Peanuts for the 21st Century!

Bcbflies

Not since Charles Schultz's Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang have we seen an animated ensemble with such range and heart.

1. Unique and easily identifiable personalities: Whether it's the eccentric Deema...sensitive Oona...or the Linus-like Nonny...the Bubble Guppies' range of personalities make it easy for many types of kids to identify with them.

2. Musical Soundscape: If you thought the Peanuts' signature songs were catchy (and Vince Guaraldi's timeless themes certainly are), you will be pleasantly surprised by the breadth of songs in the Guppy shows. Upbeat pop tunes...a teacher that raps...with occasional forays into country, rock, Mexican, and Italian genre's all creates a vibrant background for the Guppies' adventures. Catchy lyrics like,"...without my bones I'd be like gelatin - thank goodness for my skeleton!" are fun for even adults to sing.

3. Adult Interaction: Whereas the Peanuts crew were largely set apart from the adult world, the Guppies have constant, positive (though not patronizing) contact with adults in their adventures. Their teacher, Mr. Grouper, is never condescending and always encourages them to "think about it."

4. Top-notch Animation: The computer graphic-generated characters and seascapes can do things like defocusing backgrounds to emphasize characters or an object. Incredible pallettes of colors keep a toddler's attention!

5. Modern themes: From recycling to pet adoption and responsibility, each Guppy show is packed with lots of learning. They explore teamwork in numerous episodes and the value of diversity is constantly reinforced by the multicultural ensemble.

6. Exposure to new experiences: As well as having the Guppies' best song (Bunch of Bones)the "Call a Clambulance" episode also deals with the scary event of being hurt, going to the hospital and getting an X-ray. They even make up a cute song about going for a checkup and explain, in their typical upbeat frankness, that though shots DO hurt, they keep us from getting sick. Sticky topic, well-handled by this honest and happy troupe! I think Charles Schultz would approve!

score 10/10

Bcbflies 23 September 2011

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2492484/