Arthur

PreS-Gr 2—Things are pretty idyllic in Elwood City, the home of Arthur, the nose-challenged eight-year-old aardvark, and his animal friends. Their stories, based on the books by Marc Brown, are apropos of any group of suburban friends, perhaps from a friendlier time when children are allowed more freedom than they are today. These appealing tales have enough conflict and interest to entertain the targeted audience. The characters are likable stereotypes that complement each other—gullible Baxter, the Brain, spoiled Muffy, quarrelsome Francine, and Arthur. The eight stories subtly convey positive messages. In "The Good Sport," Francine is jealous and goes overboard being nice to the winner of the athlete of the year. In "The Curse of the Grebes," Baxter thinks that his attendance at the baseball games is a curse to the team because they always lose. Arthur earns money to buy the bike he covets, but then thinks that it is too nice to ride in "Arthur Changes Gears." Teamwork pays off in "Arthur Makes the Team." Other stories include "Room to Ride," "The Frensky Family Fiasco," "Crushed," and "D.W. Rides Again." Michelle Kwan, Lance Armstrong, and Boston Red Sox players Johnny Damon, Mike Timlin, and Edgar Renteria voice some of the characters. Breaks between episodes feature children engaging in activities like painting with the Red Sox players and bicycling with a Boston Youth Collaborative Group. Marc Brown also makes an appearance and provides some interesting facts. Upbeat and entertaining.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH