Tweenies - Doodles' New Friend [VHS] [1999]

Running time: 68 minutes approximately.

This video is a rare treat for hardened Tweenie fans as it introduces a new character, Izzles. We are taken on a journey of expectation as we find out whether the Tweenies will accept the glamorous pooch, and will Max and Judy let her stay?

It is a rare treat to see your children's faces as they watch this video. An hour of songs and story provides good value for money. As the Tweenies appeal to both young toddlers and young children, this video may wear out before you have a chance to pass it on to friends!--Jo Fitzgerald

In "Doodles' New Friend" there is huge excitement at the Tweenies playgroup as a new dog called Izzles arrives. Izzles is very boisterous and noisy and causes havoc with her good-natured carelessness. The video shows the different ways the Tweenies react to the change in their world--Milo enjoys the chaos while little Jake is worried by the new arrival's bounciness and unpredictability.

The video is very lively, moves at a fast pace and includes stories and catchy songs that are simple enough for the watching child to join in with. Despite the Tweenies' outlandish appearances they talk and behave in a way that is very realistic and which a pre-schooler will be able to recognise and identify with immediately. They manage to be contemporary and not overly cosy, while still remaining suitable for under-sixes--even for unaccompanied viewing parents could find nothing in this video to be concerned about. Among the fun, chatter and constant activity there are lessons to be learned from Izzles' arrival, including adapting to change, concern for both dogs' welfare, dealing with fear and the importance of support in the child's peer group.

None of these "morals" are put across in a strong or saccharine way, however, and the child will be unaware of them at that level. They will be enchanted instead by the familiar characters, colourful environment, changing situations and the amusing antics of Izzles, and both my children at 4 and 2 have been riveted by it over several viewings. --Caroline Parsons

This Tweenies video introduces a new character to the playgroup in the form of a dog called Isobel (Izzles). Judy wants to allow Izzles to be a regular at the playgroup along with Doodles (the other dog), but wants to see how Izzles gets along with the children and how they react to her.

The story centres around the Tweenies' reactions to the new dog, some are happy, though one Tweenie is rather nervous. It also covers the jealously felt by Doodles, the resident dog, and his attempts to get Izzles into trouble. My son is enthralled by the story of the bouncy, giddy new addition and as with other Tweenies videos, it includes songs with actions for your child to join in with. The Tweenies become involved in playgroup activities that your child can relate to, such as painting, reading, playing games and helping to organise lunch.

The video is just over an hour long and suitable for all ages, though a child from 2 upwards would probably be more appreciative of the story.

It's my son's favourite video at the moment and I can be guaranteed to hear laughter and the occasional singing when he joins in with the Tweenies' songs.

The Tweenies videos are vibrant and fun, covering issues and activities that would be part of everyday life for pre-school children. I find they maintain my son's interest and develop his learning as he recounts the story and relates it the things that happen in nursery. --Julie Illingworth

If you have a pre-schooler, you will already know that you can't go wrong with the Tweenies. This is a super video, introducing a new character, a purple dog called Izzles. The Tweenies also have a dog called Doodles, and he is rather put out by the new arrival. His jealousy, and other issues, such as Jake's fear of bouncy dogs, are very sensitively handled, giving lots of opportunities for discussion with your child. This video could be especially useful if you are expecting a new addition to your family, be it canine or a new baby! The video is actually also quite informative as regards having a real dog as a pet. My children, aged 2 and 4, adore the Tweenies, and this has become a firm favourite with them. --Rachel Elvidge

The BBC have a captive audience with toddlers, who all seem to absolutely love the Tweenies. This video gives us all the usual delights with the bonus of the introduction of a new character--Izzles the dog. The 67-minute video includes the regular format of features such as Song Time, Story Time, News Time, Telly Time, and Surprise Time, but the theme throughout is about the newcomer and how she will fit in with the group. During "Surprise Time" Judy tells everyone she has something outside the front door. Izzles the dog is spending the week with the Tweenies (Bella, Fizz, Milo, Jake and Doodles the dog) at play school for a trial, at the end of which a decision will be made whether to keep her or not. After the Tweenies' initial joy of seeing the new pet who is "so soft", a "gorgeous colour", and "fabarooney", the security and routine of their day is shattered. Young, excitable puppy Izzles is nothing like calm and mature Doodles, and has a lot to prove before the Tweenies and adults in charge of them (Max and Judy) decide he can stay. Doodles is not impressed with the new arrival, especially when she tries to take his bone! Jake is scared of the new dog, and the other Tweenies soon get upset with Izzles when bad things happen such as Fizz's painting getting water spilt all over it, and Max's garden patch being trampled on. "Izzles is too bouncy" announces Jake. "Izzles must learn to be a well-behaved dog like Doodles" says Judy, and it looks like Izzles is on the way out. However, after Fizz gives Izzles the lowdown, Doodles gives Izzles advice and the Tweenies have a debate on the pros and cons of whether Izzles can stay or not, they all end up sticking up for the new dog and tell Judy that they want Izzles to stay. The new pet soon proves that she has taken on board all the advice and has earned her place. Songs include: "Peter Rabbit (has a fly upon his nose)", "Two Fat Gentlemen" and a new song to welcome Izzles. The Tweenies, as ever, inject their special mix of entertainment and humour to teach little ones rights and wrongs, how to deal with situations, as well as the usual educational benefits. This is an excellent video to add to your pre-schooler's Tweenies collection.--Sarah McNamara.