Casper's Scare School (Cartoon Network)

In CASPER’S SCARE SCHOOL, Casper the Friendly Ghost is ensconced at boarding school, trying to master the art of scaring “fleshies” before his kindly nature gets him banished. Though he’s surrounded by scary creatures of all shapes and sizes -- including werewolves, skeletons, swamp creatures, and vampires -- Casper finds it hard to deny his gentle side, which often lands him in hot water with the school’s headmasters, Alder and Dash, and with his bullying nemesis, Thatch. Fortunately Casper can rely on his close friends, Mantha and Ra, to back him up when the going gets tough.

This enjoyable seriers is filled with quirky characters, fun-filled mayhem, and plenty of imagination. The show’s razor-sharp CGI gives Casper -- and his unusual array of peers -- a modern look that will appeal to kids. Plus, Casper often gets into scrapes that kids will relate to, like shirking responsibility in favor of fun or trying to counteract a bully. And since magic is a factor, there’s no telling what might happen -- so there’s lots here to keep kids’ interest.

Casper is a model of unfaltering kindness and generosity, always willing to step up to help a friend and never giving in to the mean-spirited ways of some of the other students. He often faces a tough choice between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy, and his adherence to the former sends good messages to kids. Need more reason to like it? The kid-friendly versions of traditionally spooky beings like werewolves and zombies are perfect for youngsters clamoring for some not-so-scary thrills.