Bob the Builder: A Christmas to Remember

This stop-motion-animated holiday program features good-humored hardworking handyman Bob the Builder and his eclectic group of talking construction equipment pals as they prepare for the town's Christmas celebration. Bob is thrilled that his near-North Pole-dwelling twin brother Tom is coming for a visit (the childhood home movies of the twins are really cute!), but his excitement dims a bit when the mayor piles on work. The upside: the extra effort is for a special performance by rock superstars Lennie and the Lazers, a band very popular with Bob's machinery buddies. Flustered over the tasks at hand (setting up the stage, fireworks, lights, etc.), Bob is completely devastated when Tom gets distracted by a lost baby reindeer and misses the boat to come visit. Meanwhile, steamroller Roley and the band's piano player John (voiced by Sir Elton John) form a special friendship. All's well that ends well as a private jet picks up Tom, the concert chores are completed, the twins are reunited, and John performs “Crocodile Rock.” A holiday-themed winner in this endearing and popular series, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)