Bear in the Big Blue House - TV-Y
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Disney Channel Cast: Noel McNeal, Peter Linz, Vicki Eibner
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is a sweet, engaging show for younger preschoolers. The star of the show is Bear, a gigantic brown bear character who sings, dances, and talks to his set of colorful, animal friends. In the end, a lesson is learned. Throughout the show, he checks in with viewers about the events happening and problems faced in each episode.
Families can talk about cooperation. How do Bear and his friends work together? How can preschoolers cooperate with their friends? Why is this important?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
It's no surprise that Bear and the other colorful puppets of BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE were created by Jim Henson Home Entertainment. Younger preschoolers will laugh, sing, and learn a bit more about working with others thanks to the soft, cuddly puppets' wacky personalities.
Obviously, the Henson folks know the preschool audience well. For starters, they know that preschoolers love predictability -- each episode opens with Bear singing the same welcome song. Then the other characters make their appearance, a very simple plot unravels, a lesson is learned (sprinkled with jokes, songs, and giggles), and the show winds down. At the end of the show, Bear gazes up at Luna, the perpetually full moon with the warm female voice, inquiring about his day. She offers her own pearls of wisdom and joins Bear to sing the lullaby-ish, good-bye song.
This show is clearly for younger preschoolers who want to learn more about playing cooperatively with friends. In each episode, Bear acts a like a big brother to his friends Tutter the mouse, Ojo the smaller bear, Treelo the lemur, and Pip and Pop, two otters with insatiable appetites. The friends ask each other questions and responsively listen to one another, sing a few songs, and always share some laughs.
Another show regular is Shadow, the giggling silhouette of a pony-tailed little girl, who's reminiscent of a Sesame Street puppet. She chats and sings with Bear and sometimes narrates her own short story using simple effects and other silhouetted characters. As Bear interacts with Shadow and his other friends, he moves through his charming home, which makes a homey backdrop to the show's gentle tone.
Bear in the Big Blue House may lose its attraction for some older preschoolers who are less interested in its slow-moving plots, songs, and simple humor. This isn't the best show for kids who need action. Nonetheless, it's a great choice to help 3- and 4-year olds settle down and rest while learning more about friendship.
Other good shows for kids this age include Breakfast with Bear, Blue's Clues and Zoboomafoo.
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