Dinosaur Train Dino Choo Choo Chugging Fun Starts September 7th!

My boys love anything that has to do with Trains, Monsters, and Dinosaurs, so naturally any of those combinations are a big hit in this house.  I was really excited to learn about a new Jim Henson series called Dinosaur Train and even more excited to get a sneak peek at the show to see if it would be something that the boys would enjoy.

When I popped the DVD in to let the boys watch, their faces instantly lit up when the catchy music, brightly colored dinosaurs and the big choo choo train flashed on the screen.  I could tell instantly that this was going to be something they were going to love!

There are all sorts of learning opportunities and little off screen inserts where Scott D Sampson the Paleontologist teaches the kids a little something about dinosaurs.

The Characters

Buddy

Buddy, a curious, funny, and intelligent T-Rex is the star of the show. He is cautious, but always ready to jump into action and start asking questions. While on the Dinosaur Train, Buddy makes a hypothesis and begins searching for the answers to his questions with the help of his Mom, the Conductor, and the new dinosaurs he meets on the train. When Buddy isn’t taking exciting trips on the Dinosaur Train, he is playing with his siblings, Don, Tiny, and Shiny and anticipating their next adventure.

Tiny

Tiny, who loves to make rhymes, is quite clever and very brave. Tiny approaches every dinosaur she meets with the confidence of a news reporter trying to get the full scoop. Tiny is so brave that she often wanders a little bit too far; but, Buddy is always there to help her get back on the right track. And in return, Tiny is fiercely protective of her brother Buddy. Tiny also has two Pteranodon siblings: Don and Shiny.

Shiny

Shiny is more “girly” than Tiny and proud of her shiny exterior, but can become shy in social situations. Shiny is outgoing with her siblings and acts as if she is the “wisest.” She can be a bit of a show-off and loves role playing with her brothers and sister. Shiny is happiest at home in Pteranodon Terrace hanging out with Dad and Don, while her Mom, Buddy, and Tiny take trips on the Dinosaur Train.

Don

Don is a sweet, mellow little Pteranodon. Although he has a goofy streak, he is steady as a rock and very focused on the task at hand. Don is loyal to all his siblings and graciously waits his turn. Once his mind is made up, though, Don goes enthusiastically head-first into every challenge.

Mrs Pteranadon

Mrs. Pteranodon: teacher, companion, and tour guide extraordinaire. But, first and foremost, she is “Mom” to Buddy, Don, Tiny, and Shiny. She is always there to listen to Buddy’s questions about being an adopted member of the Pteranodon family. Mrs. Pteranodon is intent on a good education, but she is also always looking for ways to let her kids explore their world.

Mr Pteranadon

The kids’ devoted, hands-on “sports dad,” Mr. Pteranodon loves to approach parenting like coaching a team. He can even make a squawk that sounds like a whistle when he needs to call “time out!” He exhorts his kids to work together towards their goals, often calling out, “Go Team Pteranodon!” He is fun, can be a little silly, and encourages the kids to “be adventurous.”

The Conductor

The Conductor is a Troodon and a special friend to Buddy and his family. He becomes one of Buddy’s heroes because he is the Conductor of one the most awesome trains of all, the Dinosaur Train! The Conductor is very intelligent and is happy to explain facts about dinosaurs, the places they visit and even how the Dinosaur Train works.

Without spoiling things for you, all I can say is that this is a really awesome program for kids and it offers the opportunity for them to learn about Dinosaurs in a fun and creative way.  By the time the show was over the boys had learned about herbivores, and omnivores.  They were running around the backyard pretending to be  Pteranodons and imitating the way they catch fish.

The series will start on September 7,2009 on your local PBS channel and it is one that you won’t want to miss, so get your DVR’s ready!  Get ready for the Dinosaur Train To Come To Your Town.