Trains, Lots of Trains, featuring Rudy Roo

Two kids, Mandy and Brian, join up with Steve the librarian, and through the magic of Rudy Roo go teleporting around to see trains. The instantaneous travel system is courtesy of Rudy, who lives in a little zipper pouch on Steve's belt. Beginning with a book, an animated Rudy spins his hat and off the trio (quartet if you count Rudy) go to the place being described in print. To return to the library, the animation footage is run backwards. While all the visual material is professionally shot, there's a heavy emphasis on song and dance routines, and a shortage of actual information content. After a visit to a model railroad museum, a ride in a steam train, and a look at train cars, Steve tells a cautionary story about two children riding their bikes who were almost killed by a train at a railroad crossing. Other titles in the Rudy Roo series are in production. Recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Swanson)