Wonder Pets: Save the Wonder Pets (NR, 2007)

In SAVE THE WONDER PETS, a musical special based on the TV show, Linny the guinea pig (voiced by Sofie Zamchick), Tuck the turtle (Teala Dunn), and Ming-Ming the chick (Danica Lee) respond to a call to save a baby blowfish in distress. Soon they themselves are in peril, as a gently gliding whale inhales them along with the rest of his food. Along the way, they demonstrate their trademark good cheer and a belief that teamwork can overcome anything.

Wonder Pets is surely the first TV show for preschoolers that is performed entirely in operetta, where the music is recorded with a live orchestra and much of the dialogue is sung. Very sensitive children might be alarmed by the situation that the Wonder Pets find themselves in, but the episode is handled so lightly and optimistically that they might not even notice. It's sweet to see the mini-trio of marine fans who help the self-rescue along.

Two- to 4-year-olds are sure to find the story, the rich and textured animation, and the singing captivating. The action moves along at a nice pace and the songs are sweet but not cloying -- bearable for parents who will be asked to play the DVD over and over again.