. This is the first Baby Einstein title with closed captions     

Designed for babies who are nine months of age and older, Baby Wordsworth uses colorful images as well as sign-language to teach them 30 simple words including chair, table, cup, bowl, yard, swing, lamp, couch, cat, dog, bed, and kitchen. The presentation is hosted by the famous Baby Einstein puppets and includes a guest appearance by Marlee Matlin, Oscar winner for Children of a Lesser God.

“As a mother of four children, I know how wonderful it is to spend time with your baby and see them discover the world around them,” Matlin says. “All children, whether hearing-impaired or not, will enjoy Baby Wordsworth as a way to discover first words and different ways to communicate.”

This talented actress exudes a warm and welcoming presence as she introduces the little ones to words through verbal, written and sign-language. And, as in all the Baby Einstein offerings I’ve viewed, beautiful music enhances what’s happening on-screen. This time, it’s Bach, Bizet, Grieg, Debussy, Schubert -- and other classical composers.  

Matlin also hosts the DVD bonus features which include one showing her using American Sign Language to sign the alphabet. Among the other bonus features are: Puppet Shows (my favorite is the funny telephone scene); Signing with Baby; Story Time with Violet’s House; and Toy Chest (start your Christmas shopping early!). Multi-lingual viewing options --Spanish, French, and English -- are available.  

Akaelyn Grace, the youngest member of our family, just celebrated her first birthday, and I’m pleased to report that she absolutely loves the Baby Einstein videos and DVDs. She watches them with her big eyes open as wide as possible and her pretty little head bobbing up and down to the music. That’s recommendation enough for me.

For more information about Baby Einstein products, which include videos, DVDs, music CDs, books and toys, visit the Website at www.babyeinstein.com.

(Released by The Baby Einstein Company, LLC and The Walt Disney Company; not rated by MPAA.)