Canadian Trio Serves Up a Helping of Holiday Cheer

For a generous helping of holiday cheer, video style, don’t miss “Candles, Snow & Mistletoe,” from popular children’s singing trio Sharon, Lois and Bram.

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The three Canadian stars of Nickelodeon’s “The Elephant Show,” dressed in turn-of-the-century costume, take viewers on a colorful, theatrical train ride in the snow, with song-and-dance production numbers and a strategic stop at an abandoned train station to find the holiday spirit.

The adventure is well-produced, with a polished mix of swing, sentiment and comic nonsense for family appeal. The harmonizing trio has never been more engaging than in this collection of old favorites, traditional holiday tunes and new songs--including delightful lyrics in a “Nutcracker Suite” medley--all wrapped up in a glossy, 50-minute fantasy package.

* Drive Entertainment/Video Treasures. $14.98. (800) 289-3748.

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Moral to the Story: Celebrating the joy of giving are two very modestly animated, but sweet 25-minute offerings about friendship. In “Madeline and the Toy Factory,” the latest chapter in the continuing saga about the little French schoolgirl, based on Ludwig Bemelmans’ books and narrated by Christopher Plummer, Madeline pretends to be a doll and makes a lonely child happy. In “The Poky Little Puppy’s First Christmas,” narrated by Donald Sutherland, the playful pup discovers the meaning of Christmas when he helps a homeless little skunk named Herman.

* Golden Book Video. “Madeline”: $12.95. “Poky”: $9.95. (800) 236-7123.

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Before He’s a Hound: If a real canine is on your gift list, don’t miss “Puppies!,” a charmingly filmed, informative look at several popular breeds, from Chihuahuas to Irish wolfhounds, with tips on temperament and care requirements--which dogs do best with little children, how much room they need, how much grooming and just how big that cute little bundle of fluff will get. Narrated by Powers Boothe, with input from veterinarians and national breed associations, it’s a helpful, entertaining place to begin your search for the perfect pup.

* Circadian Productions, $19.95. 60 minutes. (800) 887-PUPS.

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Expert Opinion: If finding good home videos for kids is a challenge, the Coalition for Quality Children’s Video, a not-for-profit organization made up of respected industry professionals, educators, caregivers and others, has just issued its first video guidebook. “Kids First Directory” is a softcover glossy listing about 300 recommended videos for infants through teen-agers, with descriptions, information on where to find them and video viewing tips for parents. Among the nationally chosen screening jury are children’s librarians, early childhood education specialists and other professionals, and kids themselves--about 2,000 of them.

The guidebook is available for a $25 membership in the organization; a simple listing of recommended titles is free. Write the coalition at 535 Cordova Road, Suite 456, Santa Fe, N.M., 87501, or call (505) 989-8076.