Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series exposes viewers to racial and cultural differences around the world and even thoughtfully touches on disabilities. Helping others is a central theme, and Franny and her new friends talk openly about their feelings. The show combines vocabulary development and global learning with age-appropriate storytelling.
Families can talk about the places Franny visits. 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
When 5-year-old Franny Fantootsie (voiced by Phoebe McAuley) slips on customers' shoes in her grandfather's repair shop, she wonders, "Where will my feet take me today?" In no time, she 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.
The show incorporates people with disabilities and draws thoughtful attention to them. In one episode, Franny meets a boy who uses a wheelchair. Rather than ignoring its existence, she simply remarks, "Nice wheels." He replies, "Thanks. They help me get around."
Franny also finds ways to help her new friends solve problems. A recent episode showed a young boy assembling a model airplane and, in his haste, he forgot to include an important piece. Franny showed him that with a little patience and attention to the directions, they could make it work.
FRANNY'S FEET offers kids wonderful storytelling and encourages cultural awareness, emotional expression, recycling, and experiencing new things. As Franny would say, the show is a "fran-tastic" choice for kid TV.
Fans may also enjoy Pinky Dinky Doo and the adventurous Little Einsteins.
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Social BehaviorThe show incorporates people of various races and disabilities, and cultural and physical differences are treated respectfully. The grandfather is a patient and loving caretaker. |
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