Thomas & Friends: A Very Thomas Christmas

Based on The Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry, this sound effects-laden compilation from the popular computer-animated program includes four stories featuring friendly tank engine Thomas and his equipment buddies on the Island of Sodor. In “The Christmas Tree Express,” Thomas gives Rheneas the idea to travel to nearby Misty Island to get a “winter holiday” tree in order to surprise the gang. Rheneas tries to rush timid tram Toby through the scary “shake shake” bridge and creepy mist in order to find the perfect tree, but after a visit from the Logging Locos trio he learns a lesson in better teamwork. Also including “Ho Ho Snowman” and “Salty's Surprise,” the final episode—“Emily's Winter Party Special”—finds the female locomotive boasting about delivering toys to children as a reward for being the most helpful engine of the day, only to be embarrassed when she counts her chickens…errr…candy canes before they're unwrapped. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)