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Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home for Christmas (NR, 2006)

common sense media says

Friendly pigs will delight kids in holiday 'toon.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Exposes 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.
Violence & scariness: A character tumbles from his roof, but he's unharmed.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home for Christmas

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Housemates Toot and Puddle are preparing 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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

TOOT AND PUDDLE: I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is based on the book of the same name by artist Holly Hobbie. Families looking for something new to share with their little ones 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: National Geographic
Director: Ginger Gibbons
Cast: Adam Wylie, Jessica Di Cicco, Katie Leigh
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 44 minutes
Theatrical release: December 13, 2006
DVD release: December 5, 2006
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
2
 
Better than the show
This movie is awesome!!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
budj
adult
 
Great entertainment for everyone!
Toot and Puddle books are among the most beautifully, charmingly illustrated picture books out there. I've often thought about how wonderful the illustrations would be framed in my 3 year old's room. This movie is based on the books and done by National Geographic, and has the kind of beauty and quality you'd expect from the books and National Geographic. Toot is a traveler, Puddle is a homebody and they make great friends and roomies. When Toot's Great Aunt turns 100, he wants to travel to Scotland and promises Puddle he'll be home in time for their Christmas traditions. Toot's adventures abroad and Puddles at home, and Toot's overcoming obstacles to keep his promise make for a wonderful story, and the animation is beautiful and charming. I wish there were many more of these films produced. I'd buy them all. And this movie and one of the books would make a wonderful gift.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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