There’s More to Kids’ Videos Than Barney and Disney : Video: The best in children’s tapes for 1993 range from Peter Rabbit to Fred Penner.

For child’s play and family viewing during the holidays, you’ve stocked up on Barney and Disney videos. So what else is worth popping into the VCR? Plenty. Following is a sampling of some of the more notable 1993 offerings in kidvid land:

ANIMATION

Beatrix Potter, The World of Peter Rabbit & Friends. Goodtimes Home Video. Each: $19.98. The pages of Beatrix Potter’s children’s classics spring to life in a multimillion dollar, six-part animated video series that is remarkably true to Potter’s delightful watercolor illustrations. The whimsical adventures and misadventures of Peter Rabbit, Samuel Whiskers, Jemima Puddle-Duck, the tailor of Gloucester and many others are a treat, but be warned: Potter’s keen observation of the animal world and the realities of farm life include some carnivorous realities that darken the whimsy now and then. Major video and bookstores. Follow the Drinking Gourd. Rabbit Ears Video / BMG KIDZ. Age 5 up. $9.95. Morgan Freeman reads Bernardine Connelly’s story of a family’s escape from slavery through the Underground Railroad, guided by the stars. The poignant, heroic tale, Taj Mahal’s evocative music, illustrator Yvonne Buchanan’s glorious rainbow watercolors and Freeman’s warm, deep rumble make this a stellar offering from a label known for its quality mix of celebrity storytellers and world-class composers and illustrators. Tower, Blockbuster, or call (800) 800-EARS.

Just Me & My Dad. Golden Book Video. Age 4 up. $12.95. An animated version of author-illustrator Mercer Mayer’s droll story about Little Critter in Critter Acres, who goes camping with his patient dad and two pets: a grasshopper and a spider. In a captivating, comic series of misadventures, Little Critter learns respect for nature and that the Big Paw monster is just a myth . . . or is it? Walmart, Target, Kmart, Golden Showcase Store at CityWalk or call: (800) 236-7123. The Tomi Ungerer Library. Children’s Circle. All ages. $14.95. Another treasure from Children’s Circle’s trove of fine children’s literature brought to video. Ungerer’s unique, dreamlike stories and illustrations, adapted by Gene Deitch, include a touching visit from the lonely Moon Man, the adventures of a magic top hat, a stuffy tax collector who learns to laugh and a dark, wistful tale about three robbers who become guardians to all the “lost, unhappy and abandoned children.” Specialty book, toy and children’s stores or call (800) KIDS-VID.

LIVE ACTION

Fred Penner, What a Day! Oak Street Music/BMG KIDZ. Ages 3 up. $9.98. An instant photo booth in a train station takes singer-Nickelodeon star Fred Penner and some friends on some wacky adventures in this entertaining collection of music videos. Al Simmons, Charlotte Diamond and rock ‘n’ roller Rocki Rolletti contribute to the fun, but the best moments are pure Penner. Don’t miss his ‘20-style “Happy Feet.” In major record stores, toy stores or call (800) 668-0242.

Greg & Steve’s Musical Adventures. Youngheart Video. Ages 3-9. $14.98. In this lively collage of concertizing, animation and music videos, cool duo Greg & Steve, a pair of fortysomething surfer types, plus lots of real kids, get viewers moving to a rock ‘n’ roll beat with humorous, unsaccharine bonhomie. Two highlights are a witty Blues Brothers-style rendition of “The Three Little Pigs” and the smooth-moving “Dancing Machine.” Angels School Supply in Pasadena, Neely’s or Friends of L.A. Teacher’s Center in L.A. or call (800) 444-4287.

Joanie Bartels Simple Magic Series, Episode 1: The Rainy Day Adventure. Discovery Music/BMG KIDZ. Age 2 up. $14.98. Bartels, a superstar for the lullaby set, makes an appealing transition to video in this colorful musical about a magic baby-sitter who brightens up a rainy day. Each fantasy adventure finds Bartels wearing a new costume and singing an old, bouncy song--”Splish-Splash,” “Limbo Rock,” “Animal Crackers,” etc.--in her clear youthful voice. Blockbuster, Toys R Us, independent specialty stores, or call (800) 451-5175.

The Wee Sing Train. Price/ Stern/Sloan. Ages 2-8. $19.95 (with song booklet). With its Barney-like gushy sweetness, the Wee Sing sing-along, live-action videos are an acquired taste for adults. Not so for little ones, who seem to adore them on sight. Get on board for this latest offering in the series, where a talking train takes two children to a make-believe land made of toys, with a song at every stop. The winning formula: bright colors, lavish sets and costumes and songs, songs, songs. Specialty video, book and toy stores, membership club stores or call (800) 421-0892.

CONCERTS

Peter, Paul & Mommy, Too. Warner Reprise Video. All ages. 90-minute version: 19.98. 60-minute version: $14.98. The legendary folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, focus their activist spirit on an issue close to home in this intimate celebration of family. The three bring a fresh spark to their trademark ethnic and traditional folk songs, and in the end, the concert is as much a tribute to the trio’s own legacy of activism and hope as it is an affirmation of that regrettably overworked phrase, “family values.” Tower, Blockbuster, Waldenbooks.

Raffi on Broadway. MCA Music Video. Ages 3 and up. $14.98. This cheerful family concert at the Gershwin Theatre in New York proves that the guitar-toting Canadian crooner and environmental activist still has what it takes to charm the preschool set and parents. In his trademark velvety voice, Raffi serves up old favorites such as “Baby Beluga” and newer environmental anthems such as “Evergreen, Everblue,” joined by perky members of Kids for Saving Earth. Tower, Blockbuster, other video outlets.

EDUCATIONAL

Paws, Claws, Feathers & Fins: A Kid’s Video Guide to Pets. Kidvidz/Price/Stern/Sloan. Ages 4-12. $14.95. An informative, fun guide to choosing and caring for a pet, from cockatiels and chameleons to cats and cocker spaniels. Real kids talk about their pets of choice, including the price of food, yard clean-up and neutering and spaying. Developed in consultation with the American Veterinarians Medical Assn., the ASPCA and the American Humane Society. Soon to be in some pet stores and libraries or call (800) 421-0892.