Officer Buckle and Gloria

Poor Officer Buckle. He's a safety-conscious guy who wants to share his concerns and tips with local school audiences who would much rather pick their noses than pay attention...until he's accompanied by his new K-9 dog Gloria. Suddenly, kids are rolling in the aisles (safely, of course) and the Napville policeman's safety-tips spiel is in muchos high demand. What Buckle doesn't realize is that Gloria is acting out his safety tips behind his back--extravagant mimes in which she leaps, twirls, and signs with her paws to convey, for instance, that it is not wise to stand on a chair with wheels. Eventually, the man in blue realizes that he's being upstaged by a canine, and the partners split with somewhat hurt feelings, but things do turn out well in the end. Based on Peggy Rathman's Caldecott Medal award-winner, and delightfully narrated by John Lithgow, this animated tale of a cop and his thespian dog is a genuine winner. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)