64 Zoo Lane

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Bedtime stories for the afternoon.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this preschool program promotes storytelling and listening skills. The animals' stories are based on social themes such as friendship, forgiveness, compassion, and sharing. Language skills are also highlighted; vocabulary is introduced and emphasized through intonation and repetition.


What's the story?

Lucy, the central character of 64 ZOO LANE, is a very lucky girl. She lives next door to a zoo, and every night before bed, her animal friends invite her to a storytelling session. With the help of Georgina, a tall giraffe, Lucy slides down from her bedroom window to join her friendly neighbors. Each animal takes a turn telling a tale about their adventures (presumably before they ended up in the zoo); in turn, Lucy learns valuable lessons about friendship, determination, and compassion.


Is it any good?

 

Compared to other similar TV shows for preschoolers, 64 Zoo Lane doesn't have an obvious educational curriculum. But the colorful, sometimes-silly, picture-book-style tales are lessons all the same -- they emphasize social and emotional development. Although little mention is made of real animal behavior, the series does a nice job of featuring exotic animals from all over the world, including some that are endangered.

While definitely endearing at times, 64 Zoo Lane doesn't make a big impression. Younger children may enjoy the many bedtime tales told by Lucy's zoo friends, but there's no big draw for older kids or their parents. Watching stories before bed or naptime is a nice idea, but reading to your child beforehand is even better.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the many social themes found in every story. Since each tale is told in a way that suggests that the main character learned a lesson, families can discuss how this might play out in everyday situations. Why is helping others important? How can honesty build a stronger friendship? What makes a good friend?


This review was written by Andrea Graham
Parent of 3 year old
April 25, 2011
 
perfect for preschoolers
Love it very upset that nickjr took it off there line up because my son loved watching it and I cant find any dvds

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Parent of 3, 3, 7, 7, 8, and 10 year old
October 15, 2010
 

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Kid, 13 years old
November 8, 2009
 
Appropriate but BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I woke up in the middle of the night when I was 6 and I was like what stupid show is this?It's so boring,and I got sick of this show in 10 minutes!

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Kid, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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This review was written by Andrea Graham
This review was written by Andrea Graham
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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