An ominous rumbling noise echoes through the Hundred Acre Wood.

"The Heffalumps!" exclaim Winnie the Pooh and his pals.

A what-a-lump?

		'Pooh's Heffalump Movie' Rating: G. Starring: Voices of Jim Cummings, John Fiedler, Nikita Hopkins, Brenda Blethyn. Director: Frank Nissen.

Actually Pooh and his friends have never seen one of the legendary Heffalumps. But that doesn't stop them from panicking as they imagine lurking creatures with spiky tails.

Their search for the Heffalumps drives "Pooh's Heffalump Movie," a sweet little picture that explores kids' nightmares and prejudices without resorting to preachiness. Directed by Frank Nissen, the animated Disney movie was so charming it kept a screening audience of mostly 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds -- prime fidgeting age -- sitting largely still for a full 63 minutes.

Bossy Rabbit decides to lead the expedition to capture the Heffalumps, who live in Heffalump Hollow, the adjacent dark forest with gnarly trees.

Roo, the baby kangaroo, begs to come, too. But his friends tell him that he is too young for such dangerous work.

So Roo, the star of this movie, explores on his own. While Rabbit, Pooh, Tigger and Piglet are bumbling around in vain, Roo befriends a Heffalump named Lumpy.

Actually, the creature's real name is Heffridge Trumpler Brompet Heffalump the Third -- making him sound a lot like a prep-school Heffalump. But the nickname Lumpy suits his rolly polly body and his giggle.

Disney, which bought the rights to the late A.A. Milne's beloved Pooh books in 1961, is taking a risk here by adding a new character. Especially since a Heffalump was Milne's way of visualizing our innermost nightmares.

Pooh purists might balk at Lumpy or bemoan the conspicuous absence of Christopher Robin. (Owl is missing in action, too, but let's face it, he's not a kid favorite). And they might not like that Pooh has a supporting role even though his name is on the movie's title.

But the friendship between Roo and Lumpy is so playful, it's hard not to be drawn into the movie. Especially when the lyrics and voice of Carly Simon celebrate their friendship in the song "Shoulder to Shoulder."

It's clear by the preschool audience's reaction that the movie has reeled them in.

"It's an elephant," said one 3-year-old, upon seeing Lumpy for the first time.

"No," replied a rather indignant little girl about the same age. "It's a Heffalump."