Cheburashka

This is a CLASSIC. Any kid who grew up in Soviet-era 1970s or 1980s will immediately know Cheburashka. He is of indeterminate origin, was discovered in a box of oranges (SO adorably absurd), has an accordion-playing crocodile named Gena as a best friend, and has huge floppy ears and a sweet, earnest...more face. He's cute, fuzzy and the stop-motion can't be beat. There's a wee bit of propaganda thrown in there, but it's NOT heavy handed, and it usually has to do with helping out others and power to the people. Cause hey, what WASN'T rife with propaganda in the Soviet Bloc? This is the perfect gift for parents who want their children to see quality animation from other world cultures and styles---animation that has heart and character but DOES NOT come out of a major US studio.