Punchinello and the Most Marvelous Gift

From Christian children's author Max Lucado's Wemmicks series, this computer-animated program stars large-nosed, simpleminded protagonist Punchinello. Soaring through the snowy air in an airborne-cycle-sleigh is fun for Punchinello and his pals, but the upcoming “Maker Day” festival is the real cause for celebration in Wemmicksville, and the (literally) wooden community is pulling out all the stops: decorations (a huge, ornate wreath), food (a seven-layer chocolate cherry soufflé), and music (Dr. Marvel's colossal music machine), with everyone trying to outdo each other in order to impress Eli, their human creator. Although the party starts without a hitch, Dr. Marvel's contraption malfunctions and…well…things go downhill from there. To avoid disappointing Eli, Punchinello proclaims--through song--that sometimes the best gifts are those that are most simple, and that he is therefore giving Eli himself (i.e., his love). A nicely-animated religious Christmas parable, this newest addition to the popular children's series is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)