Dinosaur Train Celebrates Trains in May Review and Giveaway

I have to apologize for not getting this post up sooner, but I have been totally swamped the last few weeks and trying to play catch-up! I really wanted to have this post up before May 7th, in time for all you Dinosaur Train fans out there to catch the new episode that made it’s premier on May 7th. The new episode includes two 11-minute animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show's natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers. In “Junior Conductor Jamboree,” Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train from one end of the line to the other and visit all three time periods--from the Cretaceous, through the Jurassic, to the Triassic. In “Troodon Train Day,” the Pteranodon family rides to Troodon Town to celebrate Troodon Train Day, where the main event is a concert by King Cryolophosaurus, giving his first performance in years!

Again guys and gals I’m totally sorry I didn’t give you the heads up but I’m sure if you keep checking your local PBS stations you will be able to catch it soon :)!

About Dinosaur Train:

In “Dinosaur Train,” young viewers join Buddy the T. rex and his adoptive family of Pteranodons on whimsical adventures through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. The Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs, and it has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Train’s Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with fascinating facts along the way. DINOSAUR TRAIN is a Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series, and its accompanying website received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award and a prestigious 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award. PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain welcomes more than 2.4 million visits each month, offering engaging content designed to continue dinosaur exploration beyond the television series, including printables, games, and a dinosaur field guide. Parents, caregivers and educators can find resources and activities to extend the series learning at PBS Parents and PBS Teachers.

DINOSAUR TRAIN, created by Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), is produced by The Jim Henson Company, and co-produced with Singapore animation company Sparky Animation, with the participation and assistance of the Singapore Media Development Authority. UK production and financial support is provided by Ingenious Media. The series is executive produced by Lisa Henson, Brian Henson, Halle Stanford and Craig Bartlett.

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. More than 21 million children watch PBS KIDS on TV, and more than 21 million engage with PBS KIDS online each quarter. For more information on specific PBS KIDS programs supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom. Follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

Our Thoughts:

When we were asked to do a review and giveaway featuring Dinosaur Train and them celebrating trains all month of May, I just couldn’t pass it up! We were sent an advanced copy of the episode that aired on May 7th. First off in case you haven’t gotten to see the episodes yet, I totally recommend trying to catch them on PBS, in the near future, in line with typical Dinosaur Train fashion not only does our favorite Pteranodon family entertain the children with fun adventures but they are chocked full of wonderful information!

“Bug” immediately had to watch the new episodes we were sent while playing with the Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car with Buddy, we were also sent. He loved the episode and has since watched it over and over. It’s one of his favorite bedtime shows. The Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car with Buddy, is super cute and I love that since “Bug” got the actual Dinosaur Train Set with tracks for his birthday this year he can simply hook Buddy’s train car up to the train and he has even more to play with. The little Buddy figure sets perfectly in his cute little orange car and rides well on the train tracks. Not to mention that Buddy looks exactly like Buddy on the TV show!


Bottom Line:

Once again Jim Henson and PBS has brought us Dinosaur Train fans an amazing episode full of adventure and learning! And if you haven’t yet got to check out the new episode, it is a definite must see for all Dinosaur Train fans!

In addition to the television series, there is also a “Dinosaur Train” interactive website at PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. Children can join Buddy, Tiny and all their friends as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. During the month of May, the website will celebrate trains with a special themed homepage and new fun printable activities. Kids can also play the online game “All Aboard!” to become a Jr. Conductor on the Dinosaur Train!
Buy It:
To purchase the Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car with Buddy visit your local store where all Dinosaur Train products are sold!

Win It:
I have a Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car with Buddy to giveaway to one lucky Dinosaur Train fan (ARV $6.99)!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Dinosaur Train on PBS and tell me your little one‘s favorite character! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Dinosaur Train be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” PBS Kids on Facebook

6. Follow PBS Kids on Twitter


Giveaway ends May 30, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the DVD episode and Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car with Buddy mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.