Little Bill - TV-Y
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Noggin Cast: Phylicia Rashad, Xavier Pritchett, Gregory Hines
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know the series is based on the Little Bill books written by Bill Cosby. This series is similar to The Cosby Show, except that it's animated and meant for 4-year-olds. Little Bill has a tricky little grin and the strong will of a young child. His parents and the community embrace him as he develops. Overall the series creates a gentle and friendly atmosphere for young viewers.
Families can discuss the values of Bill's family. Is their interaction and how they navigate different situations, similar to your family dynamics? Do kids admire Bill?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Joly Herman
Based on the books written by Bill Cosby, LITTLE BILL reflects another successful effort by Cosby to bring a story of a loving home life to the small screen. But Little Bill is of a different feather than Fat Albert, or even The Electric Company -- also both Bill Cosby projects.
"Mama, excuse me please..." Little Bill (voiced by Xavier Pritchett) says when he approaches his mother (Phylicia Rashad). Doesn't that sound like music to the ears? His mother, an attentive and patient woman who is sometimes busy tapping away at her laptop, always has time for her children. When she requires support, she draws upon a community of family and friends who are interested in the well-being of the children in the community. Hence a strong foundation of care and attentiveness is created beneath the action of Little Bill's world, giving him a safe place to grow and explore.
And although the animation is reminiscent of a storybook come to life, the audio track mimics real life, with voices speaking in regular cadence and sound effects that match the surroundings. The only sound that has a cartoon effect is the blinking eyes of Elephant, Little Bill's hamster, who is forever scrabbling around Bill's room in his plastic play ball. So much is true to life, yet somehow, since it's animated, the series keeps a magical TV-land effect.
Also magical is the professional demeanor of the people who interact with Little Bill and his family, the seamless sense of community, and the Afro-centric world in which these characters celebrate life. Little Bill is set in an urban Utopia, which isn't a bad place for young viewers to visit.
Kids and parents might also want to check out the series videogame, Little Bill Thinks Big or Go, Diego, Go.
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Social BehaviorLittle Bill's neighborhood is a mixture of many different people. Even when he gets himself into a fix, Little Bill is treated by his elders with respect. In fact, respect to one another is a theme throughout the show. |
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CommercialismBill and his friends treasure what they have. They make games out of their imaginations. |
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