My Trip with Dad on the California Skunk Train

The California Skunk Train earned its stinky nickname in days of yore, and little ones who view this enjoyable tape will have fun looking for the painted skunks on the train. The videography of the shiny, lovingly restored red steam train and the surrounding California forest is wonderful. Smoke plumes glow in the sunlight filtering through redwood trees. And the sounds are as great as the sights, offering a full percussion ensemble in one machine: the engine whuffs as it starts, the brass bell rings, the steam whistle wails, the firing pistons chug and the train goes clackety-clack over the tracks. But the sound is, ironically, also one major drawback to the tape: both the train noise and the otherwise wonderful music overwhelm the dialogue in several places, especially when our young guide is riding in the cab with the engineer and the fireman. In addition, the scripting is rather dull (the child's most overused adjective and exclamation is "Neat!"); still this tape will be a pleaser. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Reagan)