Oobi - TV-Y

Bare-hand "puppets" will delight preschoolers.

TV Rating: TV-Y Network: Noggin Cast: Noel McNeal, Tim Lagasse, Tyler Bunch Genre: Educational
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this excellent educational show celebrates the moments of curiosity and discovery in a preschooler's life. The program's themes are based on sharing, caring for others, believing in yourself, and making friends. It encourages preschoolers to discover their world and develop social skills.

Families can talk about the various situations Oobi faces that relate to a young child's life, such as overcoming fear and shyness, coping with separation anxiety, and relating to others. Each episode leaves room for further discussion about self-expression. How do you tell other people what you think and feel? Why is it important to care about others' feelings?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Andrea Graham

When it comes to preschool programming, OOBI really breaks the mold. In a TV world full of cartoon animation and CGI effects, Oobi harks back to a simpler style of expressive hand acting. The show's characters -- Oobi, Uma, and Grampu -- are no more than talking hands with googly eyes, yet in their simplicity is a formula that really relates to the preschool set.

In stark contrast to many other shows aimed at this age group, Oobi is about a preschool-aged child. Instead of using older role models to aspire to, Oobi and his sister Uma are discovering their world alongside kids of the same age.

Oobi reflects the everyday wonders, challenges, and curiosities that fill preschoolers' lives. Whether it's reveling in a rain puddle or refusing a bath, Oobi strikes very close to a child's heart. It also celebrates the daily accomplishments that build a child's confidence and competence. After the show, kids may be inspired to make their very own Oobis with their own hands -- a fantastic idea for imaginative play.

Oobi is meant for very young children who are just beginning to explore their surroundings; as a result, older children may lose interest in its simple style. Oobi the character speaks in basic object/action sentences that resemble the speech structure of a child just beginning to talk. This should not be seen as detrimental to a child's speech development -- rather, it's a language that young children understand and appreciate.

Bottom line: Oobi succeeds in its simplicity and its quest to educate and entertain the newest of little explorers. Other excellent shows for this age group include Caillou, Boohbah, and Teletubbies.

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