There's a lot to like about this unique series and its memorable cast. The characters' individuality is nicely cultivated, and their interactions illustrate for kids the value of showing kindness and fairness to others. The stop-motion animation is beautiful, bringing to life the whimsical land that is Tumble Leaf. Your kids will marvel in the imaginative scenery, particularly when it comes to the tricked-out shipwreck Fig calls home, which is where every adventure begins.

But Tumble Leaf's most noteworthy quality is its adept integration of age-appropriate science concepts such as flight, motion, and magnification. Each story sees Fig and his friends exploring a new one as they play with common objects he encounters in and around his home, pondering questions that arise along the way and using critical-thinking skills to answer them. Even better, their discoveries celebrate the joy of learning and are easy for you to reinforce with tools such as kites, flashlights, and balls for some hands-on exploration with your kids.