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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this animated series -- inspired by the popular movie series of the same name -- shows kids that the bonds of friendship go deeper than appearance, ability, or, in this case, species. Despite their differences, the characters appreciate one another for who they are and often combine their individual strengths to conquer adversity. Very young viewers may be frightened by some aggressive predators who roar and snap at smaller animals, but older kids will enjoy the group's adventures and benefit from the show's positive messages.

Families can talk about friendship. How do the characters show their friends that they care about them? Do they ever disagree? How do they resolve their differences? Kids: Who are your friends? What do you like about them? How do you show your feelings about them? How do you feel if they hurt your feelings? Families can also talk about teamwork. How do Littlefoot and his friends work together to get themselves out of trouble? Kids: When have you been part of a team? How do teammates support each other? What special abilities do you bring to a team?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

Littlefoot, Cera, Petrie, and their friends tackle new adventures in their first TV series, THE LAND BEFORE TIME. Nearly two decades (and many sequels) after fans first met them in the original Land Before Time movie, the prehistoric pals continue to entertain kids with their adventures and promote strength of character, dependability, and self-respect through their bonds of friendship.

Curious, level-headed longneck Littlefoot (voiced by Cody Arens) and his longtime buddies -- Petrie (Jeff Bennett), a nervous pterodactyl who's jumpy about flying; Cera (Anndi McAfee), a stubborn and impulsive triceratops; sensitive parasaurolophus, Ducky (Aria Curzon), whose small stature belies a big heart; and gentle stegosaurus Spike (Rob Paulsen) -- meet up again with jovial young T. rex Chomper (Max Burkholder). New pals include a feathered oviraptor named Ruby (Meghan Strange).

For this band of young dinosaurs, life in the Great Valley is as good as it gets. There are plenty of tasty treestars (leaves) to munch when they're hungry, nearby caves offer lots of opportunity for adventures (when they're not rocked by earthshakes, that is), and they've always got each other to lean on when they get in a jam. The group is never lacking for fun times in their picturesque home -- as long as they keep their distance from villainous T. rex Red Claw (Peter Sepenuk), who terrorizes the leaf-eating dinosaurs living in the Mysterious Beyond.

The Land Before Time franchise owes its tremendous staying power to lovable characters who ably mix positive messages about self-esteem, friendship, and teamwork with adventurous spirits. In one segment, for example, Ducky is insecure about being so small compared to his friends. Turning to Ruby for help, he's reminded that others' perception of him depends on how he sees himself: "If you can think big, you can talk big, too," she says.

Kids will revel in the prehistoric pals' antics, but very young viewers may be frightened by some of the menacing predators who smash walls and snap at the smaller dinosaurs.

Fans may also enjoy Land Before Time movies on DVD, Ice Age or Ice Age: The Meltdown. Young preschoolers can try Harry and His Bucketful of Dinosaurs.

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