Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this animated series' simple, endearing characters and funny storylines are well-intentioned, conveying messages about self-awareness, sharing, reponsibility, and other positive values. As children's television shows go, it's benign enough and makes the effort to teach important social skills.
Families can talk about the problem or dilemma Wubbzy faces in each episode. What's bothering Wubbzy in this episode? If Wubbzy's in trouble, how did he end up in this predicament? Did he do something irresponsible -- if so, what was it? How does he resolve his problem? What do Widget and Walden do to help? What did you learn from the episode?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Larisa Wiseman
Aimed at preschoolers, WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! features a cute, bouncy, and rather nondescript (but somewhat squirrel-like) yellow fellow named Wubbzy and his friends Widget and Walden (who also appear to be animals of some sort). They all live in the whimsical, pastel-colored world of Wuzzleburg and share all sorts of adventures, from racing a super-souped-up vehicle in a derby to looking after Wubbzy's strange new pet.
Wubbzy (voiced by Grey DeLisle) is a carefree little guy who just wants to have fun; naturally, his escapades sometimes get him into trouble. Luckily, Widget (Lara Jill Miller) is a mechanical whiz who's always willing to help Wubbzy out of a jam, and bookish Walden (Carlos Alazraqui) is never without some pearls of wisdom when Wubbzy needs guidance. The three friends face the same kinds of interpersonal and developmental issues that preschoolers face -- such as fitting in and getting along with others -- and they have to figure out how to resolve those issues.
In one episode, for example, Wubbzy is self-conscious about his tail, especially when others make fun of it. But he eventually learns that his tail makes him unique -- and it also turns out to be quite useful. After each episode, the themes of the day are reinforced through a direct-to-camera segment in which the characters address viewers, sometimes incorporating the episode's themes into a music video of sorts.
Although the series' animation is unremarkable -- the colors and depth pale in comparison to many other popular preschooler cartoons, such as Noggin's The Backyardigans -- the storylines are simple, engaging, and funny, and the characters are cute and energetic. Unfortunately, it's likely that some young viewers will be bored by the flat visuals, but hopefully they'll watch long enough to absorb the show's positive messages.
A more engaging animated series -- visually as well as plot-wise -- that also supports preschool social skills is Noggin's Franklin.
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