The Tangerine Bear

It is likely that only kids 8-and-under will bear this animated adaptation of Betty and Michael Paraskevas's book. Jonathan Taylor Thomas heads an impressive voice cast as Tange, a big-hearted teddy bear who was the victim of a factory mishap that left him with an upside-down smile. When no one buys him, he winds up at Winkle's (voiced by Tom Bosley), a store for misfit toys, including Lorelei (Jenna Elfman), a mermaid with a clock in her stomach; Bird (David Hyde Pierce), a cuckoo with a bent beak; and Jack (Howie Mandel), a jack-in-the-box with a broken spring. Trisha Yearwood narrates and sings two bland original songs. There are no surprises here, and this theme was better explored in the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but 'tis the season for heartfelt lessons about family and friendship, and this will at least keep children occupied while holiday dinner is being prepared. An optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Lee Benson)