Stanley - TV-Y

Stanley is a pint-sized Dr. Doolittle.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-Y
  • Network: Disney Channel
  • Cast: Hynden Walch, Charles Shaughnessy, Jessica D. Stone
  • Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
  • >Available On: DVD

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that it won't take long for this show to win the hearts of kids and parents alike. Stanley is an inquisitive, friendly kid with an insatiable appetite for asking questions about animals. Based on the book series by Andrew Griff, this cartoon is about a kid who sometimes makes mistakes, has challenges with his older brother, and always finds comfort in his pet dog, cat, and fish. In fact, Stanley has conversations with these animals, especially his best friend and confidant, Dennis the goldfish. Each episode involves a "jump" into the Great Big Book of Everything, where Stanley learns firsthand about the animal in question. A sure-bet hit with preschoolers and kindergarten-aged kids, it's about kids, friends, family, and the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Families can talk about kids' relationships with the animals in their lives. Do you ever confide in your pets? Do you feel you have a special bond with them that no one else does? What is it about pets that make them good friends and companions?

Message

Social Behavior:

Stanley works with his friends, family, and pets to brainstorm, problem-solve, and all the while, learn interesting facts about animals.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Pam Gelman

Stanley is a kindergartener with an oversized head and six hairs that stick straight up. Each episode begins with him pondering a real-life situation -- he wants to go across the monkey bars or be a part of his brother's band, etc. These problems are brainstormed with the help of his friends -- Lester and twins Mimi and Marci -- and a set of lovable pets that includes Harry the goofy dog, Elsie the slinky tabby, and Dennis the brainy goldfish. After Harry and Elsie sing a song about a beloved book of facts, Stanley and his friends and pets literally jump into the book and become dolphins, T. rexes, kookaburras, or whatever they're studying. They discuss and compare Stanley's problems to facts about animals, and sometimes another song ensues. Often there's an on-the-edge-of-your-seat climax to get Stanley and his friends back to safety, but nothing that's genuinely frightening.

Is it any good?

4

Stanley may wear tiger-striped pajamas and talk to his pets, but he still manages to be one of the most relatable characters for kids on TV. He has trouble moving to a larger bed, gets frustrated with friends, and sometimes fights with his brother. He's also adorable, loves his family, and has a diverse set of friends.

Both the animal and human characters in Stanley's life are likable and interesting. Stanley's mother, a dentist, sometimes helps Stanley find the answers to his questions on the Internet and, though clearly a busy mom, she's very playful with her youngest son. Stanley's friends are African-American and Jewish, and his teacher is Latina. At the end of each episode, Stanley and Dennis tuck into their respective beds, talk about the day's adventure, and voice their appreciations for the marvelous creatures around them.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 9 reviews.

4


Posted on 07/21/07 by big_sister Kid contributor, age 13

a must see for every pre-schooler

this was one of my favorites as a little kid. i even used to watch it in the morning before school when i was in 4th grade or so. but for the most part i would say this for children 2-6.
5


Posted on 07/08/06 by jakeandjonathansmom Adult contributor

Very educational! My 4 year old boys love to learn from "the great big book of everything." This show does not limit itself to topics that most kids shows do .... it does expand a child's range of knowledge.
4


Posted on 11/26/05 by SJgogirl Kid contributor, age 8
5


Posted on 05/11/05 by valerie1299 Adult contributor

Good stuff!

Son (8) and Daughter (4) both love this show. They learn about animals in a very fun way (and manners as well). Stanley has a "Great Big Book of Everything" that he jumps into to enter the world of animals. Very educational.
5


Posted on 04/12/05 by mictamali Adult contributor

Great show!

This is a great show for teaching kids about animals. The information is usually very clear and there is plenty of it. Sometimes there are even diagrams and comparisons to make it easier for small ones to understand. The only show I had a problem with was the T-Rex show. If you don't believe in evolution, then this particular episode may rub you the wrong way.
5

Posted on 04/10/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

What a great show!

I have loved watching Stanley from the first day it premiered!! The show is cute, funny & educational, without being boring or preachy. My boys have developed more interest & respect about animals, as well as learned a few things in the process! Unlike other cartoons, this one does not have kids using put-downs, name-calling, etc. The characters (mostly) respect each other (there is a big brother involved, after all) & kids learn to love & respect animals as well. I highly recommend this show!
4


Posted on 04/09/05 by TannersMom927 Adult contributor
5

Posted on 04/05/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Fun and even educational

I love Stanley !! I think it is a fun show and educational for young children. Kids love animals and this is a great way for them to learn about some animals that they wouldn't ordinarily know about.
5


Posted on 04/04/05 by smcqueen Adult contributor

My Daughter Loves This

I think Stanley is a very good show for children to learn about animals. It is a little unrealistic though, because the animals talk and Stanley jumps into the Great Big Book of Everything. But I still love it.

See all 9 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 7 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/08/06 by jakeandjonathansmom Adult contributor

Very educational! My 4 year old boys love to learn from "the great big book of everything." This show does not limit itself to topics that most kids shows do .... it does expand a child's range of knowledge.
5


Posted on 05/11/05 by valerie1299 Adult contributor

Good stuff!

Son (8) and Daughter (4) both love this show. They learn about animals in a very fun way (and manners as well). Stanley has a "Great Big Book of Everything" that he jumps into to enter the world of animals. Very educational.
5


Posted on 04/12/05 by mictamali Adult contributor

Great show!

This is a great show for teaching kids about animals. The information is usually very clear and there is plenty of it. Sometimes there are even diagrams and comparisons to make it easier for small ones to understand. The only show I had a problem with was the T-Rex show. If you don't believe in evolution, then this particular episode may rub you the wrong way.
5

Posted on 04/10/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

What a great show!

I have loved watching Stanley from the first day it premiered!! The show is cute, funny & educational, without being boring or preachy. My boys have developed more interest & respect about animals, as well as learned a few things in the process! Unlike other cartoons, this one does not have kids using put-downs, name-calling, etc. The characters (mostly) respect each other (there is a big brother involved, after all) & kids learn to love & respect animals as well. I highly recommend this show!
4


Posted on 04/09/05 by TannersMom927 Adult contributor
5

Posted on 04/05/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Fun and even educational

I love Stanley !! I think it is a fun show and educational for young children. Kids love animals and this is a great way for them to learn about some animals that they wouldn't ordinarily know about.
5


Posted on 04/04/05 by smcqueen Adult contributor

My Daughter Loves This

I think Stanley is a very good show for children to learn about animals. It is a little unrealistic though, because the animals talk and Stanley jumps into the Great Big Book of Everything. But I still love it.
See all 7 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

4


Posted on 07/21/07 by big_sister Kid contributor, age 13

a must see for every pre-schooler

this was one of my favorites as a little kid. i even used to watch it in the morning before school when i was in 4th grade or so. but for the most part i would say this for children 2-6.
4


Posted on 11/26/05 by SJgogirl Kid contributor, age 8
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