George Shrinks (PBS)

GEORGE SHRINKS is an animated rendition of William Joyce's children's story. As George grows from the page, viewers follow this Tom Thumb who sees the world from his tiny perspective. Luckily, George's father, Mr. Shrinks, is a composer/caregiver/breadwinner and, most important, an inventor. He equips George with a variety of cool gadgets that give him an advantage in his world.

George's mom is a stay-at-home figure who would put Martha Stewart to shame. She seems to be forever making organic pumpkin spice muffins and taking the garden aphids to task with her fleet of organic gardening tools. And George's baby brother, Jr., simply idolizes George. Needless to say, the Shrinks live a very politically correct lifestyle that insulates their two children from the world.

George and his friend Becky are often found solving problems in the garden or in the town square. Generally George makes use of his gadgets and vehicles to find the source of the conundrum -- by and large his adventures aren't too far out.