Dinosaur Big City/Dinosaurs A to Z Double Feature

PreS-Gr 2—An appealing television show that mixes two things that most kids love: dinosaurs and trains. The Pteranodon family travels together on the Dinosaur Train to visit other species and learn about them. Surprisingly educational, each episode includes impressive facts and new vocabulary words. The program focuses on strong values and covers such topics as family support, being considerate, and overcoming fears. Kids will easily relate to the likable characters who curiously explore their world to learn and solve problems. Though sometimes saccharine-sweet, the young dinosaurs—Buddy, Don, Shiny, and Tiny—model excellent manners and behavior. A great aspect of the dinosaur family is that one of the dino-kids, Buddy, is adopted and the family often discusses what that means. Buddy sometimes expresses fears about not fitting in with his family, or being too different from them as he grows up. However, his family is very careful to ease his fears with love and support. To help him learn about his own species, Buddy's family takes him to a theropod convention, which leads to many adventures. The computer animation for this show is well done, with bright, captivating colors and excellent details. Bonus features include informational segments from Dr. Scott the Paleontologist, an interactive computer game, printable coloring pages, activities, and handy information for parents. The educational tidbits, engaging stories, and wonderful characters make this a strong purchase.—Jenny Ventling, Greene County Public Library, OH