Clifford's Puppy Days: Helping Paws / Puppy Playtime

Based on the Scholastic book and characters by children's author Norman Bridwell, this PBS Kids-aired spin-off from the popular Clifford the Big Red Dog series offers a fresh new twist by serving up adventures featuring the biggest crimson canine in the world before he ballooned, back when he was so small that he needed to sit on blocks to reach his food bowl! (Clifford's preteen owner Emily Elizabeth stays roughly the same age, but the C-man has new friends.) Clifford's Puppy Days compiles two programs with four stories each, leading off with Helping Paws, which includes “Clifford's Field Trip” (the pup enjoys an exciting day at the museum after ending up in Emily Elizabeth's backpack), the title story (Clifford needs a bit of help when babysitting for the Sidarsky's, a rodent family with a quartet of rambunctious youngsters), “Nina's Perfect Party,” and “Just the Right Size.” Puppy Playtime features “Sock it to Me,” “My Toy,” “Friends of All Ages” (new neighbor Mrs. Z's adult dog Trixie moves slower and sleeps more than Clifford and his pal Jorge, but her circus past gives the trio plenty to bark about), and “Clifford's Super Sleepover” (a gloomy Clifford sighs and whimpers at being separated from Emily Elizabeth when she goes to a slumber party, until bunny Daffodil, cats Flo and Zo, and bird buddy Norville rally to cheer him up). Providing gentle lessons about responsibility, friendship, and consideration, this program--featuring the voices of Henry “the Fonz” Winkler, and Lara Jill Miller (Gimme a Break) as Clifford--is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)