Grandpa's Place

In this double-episode from the live-action children's guidance show Grandpa's Place, seven-year-old Jason (Cody Arens) visits Grandpa (noted character actor Ed Lauter), who takes him to the basement to point out where Jason's daddy used to play. Talk about your major league bummers: no computer, no race cars, no TV--just an old trunk with some dopey toys…until Jason's imagination makes them come to life as Captain Dog, Miles the Cat, and Sally Squirrel. Together they play games, tell jokes, and sing songs that are designed to promote sharing, creative thinking, teamwork, and healthy habits (they pause for a nutritious snack), and they entertain special guests (on this volume, Lou Diamond Phillips makes an appearance). Although the concept seems sound, and the program is professionally produced, kids at the higher end of the target audience range (ages 2-7) will likely find the puppets annoying and the games no match for the electronic entertainment they are meant to supplant (although this might entertain preschoolers). Optional. [Note: a second volume, identically titled unfortunately, is also available that features a special appearance by Dean Cain.] Aud: K, E, P. (J. Reed)