A Real Find and some Bad Eggs

There are two new shows for kids today, but only one is worth a look. The good one is “Stanley,” an animated delight about an inquisitive, imaginative 6-year-old boy. Based on the books for preschoolers, this half-hour Disney Channel series follows Stanley and his best friend, a talking goldfish named Dennis. With a bit of encouragement and direction from Dennis, Stanley simultaneously solves his everyday problems and learns about animals by consulting his “Great Big Book of Everything,” which has pictures of several species.

In one episode, Stanley reads about the traits of a giraffe, which helps him find the perfect birthday gift for his mother. In another segment, the likable young protagonist with loving parents and an older brother hits on the best way of cleaning a cluttered room.

Light and lively, “Stanley” succeeds as an educational program dealing with the beauty of nature.

There is nothing beautiful about “The Ripping Friends,” an inane animated series from John Kricfalusi, creator of “Ren & Stimpy.” It revolves around the adventures of four superheroes who rip anything that stands in the way of freedom and goodness. The crime-busting characters named Crag, Rip, Slab and Chunk were adopted by He-Mom, a demanding woman who trains them to land on live grenades without shedding a tear. One of the group’s sticky foes is an indigestible wad of gum that gains strength by sucking the moisture out of unsuspecting citizens. Another enemy is an evil European dictator who wants to take over the world.

Loud and grating more often than not, these are “Friends” kids can do without.

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“Stanley” can be seen Saturdays and Sundays at 10 and 10:30 a.m. on the Disney Channel. It also will be shown at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mondays through Fridays.

“The Ripping Friends” was scheduled to be shown today at 10 a.m. on Fox.