 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Frances: Bedtime for Frances
- Review Date: March 18, 2009
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Great lessons and cute stories for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this DVD contains three short stories featuring Frances the Badger, a lovable and well-meaning preschooler who tries to do right but falls short sometimes. Lots of great reinforcement not only for parents trying to teach children about selflessness, honesty, and going to bed by themselves, but also for children who will see that Frances is someone who makes mistakes and learns from them.
What's the story?
Based on characters from the books by Lillian and Russell Hoban, FRANCES: BEDTIME FOR FRANCES bundles up three episodes from the animated children's series created by Jim Henson Productions. All center on a lovable girl badger named Frances who has a younger sister named Gloria and a best friend named Albert. In the first story, Frances' excitement about a Family Day at Lizardland is dashed when Gloria gets sick. The second story sees Frances helping her mom get ready for a piano recital by decorating cupcakes for her fellow students, and struggling with jealousy and self control in the process. The final tale is one all parents will recognize, as Frances delays bedtime by using her very rich imagination.
Is it any good?
This gentle and funny collection is sure to entertain and educate its target audience of preschoolers. Frances is not perfect, but with her non-stop singing, dancing, and genuinely warm heart she's a heroine that kids will root for. The dilemmas she faces in this DVD are wisely chosen; they're lessons that all kids struggle with during the preschool years. Frances' technique of sneaking off to have some "Me Myself" time when faced with a problem is one that parents may try to emulate for children learning to control their impulses and emotions.
The animation is lovely, utilizing state-of-the-art digital puppetry courtesy of the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a groundbreaking technology that allows performers to puppeteer and voice digital characters in real time. Frances' ongoing sing-song as she works out her problems and choices is nicely set to classical music pieces, reinforcing a little musical education along the way.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Family Day is a big deal for Frances and how she's disappointed when plans go awry. What is your favorite thing to do on a Family Day? When Frances needs some time to think about the right decision to make, she takes "Me Myself" time under the dining room table or her covers. How do you find that quiet time so you can listen to yourself think?
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AGE
Kids will love it (and parents might not) for the music
Good stories, slightly saccharine but my kids love these stories. Heads up, music lovers - classical pieces are freely used and given Frances inspired lyrics. However, my son now can play Beethoven and Chopsticks on the piano because he loved the music in this video so much. Mixed blessing, I suppose. Only con, it gave my son great ideas for stalling tactics at bedtime.
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AGE
I cant recommend it.
My kids (2,4) learned bad behaviors from watching this movie. They started stalling before bed and claiming that there were scary things in their room when they hadnt previously thought of that. Also, Frances is demanding and rude sometimes and this goes uncorrected by her parents. I don;t let my kids get away with stuff like that. Yes, I agree that some of the movie possibly helps little ones learn how to deal with common childhood problems, but for us, it just caused more problems. The music and graphics are cute and colorful and my kids really like to watch it.
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AGE
love it, i never seen it but sounds interesting
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Great lessons, fun for little ones!
Sisters learn about how to care for each other when the other is are sick. Lessons about fairness, patience, family time and going to bed on your own. My two year old even picked up on the importance of brushing teeth. She has learned the words to the songs and I catch her singing them to herself. It's a great combo of the classic book and modern dvd produced by Jim Henson. I think it will be revisited often when a second child comes to our family! Well done!
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| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Brian Henson |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 46 minutes |
| DVD release date: | March 31, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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