Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl's magical travels teach about other cultures.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Franny's Feet
What's the Story?
In FRANNY'S FEET, 5-year-old Franny Fantootsie (voiced by Phoebe McAuley) slips on customers' shoes in her grandfather's repair shop and finds herself far from home on new adventures with new friends. Franny's destinations are determined by the types of shoes she dons: When a customer brings in his vacation sandals to be fixed, Franny ends up in Jamaica, dancing to the music of steel drums. Moccasins transport her to a powwow where she learns about the Native American culture. And a pair of zoris takes her to a Japanese tea ceremony. Franny often finds ways to help the new friends she meets solve problems, and the show even incorporates people with disabilities and draws thoughtful attention to them.
Is It Any Good?
This show offers kids wonderful storytelling and encourages cultural awareness, emotional expression, recycling, and experiencing new things. As Franny would say, Franny's Feet is a "fran-tastic" choice for kid TV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the places Franny visits in Franny's Feet. How are the people different from Franny? What does Franny find she has in common with them? Where have you encountered people who looked or spoke differently from you?
Parents can also talk about sharing feelings with friends. What kinds of things make your friends sad? How do you help them feel better?
How does Franny demonstrate empathy on Franny's Feet? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 8, 2006
- Cast : George Buza , Phoebe McAuley
- Networks : PBS Kids , Kids Central
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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