Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's nothing to worry about in this engaging animated series. Each episode centers on a positive message about a topic like self-esteem, friendship, or respect, weaving the lesson into a kid-friendly story that will capture kids' imaginations. The characters explore other lands and act out fairy tales, often making references to books and expressing their love of reading.
Families can talk about the lessons that Strawberry Shortcake and her friends learn in each episode. Kids: What troubles did the group have to deal with? Did someone cause a disagreement or hurt a friend's feelings? What did they do to fix the problem? Was everyone OK in the end? Have you ever been in a situation like that? How did you resolve it? Parents and older kids can also discuss how TV series act as marketing tools for toy companies. Kids: Do you want Strawberry Shortcake toys more after watching the show? Why do you think that is?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
One of the sweetest (literally!) characters ever to entertain kids returns to TV in the cartoon series STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE. The show follows the adventures of its cheerful redheaded star and her circle of close friends, who live and play in their colorful home of Strawberryland.
Each day brings the promise of new explorations for Strawberry Shortcake (voiced by Sarah Heinke) and her pals, who are never lacking inspiration for their adventures. From stories to books to each other's healthy imaginations, Ginger Snap (Samantha Triba), Orange Blossom (Dejare Barfield), and Angel Cake (Rachel Ware) are always ready with new ideas for fun and games.
Huckleberry Pie (James Street) and Strawberry's little sister, Apple Dumpling (Katie Labosky), often join the girls as they go on picnics, put on plays, and explore other lands through books and stories.
Kids (particularly girls, most likely) will easily relate to the group's adventures and find themselves wrapped up in the imaginative tales. Along the way, the characters -- and their young viewers -- learn about the importance of self-esteem, respect for others, patience, and friendship.
For parents who grew up during the fragrant friends' original '80s' heyday, this new series is a fun reason to bond with your daughters over characters you'll both enjoy. And if you've held on to original Strawberry Shortcake toys from your childhood, you may win coolness points by unearthing those for your youngsters as well. (If not, you can buy boatloads of new ones just about anywhere -- Ms. Shortcake is still a marketing juggernaut, which is just about her only downside.)
Other fun choices for parents and kids include The Smurfs, The Flintstones, and Care Bears: Adventures in Care-A-Lot.
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Social BehaviorThe characters work together to resolve differences, enjoy imaginative play, and tout the enjoyment and benefits of reading. Each episode illustrates a positive life lesson. |
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CommercialismNo outright promotion, but the show is likely to increase kids' interest in the many related toys, games, DVDs, and other products available. |
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