The Land Before Time (Cartoon Network)

Nearly two decades (and many sequels) after the original Land Before Time movie, curious, level-headed longneck dinosaur Littlefoot (voiced by Cody Arens) and his prehistoric pals return in this animated series that promotes strength of character, dependability, self-respect, and friendship. Littleneck's band of young dinosaurs includes nervous pterodactyl Petrie (Jeff Bennett); stubborn triceratops Cera (Anndi McAfee); sensitive parasaurolophus Ducky (Aria Curzon); gentle stegosaurus Spike (Rob Paulsen); jovial T. rex Chomper (Max Burkholder), and feathered oviraptor Ruby (Meghan Strange). Life in the Great Valley is as good as it gets for the friends. They've always got each other to lean on when they get in a jam, and there is always something fun to do -- 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.