Bob the Builder [TV Show] (DVD)

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"Can we fix it? Yes we can."

But parents whose little ones like this popular TV show had better realize that it's not a compilation of episodes, as usual. The On Site series integrates real-life clips of construction vehicles and projects into a cartoon narration that explains the hows and whys of construction. That's quite a bit different from the regular programming.

You parents know what I'm talking about. Normally, the series features "to-the-rescue" scripts and problem-solving approaches that appeal to both genders at this age, and the stories have a certain dramatized tension. Like any show targeted for pre-schoolers, regular episodes of "Bob the Builder" features bright colors and simple plot lines. But you won't find too much talking down to kids, or dumbing down the way you get with babyish characters in shows like "Teletubbies" or "Barney." Bob is a contractor who, with friends and a garage full of anthropomorphic, brightly colored construction vehicles tackles a building or renewal project of some sort in almost every episode. "Can we do it?" Bob asks, like a general trying to rouse his troops. "YES, we can!" comes the group response.

And you have to give plenty of bonus points to a show that offers such a positive outlook. No matter how big the job, Bob and his gang always seem to be positive and upbeat, and their adventures together teach youngsters lessons about sharing, turn-taking, working together, patience, perseverance, commitment, and what it means to be part of a family or circle of friends.

If you've never seen the show, Bob and the rest are 3-D clay figures animated with stop-motion photography. Bob has a special friend named Wendy (in an attempt to bring in a few girls into the audience), a cat named Pilchard, a bunch of neighbors (including Farmer Pickles and his talking scarecrow), and a ton of construction vehicles. Among them are Scoop, the yellow backhoe; Muck, the red bulldozer; Lofty, a blue crane; Dizzy, an orange concrete mixer; and Roley, a green steamroller. Like Bob, all of the humanized machines have catchphrases (Roley's, for example, is "Rock 'n' Roll!"), and they function really on the same level as the human characters.

But the "On Site" DVDs are another creature entirely. Be warned, parents, that if your children don't gravitate toward non-fiction, they might be a little disturbed that "Bob the Builder On Site: Houses & Playgrounds" doesn't have the typical fictional episodes that show Bob and his anthropomorphic construction vehicles saving the day. The On Site DVDs are more like the kind of instructional segments kids got when the "Teletubbies" turned on their tummy screens and let us see a glimpse into real life while a voiceover narration explained. A number of kids' shows have used this integrated approach with success, and in-truth this will hold the interest of some little viewers . . . but not all.

Those who prefer those story arcs and familiar rescue scenarios won't care much for the Prof. Ludwig Von Drake style lecture in cartoon format, as a narrative voice we forget is Bob explains about the three main stages of construction of a house, or defines demolition for the little tykes who probably don't need any encouragement learning how to do that to a house. And these are longer segments too, so little ones with short attention spans aren't going to do as well. But it is nifty to see real construction equipment in segments that are juxtaposed against cartoon illustrations. Make no mistake, though, this is a lesson in how homes are constructed and how playgrounds are built. Kids learn about blueprints, building materials, foundations, walls, roofs, selection of playground equipment, surfaces, and fencing. There are environmental segments that encourage the use of recycled tires, old tin cans, or solar panels, and as if the producers realized that this On Site series is considerably more didactic than the regular episodes, there's a sing-along "How Do You Build a House" song that relieves the tedium. And yes, some little ones will feel it's tedious.