Brum (Discovery Kids)

BRUM honks the horn when it comes to civic duty. Currently motoring about on Discovery Kids, Brum is a little yellow car with an eye for mischief -- in each episode, he escapes his garage and saves the streets of London from distress. The delightful Brit can accomplish anything by putting in his best effort. In one episode, for example, Brum rescues a dog who was stolen for his jeweled collar; another segment features the car returning a birthday cake to its rightful owner. Some of the villains may be scary for younger viewers, but any frightening elements are overshadowed by lighthearted humor.

Brum's goal is to depict stories with humor. But since the show is live action, simple acts of humor could be mistaken for violence if parents don't explain them. For example, in the episode about the dog theft, the crook attempts to remove the jeweled collar with an overly large pair of garden shears. It's handled hilariously on screen, but it could be a perplexing message for kids.

Jazz music serves as the show's backdrop and is certainly a prime ingredient in its charm. As in a silent film, dialogue is almost nonexistent. There's a little bit of narration, but the plot is largely dependent on the characters' physical comedy. This quality heightens some of the humor, but the fact that the heroes and villains' actions aren't verbally explained could prove confusing for younger viewers. When watching Brum, expect loud costumes, catchy music, silly dancing, and comedic choreographed coincidences. Since it moves much faster than most kids' programming, Brum is a good fit for kids with shorter attention spans and for parents who can't always stomach the monotony of other kids' shows. Overall, it's a great pick -- just be sure to know when to fill in the gaps!