Bink & Gollie

Based on the 2010 ALA Notable picture book by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, this animated adaptation features the mainly black-and-white illustrations of Tony Fucile, with colorized segments that really pop when focusing on the main characters or action. Serving up some fun and fancy vocabulary for youngsters (such as “bonanza,” “baffled,” and “implore”), the program includes three vignettes featuring friends Bink, who is a tiny wild-haired exuberant blonde, and prissier, taller, and more well-kempt brunette Gollie. “Don't You Need a New Pair of Socks?” finds the friends planning to meet for a roller skating session, but during a side trip Bink purchases a colorfully loud pair of socks that Gollie can't stand—to the point where she even tries to barter Bink's favorite pancakes in exchange for removal of the offending footwear. In “P.S. I'll Be Back Soon,” Bink becomes the annoying pal, continuing to badger Gollie, who is trying to concentrate on an imaginary journey up the Andes mountains. But Gollie is back to her overbearing self again in “Give a Fish a Home!”—disapproving of Bink's tender attachment to her new pet Fred. Featuring a read-along option, DVD extras include an interview with Fucile. A solid program about odd couple friendship, this is recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)