Bob the Builder: Pets in a Pickle

"Can we fix it? Yes, we can!" On behalf of husbands everywhere, I'd just like to point out that should we all adopt Bob the Builder's signature call-to-handyman arms, none of us would ever again sit through an entire Sunday watching three back-to-back football games without the phrase "downstairs toilet leak" even once crossing our gridiron-engaged minds. Still, I'm all for anything that would allow me to fob off serious plumbing repairs on my 5-year-old grandson, who is the perfect target age for this compilation of four longer and four shorter stop-motion animated sketches--on the theme of "pets in a pickle"--featuring that paragon of optimism Bob the Builder, his helpmate Wendy, and a whole slew of helpful (and vocal) construction machines. Following a rather predictable formula, each episode from this Brit-based children's series (airing stateside on Nick Jr.) finds Bob and Co. embarking on a new construction project only to be interrupted by a dilemma (in this particular video, all having to do with animals) that brings out their best team problem-solving behaviors. Sure to be a popular addition to most collections, this Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends-like entry is a strong optional purchase. Also available: Bob the Builder: Can We Fix It? and Bob the Builder: To the Rescue. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)