Tools for this page
Print

Big Sister & Little Brother

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 0; suggested age 2.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

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

Themes in this show include:   family relationships

Why We Rated This on for Ages 2 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Very basic (and therefore preschooler-friendly) lessons in topics like problem resolution.
  • Messages:

    The siblings and their parents encounter and resolve conflicts together.
  • Role models:

    The parents are caring and involved with their kids, helping them resolve the issues that come up in each brief episode.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Big Sister & Little Brother was written by Audrey Shapiro

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Big Sister & Little Brother

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?

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.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Big Sister & Little Brother?

or

to post a review

See all 2 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    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.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    CUDDLY

    ITS FUNNY

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    foursquare

    foursquare

    Is this social network too risky for your child?

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    All the World

    All the World

    Endearing art, rhythmic poem celebrate the flow of life.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

    Fave brainy bunny hops to DS for learning romp that talks.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name