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Big Sister & Little Brother (Sprout)

common sense media says

Charming 5-minute 'toon with young-family lessons.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this 5-minute program for preschoolers (sandwiched between Sprout's longer, 15-minute shows) provides a positive, realistic look at the daily life of families with young children. The animated characters make only gurgling baby sounds -- adults included -- instead of talking. The show is narrated by a soothing male voice who speaks as though he's reading a story. The kids play together and encounter conflicts, which are resolved with the help of their parents. Issues range from sharing and playing fairly to following household rules, being safe, and conquering fears.

Educational value: Very basic (and therefore preschooler-friendly) lessons in topics like problem resolution.
Positive messages: The siblings and their parents encounter and resolve conflicts together.
Positive role models: The parents are caring and involved with their kids, helping them resolve the issues that come up in each brief episode.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Big Sister & Little Brother

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what it means to be a big or little sibling. Why does the big sister or brother usually have to set the good example?
  • How can Mom or Dad help you when there's a problem, and when do you think you can work it out with your brother or sister?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Sandwiched between Sprout's longer, 15-minute shows, each 5-minute installment of BIG SISTER & LITTLE BROTHER follows the adventures of Big Sister, who's about 3, and Little Brother, who's only 1. Just like real-life young kids, they play, share, laugh, cry, get scared, feel frustrated, and find trouble. Mom and Dad help them navigate it all, and each episode ends with the velvety voiced narrator's affirmation, "Big sister and little brother are happy now" -- representing every parent's hard-won goal of keeping the peace.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Big Sister & Little Brother is a warm, simply drawn animated gem that's rich in messages for its intended audience. Despite how quickly each episode goes by, the show's pacing is soothing, and the messages are easy to grasp.

Succinct storylines and adorable characters with gurgling sound effects make the show engaging for young kids and will even elicit a few giggles from older kids and adults. And, like many good kids shows, episodes include themes parents will relate to -- watching Dad try not to lose his cool managing two small kids, for one.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: Sprout
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Sprout
This review was written by Audrey Shapiro
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

lorilouhoo
parent of 6 year old
2
 
Excellent show for young kids
Love it! Reminds mw of almost every family with young kids and how great parents would deal with every day problems accociated with raising a family.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (10)
YEYE
teen, 17 years old
2
 
CUDDLY
ITS FUNNY
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
haddad fan
kid, 12 years old
17
 
for bratz!
brats only!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (8)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines