 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Caillou
- PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Kids can relate to this sweet, curious explorer.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character is a sweet, curious child who loves to explore the world. The program sometimes deals with intense emotions such as fear, anger, loneliness, anxiety, and empathy, but they're presented in a straightforward manner that will help kids, not frighten them. The character sometimes exhibits realistic behavior typical of a 4-year-old.
What's the story?
CAILLOU is an enjoyable cartoon about a 4-year-old boy who lives with his parents and little sister, Rosie. Each program has a theme and is divided into several short, attention-holding sections that mix animation, puppet skits, and video of kids in real-life situations. It's a colorful program, sometimes quiet and sometimes lively, and it captivates kids. In four animated stories, Caillou learns lessons about the day's theme and solves problems, often with some adult guidance. He talks and acts like a 4-year-old, which offers parents good talking points after the show.
Is it any good?
Some of Caillou's reactions to situations are quite realistic: When he breaks a friend's bucket in the sandbox, the friend tells him that she doesn't want to play with him anymore. Caillou sulks, and when his mother asks him what's wrong, he doesn't at first 'fess up to breaking his friend's toy. A narrator explains Caillou's true intentions to viewers: He's embarrassed. Caillou might also make a sour face or protest if asked to do something he doesn't want to do, but the narrator usually explains his motives. Overall, he displays realistic reactions -- which might make Caillou more companion than role model. But he always gets the life lesson -- and viewers will, too.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the series' various themes: welcoming a new sibling, learning how to make and keep friends, the importance of caring for pets and the environment, and so on.
Young kids might see similarities between their actions and Caillou's. How do kids feel about the way the character behaves? What section of the show does your child respond to the most?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Real life!!
Stanley is PERFECT, but Caillou is REAL. My 4 year old likes it. He can relate to the issues that Caillou faces and understand Caillou's frustration. The show is from HIS perspective, not the "perfect child" that us adults expect! And, we can actually talk about the show after- how Caillou should have handled things better. My son can pat himself on the back and laugh at Caillou's not so perfect behavior knowing he often does it better!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
No, No, No, No, No!!!!!
Wouldn't you know it! The one thing my daughter learned from Caillou was how to whine! While there is always a positive message at the end, it is lost in all the whining. This show is a definite no-no in our house.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways....
Aahgh. I agree with other reviewers who complain that their children have begun to whine and be afraid of monsters after watching this show. Mine has done the same, and she also began to say that she "hates" things, and that she "gives up". Plus, what is with Caillou's parents? They never seem to be aware of what their children are up to, and they put up with behavior that doesn't get tolerated in my house, such as tantrums and whiny backtalk! They also seem to favor Caillou's little sister-mother especially seems to spend more time with her, while palming Caillou off on his dad, and when they find themselves unexpectedly without a sitter, they leave their kids with the weird old man who lives next door, whom they don't seem to know all that well. (Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, since they gave their son a name that translates as "pebble." I grew up during the seventies and knew a lot of people like that, none of whom I would trust with a child). Caillou gives up far too easily, cries far too much, and has a voice that even my little one finds piercing and annoying (when he whines "AWWWW!" I feel like banging my head against a wall). The only things my daughter has gleaned from this program are a few annoying habits-I'm not saying that a show which is strictly entertainment is a bad thing, BUT-we won't be watching this anymore. I can't imagine that this would benefit younger kids in any way, shape, or form, and older ones will probably be turned off by Caillou's immaturity (I can't believe that this kid is supposed to be four! I initially thought he was about two.) I only chose an age above because the site says I have to-if I could have bypassed that feature, I would have.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Whiny but not Bad
Caillou is sometimes whiny and is not really a "role model" but does act like a typical 4 year old. The show encourages kids to explore and ask questions.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Shows Kids how to Whine to get their way!
I work in a daycare and have witnessed the effect this show has on kids. Every time during our 25 minute/day TV break if this show was on the kids obviously began acting like Caliou the second it went off. Constantly throwing tantrums and whining about everything. I never even give it a chance with my kids at home.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Anyone Watched the New Caillou? April 2, 1998 – October 4, 2010 (Canada)
Caillou used to be whiny, but now, he isn't. The Show's is now Animatied in Flash rather than in Korea and Caillou is now voiced by Annie Bovaird. Becuase somehow Jaclyn Linetsky died in some car addcendint. But Bryn McAuley voiced Season 1 and is still alive but i don't know why he gave up voicing Caillou, But he proably go tired of it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
My kids love it and it sooo much better than teletubbies!
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. Unless most of you have stepford kids, then kids aren't perfect all the time. I love the fact that Caillou isn't perfect. When my son became a big brother and as my daughter has grown, he's been able to look at Caillou and see that he's not the only one. Plus Caillou and Rosie always end up getting along and playing together. The situations are realistic in how a young child feels and then my kids can talk about them.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I will never understand...
My daughter loves Caillou, however her father and I hate him!! She rarely emulates his whiny behavior, but it is so annoying to watch. However, she learns from it, and the message is pretty good. Also, it seems like Caillou and Rosie have aged since the start of the show, they both speak better and can do more things now. I don't know if this is just more advanced animation, but it seems like they are trying to show Caillou in a realistic way. Thats the only part of it I really like.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Too whiny.
The previous reviews are right - Caillou is too whiny. Don't bother with this one, you'll regret it!! While there is nothing "inappropriate" Caillou is a poor role model. Stick with Curious George or Sesame Street or even Mickey Mouse!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Relatable and realistic model for young kids, and parents!
I love Caillou, and so does my 4-year-old. The most striking difference between Caillou and other cartoon characters geared toward young kids is that Caillou makes mistakes, doesn't succeed at everything he tries, and exhibits typical young child behavior. Sure Caillou whines and acts out at times, and the behavior is not rewarded; it is, however acknowledged and validated. It is perfectly healthy to feel sad or angry or jealous at times, and in the end Caillou learns something and his parents respond to his needs appropriately. Dora et al always have the answer, need no parental guidance, and succeed at everything they attempt; they are not realistic role models for young kids. Caillou is about everyday life, common problems and situations, how they make us feel, and how best to learn from our experiences.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | Annie Bovaird, Ellen David, Graeme Jokic |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
