Chuggington

PreS-Gr 1—The land of Chuggington is populated by a group of anthropomorphized train engines, also know as "Chuggers," and their three human caretakers. The action in these six episodes focus on three chuggers in training: Wilson, Koko, and Brewster. Young children will be entertained by brightly colored computer generated animation, and will empathize with the trainees in these stories in which characters learn lessons in developing patience, being honest, facing fears, following rules, and more. In "Training Time Harrison," an older engine is so eager to get the job of pulling the royal coach that he ignores safety rules and is sent back for retraining with the young chuggers. It is dismaying that even though he is deceitful toward a friend, he eventually lands the job (after retraining) over the honest engine he tricked. The resolutions in the other episodes are not so troublesome. In "Wilson Gets a Wash," the chugger tries to avoid his first chugger wash, but finds it enjoyable in the end. He learns that taking your time pays off in "Watch Out Wilson." Koko decides to explore a tunnel that's off limits and is temporarily stranded in "Koko and the Tunnel." In "Wilson's Smooth Moves," reciting poetry helps him drive smoothly. In "Eddie Finds Time," the least didactic episode, handyman Eddie goes to Old Town for a gear to fix the depot clock and has an unexpected adventure. In a bonus "Badge Quest" episode, trainees earn a badge for learning to run on time. These episodes from the Disney channel TV show are sure to be popular.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH