Dragon Tales: You Can Do It

The main difference between the PBS-aired animated series Dragon Tales and most network cartoons is that along with the usual licensed product line launch of "apparel, accessories, puzzles, books, assorted toys, plush dolls and a CD-ROM," young viewers here are also spoon-fed the caring, sharing, and self-esteem curriculum for the pre-K set. Hard to believe that Children's Television Workshop had a big hand in this so-so cartoon compilation involving pint-size siblings Emmy and Max who own (conveniently, for lazy scripters) a magic dragon scale that whisks them off in each episode to Dragon Land, where they seem to mostly stand on the sidelines while dragons learn new social and/or life skills. In the volume I watched, You Can Do It, the first tale revolves around a dragon named Max, who doesn't know how to swim, and is helped out by well-meaning friends. In the second episode, a dragon named Cassie, who doesn't know how to rollerskate, is helped out by well-meaning friends. And, in the final episode, a dragon named Ord, who doesn't know how to ride a bike, is helped out by…you get the drift. Throw in a pair of sing-alongs and you've got a tolerable, but utterly uninspired (and rather repetitive) children's program whose roots seem less traceable to CTW's Sesame Street than, say, My Little Pony. Other titles in the Dragon Tales series include Big Brave Adventure and Let's All Share, as well as a DVD featuring 5 tales for those who want to plunk down $24.95(!). A fourth compilation, Follow the Clues has just been announced for release on October 3rd. Oh, and did I mention the fact that the Dragon Tales VHS titles are slow speed recorded (EP) and sport less than optimum picture and sound quality? Optional. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)