Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home for Christmas - NR
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this beautifully animated holiday movie is based on a book by the same name from acclaimed artist Holly Hobbie. All of the characters are animals (the two main ones being pigs), and through the worldly travels of one, viewers meet a multi-cultural cast that reflects the lands of their heritage through food, dress, language, and music (like Toot's Scottish uncle who wears a kilt and plays the bagpipes). The pleasant animation enhancing this feel-good story is sure to garner smiles from kids and their parents, who can rest assured that their little ones are also absorbing themes of friendship, dependability, teamwork, and ingenuity.
Families can talk about being friendly and helpful. Why is it important to be a good friend? What does that mean? In what ways do you help others throughout each day? How do Toot and Puddle show that they care about each other? How do they both work hard to keep their promises to each other? Families can also discuss cultural differences. How do Toot's family members in Scotland dress and speak differently than he does? What are other examples of different cultures?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
Based on the book of the same name by artist Holly Hobbie, TOOT AND PUDDLE: I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is the story of a pig's transoceanic trip to visit family and his determined struggle to get home -- as promised -- in time to spend the holiday with his best friend.
The movie opens with housemates Toot and Puddle beginning preparations for Christmas in their cozy corner of the woods, Woodcock Pocket. When a letter arrives inviting Toot to Scotland for his Aunt Peg's 100th birthday, the little adventurer just can't resist the offer. Promising Puddle he'll be home on Christmas Eve, he heads off across the Atlantic for a visit with family.
In his absence, Puddle and his cousin Opal take the reins on the Christmas plans. Together they pick out a tree, make ornaments from scratch, and decorate the house inside and out. Puddle holds to his own promise to Toot, though, and leaves the tree untrimmed so the friends can do it together.
But a huge snowstorm threatens to keep Puddle housebound and Toot far from home for the holiday. It will take lots of determination, a magical lucky charm, and help from a very special stranger to reunite the friends for Christmas.
Families looking for something new to share with their little ones this year will love this sweet story and its adorable characters. Beautiful animation makes for very peaceful viewing and enhances wonderful messages about dependability, friendship, good manners, and ingenuity. Toot's worldly travels also introduce young viewers to cultural awareness through foreign language, traditional dress, and local cuisine. Historical and geographical facts are sprinkled throughout the movie as well.
Families may also enjoy any of the Toot and Puddle books or Franny's Feet. Other literary characters who have jumped to the TV screen include Babar and Curious George.
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ViolenceA character tumbles from his roof, but he's unharmed. |
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Social BehaviorExposes viewers to history, geography, and a wide variety of cultures through dress, music, and foreign language -- all of which is kept simple enough for young kids. Characters provide wonderful examples of friendship, self-reliance, dependability, and teamwork. |
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