Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable in this series. Angelina is a great female role model who uses her talents to help others.
Parents can talk about the importance of having goals. How can you use your goals to help others? What are your dreams, and how can you achieve them? Does watching Angelina make you want to learn to dance?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Deirdre Sheppard
Based on the books by Helen Craig and Katharine Holabird, ANGELINA BALLERINA is all about a little mouse with big dreams. Currently grande jetéing on PBS's Sprout channel, this stellar series follows Angelina Mousling as she sets a good example for young viewers by balancing her life as a normal growing mouse with her ambitions to become a famous ballet dancer. The music and characters are gentle throughout, making this series appropriate for all ages. But kids between 3 and 6 will enjoy it the most.
In one episode, Angelina donates her stuffed animal -- originally a gift from her grandfather -- to charity. She's happy with her decision until she realizes she promised her grandfather a long time ago that she would always keep it. This realization leads to a quest to retrieve the toy ... until Angelina discovers that the new owner needs it more than she does. In the end, her grandfather is proud of her deed. This story shows that not only is Angelina a beautiful dancer, but also a charitable role model. Parents can use this example to spark a discussion on why it's important give to those in need.
Angelina also proves that hard work produces rewarding results. In a different episode, ballet teacher Miss Lilly asks Angelina to be her helper. Angelina is excited because she knows that she's earned this honor. The little mouse takes her role seriously, helping the other mouslings with care. Thanks to Angelina's positive encouragement, the other dancers overcome their difficulty and dance their best. This offers parents a chance to explain that rewards aren't given -- they're achieved through effort, courage, and positive reinforcement.
Angelina's adventures are animated, but brief live-action segments feature ballet tips executed by young aspiring dancers. Dance steps like a plie and a tendu are explained, and props are usually used. For example, when demonstrating first position, the dancer puts hearts on the floor to help with turnout. Overall, these bits are a nice addition to the program, but most of the demonstrators are girls. If boy dancers had equal screen time, it might encourage more boys to watch the series -- as well as express an interest in dance. It might even help some parents think of dance as more than just a girls' activity.
When watching Angelina Ballerina, expect classical music and calm, tender characters. This series moves at the pace of a book and isn't jam-packed and spastic like other popular programs; it's certainly not intended for viewers with short attention spans. Even though Angelina Ballerina leans toward dance-related plots, the occasional mystery finds its way into the mix (don't worry -- they're not scary at all). Overall, for its intended audience, this is one of the best kids' shows out right now.
Fans might also enjoy The Wonder Pets! and The Berenstain Bears.
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Social BehaviorAngelina uses dance as an outlet to help the greater good. A wonderful role model! Speaking of role models, a few more boy dance demonstrators would be nice. ... |
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