Zap! The Magical Computer

Although he's denigrated as a "Barney wannabe" by "Evol," the snake-like villainess in this engaging Parent's Choice award-winning computer-animated tale, our hero Zap is actually a heckuva lot more interesting than his purple majesty. When the number "8" is stolen from the "Garden of Even," talking computer Zap and his mentor (appropriately named Teacher) attempt to rescue "8" before she's fed into the ravenous jaws of the Number-Cruncher. Traveling to the Numeral City, the duo enlist the aid of the Wizard of Odd (yes, this is inspired by the MGM classic), who presents Zap with a plus-sign embossed heart (or "arithmeticker"). Very clever dialogue, winning animation, and a few nods to the adult audience (including a funny appeal to TV execs for a series contract) make Zap! a delight for a wide audience. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (R. Pitman)