Kids TeeVee To Watch

If you asked me about most of the stuff today, I would be quick to say that it is vastly inferior to the content that preceded it from the past few decades. The music, the film, the sport and even the visual art. Everything has looked to become more about profit than quality. Preschool television is no different. I've spoken about how toxic and unjustly popular most children's television has become (Kids TeeVee Gone Wrong). And I've explored a few shows that have been carried forward in a much less appreciated state (Kids TeeVee Better Before). It's all quite clear to me. But that's not to say there isn't good quality programmes today for parents to encourage their children to enjoy. The great modern projects and works require a fair amount of effort to find, and it can be said the hard searching always pays off. You'll eventually come to find some incredibly impactful creations from considerate minds. The minds that understand what stimuli little ones need to experience both seeing and hearing at their very young age.

I genuinely believe that children's television needs to enhance a child's understanding of the world they live in. It needs to have them learning new words, new actions and new ways to solve problems. A true kid's show should have the child slowly but surely developing a rational sense of their surroundings. Preschool programmes are like another form of parenting. They look after the young ones and teach them about simple things when mum and dad can't find the time. So I see it as being important to show kids the right content. It needs to be more than bright, colourful and visually stimulating (e.g. Yo Gabba Gabba). It needs to avoid encouraging children to speak gibberish (e.g. Baby Jake). And it should never teach kids to act reckless and selfish (e.g. Peppa Pig). Last thing any parent wishes to see is their kid growing up and regularly misbehaving, especially after learning from the wrong stuff on TV. It surprises me to have come across at least eight shows that do more good than harm. One or two even earn my full respect. Thought I'd briefly share what they are about and why I found them to be so fantastically written. A reminder that this is just my opinion and it means just as much as yours. So feel free to share your own views in the comments section below.

I'm not sure if this programme is quite popular in Australia, but it does get played. At first I didn't think much of it, but not long after I began seeing its objective and found it to be of decent value. The series focuses on Fleeker (the captain), Boomer (the trainee) and Flo (the first officer), a trio of what's called 'Floogals', tiny aliens that are sent from another planet in the galaxy to Earth in hopes of both learning and gathering data about humankind (or as they would call it, 'hoomankind'). Each episode centers on a mission set by the Floogals themselves; to work out what something is as well as its purpose. Most times sees the Floogals stumbling across the answers unintentionally. While it doesn't seem like a strong and overly creative concept, Floogals has a way of strongly connecting with the young audience. Fleeker, Boomer and Flo are much meant to represent this audience, beginning at a point of little knowledge and slowly but surely coming to understand the living creatures, household objects or human activities that may catch their attention. And this programme also welcomes very young viewers through its colourful, animated trio of curious visitors from outer space. So Floogals isn't at all selective. If parents happen to find this show, they should not be afraid in showing it to their kids.

It can be no surprise. When one hears the name Jim Henson, they think of puppets. I mean after all, the late great man was a puppeteer. But the work this legend of entertainment left behind as gone through some significant changes. His company has expanded beyond puppetry to even explore animation, and many projects it's responsible for have been made not just in the United States but in other countries as well (including my home country Australia). However the most important thing that I believe this company wants to be known for, isn't exactly something like The Muppets. The Jim Henson Company is wanting to be known for educating young children all around the globe about the world they have been welcomed into. They want to be seen for encouraging children to think, feel and use their senses. Doesn't sound like much but it carries a huge load. I'm sure if Henson were still alive today, he would be proud of where his business currently sits.

Jim Henson's Pajanimals is no exception when it comes to the company's modern goal. It's a show about four young, friendly animals (Apollo the dog, Squacky the duck, Cowbella the cow and Sweetpea Sue the horse) playing games and learning new things before they go to sleep at night. This may be no Sesame Street, but it does well with pointing youngsters in the right direction. Jim Henson's Pajanimals pushes itself to connect with young ones by educating them about the problems they will mostly come to experience at their current age. Whether it is quarrels or having accidents, each problem sees the Pajanimals unable to sleep until a relieving solution is found. It leads to the show taking a very small yet magical journey, as each bed becomes enchanted and takes the Pajanimals anywhere from under the sea to up the clouds to visit wise friends for enlightenment. This series knows how to be inviting and recognises a kid's attraction to visual beauty. These whimsical lands of calmness and/or colour keep children hanging around to pick up on the purpose and learn valuable lessons. Although Jim Henson's Pajanimals is not the best of this bunch, any boy or girl will gain something from watching these four adorable creatures getting ready for bed.

Luo Bao Bei would just about have to be my favourite out of this lot. It centres on the character of the same name and has us following her small yet meaningful adventures. Actually, that could just about be what sticks out the most in this severely underappreciated masterpiece. LBB is just so darn cute and likable. While she like any child strives to achieve her desires and fulfill her wishes, she also does what most other child characters don't do in their own shows. For someone only at the ripe age of seven, she acts beyond her years. She is extremely sensible in almost every scenario and takes the thoughts and feelings of those around her into consideration. With the help and guidance of her big, imaginary yet silent friend Pink Bear, LBB is always searching for the answer that sees everyone a winner. She regularly sympathises with her family and friends, sharing their difficult emotions and thinking of solutions to ensure both she and the rest find the light. This is the sort of character we should be marketing more and having teach children not just in China, but all over the world. I can't tell you how wide the gap is between her and the superficial Peppa Pig and whiny Caillou. There's is no hating this sweet little angel.

Luo Bao Bei a peaceful yet visually vibrant world that acknowledges a different lifestyle. It's a harmonious journey of imagination and reality through the childhood life of a young girl. It's an array of smooth personalities and adorably quirky creatures. And while not at the forefront, this show shares a small taste of Chinese culture from the festivities to the simple objects such as lanterns and dancing lions. All of this is coming from somebody that has only watched a handful of episodes. Perhaps I'm overrating this show. But even if I was, there is a pretty good reason for doing so. Luo Bao Bei presents a sweet-tasting atmosphere that one can (or at least should) never turn their back on. For those that either do or wish to put forward ideas for children's television, this is how you go about doing it. This fairly new (only released early this year) British/Canadian/Chinese work of art is genius. Why did it take so long for someone to think of something purely brilliant such as this?

Sometimes I often fear that the term 'hero' gets thrown around loosely. Especially when a lot of the preschool shows I've seen are centered on characters so immoral and repugnant. But the ever so popular Mike The Knight actually surprised me a little bit. It's a show that mixes the ever-intriguing medieval periods with magic and mythology. Not so much one that improves a child's academic ability, but it's definitely one that hints out the importance of hard thinking and virtuous behaviour. What a better way to go about it than making the main protagonist a knight. A symbol of bravery and solidity. The show's motto of 'Be a knight and do it right' further encapsulates how important it was for the creator (Alexander Bar) to make a good example out of Mike. Mike himself is ever so respectful to his fellow compatriots and always looks for answers that still satisfy all with goodness in their hearts. Whenever he makes mistakes, he tries hard to correct them. And he has the support of his horse Galahad, his sister Evie (a trainee witch) and two friendly dragons in Sparkie and Squirt. All of what he does is in honour of his father 'The King', who he hopes to be just like when he grows up. This might seem like an unpopular opinion, but I think Mike The Knight is not as bad as many make it out to be. It guides youngsters in the right direction, which is all you can ask for.

Shame to think this one didn't last very long. If you want to know what Pablo is all about, then the theme song says it all really. Pablo is a young toddler that thinks differently and sees the world in different ways. In other words, Pablo is a 'special' kid. To be more accurate he has autism, a mental condition that sees him communicate and learn through more complicated methods such as actions and drawings. Children will most likely not grasp the show's overall message, but perhaps that can be a good thing. It sort of indicates that despite such differences in development that separate kids from one another, everyone goes through the same process and some develop faster than others. Autism paints no negative image. Take it from someone who was diagnosed with mild Asperger's syndrome. I have my quirks and I am aware of them. But I like to think that such a thing doesn't make me any more different to the next person. Pablo not only does well with echoing this message, but also explains things with limited vocabulary and a parlance its very young audience can easily comprehend. 

There was a hidden detail that may or may not have been intended which I found to be quite interesting. It was basically how each of Pablo's six animal friends all represent a particular psychological characteristic of somebody with autism. Draff the giraffe represents the ability of these special kids to be really clever and occasionally fail to understand the role emotions can play. Tang the orangutan represents the liveliness and playfulness that sees these kids now and then struggle to take things more seriously and handle things with care. Llama repeats words she hears which is often how a message sinks in (it too might be a way for kids to memorise stuff). Mouse has sensitive hearing, working and thinking better in quiet environments. Wren shares a common trait often associated with kids like Pablo, flapping her wings as a way of showing comfort and enjoyment. Finally, Noasaurus represents the kindness and positive vibe while also being unintentionally clumsy. All taking place within a simple imaginary land that brings warmth and knowledge to its creator.

This one probably hangs onto the edge here. I'll start off about what I like. I very much respect this show for its reasonable approach to getting children's attention and ensuring they gain something from the experience. Through its title, Peg + Cat hints the mathematical theme and the use of the plus sign has the programme immediately throw itself towards people unlike other mundane shows that just use 'and' or '&' for their name (e.g. Charlie And Lola, Max & Ruby and Sarah & Duck). Although it does have its small, oversimplified details (e.g. such as Cat being simply and unimaginatively named 'Cat'), it can be argued that this show has the privilege to do so given how complex it can be. It obviously follows Peg and her clumsy feline friend as they embark on many adventures and make both counting and problem solving all the more enjoyable. It's fun, games, music and a variety of colourful characters. And whenever problem solving becomes to difficult for kids to understand here, Peg and Cat come around with a back-up message. They help remind people that there is always a way and that both stressing and/or giving up isn't ever the answer.

Despite the few benefits this show brings forward, there is one problem that I personally find to stick out and it does get on my nerves. Peg + Cat is too pleased with aural communication. It's well and truly fathomed that kids require loud and clear audio voices for better understanding. But Peg and Cat in my eyes are regular offenders for talking too loud, and just about use their outside voice no matter where they are (even indoors). Peg's voice in particular, is one I don't think would entirely end up on anybody's good side. Figuratively speaking, it's a step or two away from making your ears bleed. Perhaps it's just the non-pubescent child-like pitch of Peg, that I am irked by. Something that may seem natural. But having seen many other preschool content with voices not as demanding or as inflated, I've often come to the conclusion that Peg + Cat overdid itself here. The sounds of this show while meaning well, don't exactly encourage for a direct friendship.

Not something I have seen much of, but I know for a fact that it carries some very powerful ideas. Puffin Rock is one of very few shows I've come across which doesn't originate from either of Britain or Canada (made in Ireland). It primarily follows two Puffin siblings (Oona and her little brother Baba), as they explore their small and somewhat peaceful island home along with its fellow inhabitants. A gentle trip never hampered by the narration by Irish actor Chris O'Dowd. Most of the stories often involve the parents being busy. Young Baba's high level of curiosity and spirit sees him approaching potentially dangerous situations, leaving Oona to keep a close eye on him and make sure he is safe. This pretty much represents the show's main message. That being the importance of responsibility. To know that there will be times when even kids will have such expectations of looking after things themselves, whether they'd be siblings or something else. Puffin Rock heavily focuses on meaning and a show that does this is always bound to receive acclaim. It never looks down on its viewers, especially when it's always considering the potential they carry. Can't say much else, but one thing is for certain. This show deserves all the positive recognition it receives.

Another programme that tells stories using mythical creatures. This one however, isn't so much based on a rational and realistic time period. Nevertheless its intentions are clear as crystal. Wallykazam! is all for expanding every child's vocabulary through fun, easy-to-follow adventures with Wally the troll and his clever pet dragon Norville. Along with others such as the mischievous, trouble-making Bobgoblin, Gina the friendly Giant, Doug the gentle Orge, the lively Libby Light Sprite and the tetchy Stan of the Swamp, kids are taught new and/or unfamiliar words as well as the proper pronunciations. The show at times even takes further steps in teaching children about the ever-expanding English language through games and music. Whether it be rhyming words or synonyms (words with similar meanings), Wallykazam! attempts to dig deep and be very creative in its approach to ensuring young people grow up with improved communication skills. On top of this, the show acknowledges its audience by having Wally interact with them on a consistent basis. Overall, Wallykazam! is a visually welcoming experience with bright and quirky characters. All of which are guaranteed to entertain everybody and have them stepping out with something new learnt.

Travis "TJ" James