Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses

Hyper ‘tween heroine Pucca is the star of this 13-episode compilation from the South Korean flash-animated cartoon franchise, which airs on the Jetix programming block of Toon Disney. Sweet and rosy-cheeked, Pucca murmurs and giggles instead of talking, and most of her adventures in the town of Sooga Village—where she lives with a trio of noodle chef uncle guardians—involve run-ins with her beloved ninja-wannabe boy crush Garu (his fending off of Pucca's advances provides much of the humor here). In “Dance, Pucca, Dance,” Pucca and her friends' costume ball is crashed by bully Tobe and his ninja crew; “Dream On” finds Pucca clinging to Garu in dream sequences; “Slam Bam Birthday Bash” follows the gang's efforts to hide preparations for Pucca's surprise party while she cruises through town on a scooter; and “Rootin' Tootin' Ninjas” features Pucca and BFF Ching digging a wishing well to the “opposite” side of the globe…resulting in a Western-themed adventure for all. Silly plots, sound-effects-laden hyperkinetic action sequences, exaggerated animation (such as rivers of tears to emphasize crying), and a Dance Dance Revolution-style soundtrack make this fast-paced family-friendly compilation fun for ages 7-12. Recommended. [Note: Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodles is also newly available.] Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)