Pepito's Dream

Produced by and for the United Nations (which ensures a very complimentary portrait), Pepito's Dream is a nevertheless winning story of a young boy who is disturbed by the arguing and fighting going on in his neighborhood. Based on the "Pepito" trilogy of books by John and Margaret Travers-Moore, the story follows Pepito's intercessions between bickering shop owners and scrapping kids (he beams a mouthful of pearly whites at them, and ta-da! they stop fighting). Eventually, Pepito decides to write a speech to deliver in front of the General Assembly at the United Nations. Not surprisingly, he runs into a few barriers. Later, Pepito falls asleep and dreams he's addressing the U.N. Although Pepito's magic smile is never explained, Pepito's Dream has such a wonderful sense of innocence (even when it's being corny), and unshakable optimism (even when its being simplistic), that when it's over you'll find yourself believing that smiles can make a difference. Recommended. (Available from: Central Park Media, 250 West 57th St., Suite 831, New York, NY 10107; (800) 833-7456.)