Amazon.com
After seven years of talking vegetables, the creators of VeggieTales give us... flying penguins. A new mix of wackiness on a Christian-lite theme is dished out in this brightly colored, computer-animated show--the first in the made-for-video series. Siblings Michelle and Jason are not looking forward to a summer with grandmama in the Poconos. Luckily the attic provides a world of wonder, from the giant telescope to gadgets that their late grandpa kept. After an impatient Jason fights with his sister, toy penguins--in their mod spaceship--seemingly come to life, taking Jason on their adventure. Captain Zidgel, engineer Midgel, scientist Fidgel and, well, Kevin are four penguin space cadets who rush to planet Wait-Your-Turn to figure out why the planet is in chaos. A bebop score, dazzling animation, and catchy humor (Looney Tunes is definitely an inspiration) inject this show with the same good-natured vibe as VeggieTales. The Christian slant is a bit lighter (prayers instead of Bible stories) but the subtext is still centered on how kids can be more virtuous (patience is the topic this time). Not as fully formed as VeggieTales, but heck, it sure shows a ton of promise in this first 30-minute episode. (Ages 4 and up) --Doug Thomas