Charlie and Lola

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Brit siblings set good examples; great for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the animation in this delightful cartoon is beautiful, the characters are charming and funny, and the stories are simple and sweet. It's a great show for parents and kids to watch together and can inspire not only laughter, but also creative projects based on the wonderful, collage-like animation.


What's the story?

CHARLIE AND LOLA is based on a series of books by Laura Childs. From across the pond come two articulate siblings who are utterly disarming with their English accents. Their voices and character bring to life the stories and animation of the books from which they were born. Charlie is a sensible 7-year-old, and Lola is his younger sister. She's dramatic and adorable -- when she decides she wants to be cast as the sun in the school play, nothing will stop her, not even being told she didn't get the part. Her brother helps guide her decisions and always gets a laugh out of his sister's antics.


Is it any good?

 

Charlie and Lola's animation is beautiful; its simple drawings interspersed with real photographs give the show the look of a collage. The stories are simple and sweet, with Charlie helping Lola to get to school on time, feel better when she's sick, and get over being cast as a leaf.

Lola always finds the positive side to her situations -- and Charlie is always there to guide her. Both parents and kids will adore this brilliant program.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about the relationship between the siblings. Is it reflective of your family? What can your kids learn about consideration from this show? Do your kids watch out for one another? What do your kids think about the series' animation and artwork?


This review of Charlie and Lola was written by
Parent of 5 year old
January 19, 2011
 
Toddler through kindergarten; older kids won't be as interested
My 5 year old son loved this when he was 2-4, but he doesn't watch it much anymore. He hasn't dismissed it as too young for him, but I can see that coming soon. It's a really neat show in that these are kids with actual personalities who are fun to watch. Because they use actual kids for the voices, they change actors every so often. To me the writing has diminished in quality from the first few seasons (yes, I'm seriously saying that), and I kind of identify the quality of the show with which voice actors are doing the work. "Oh, this is the first Charlie. It's pretty good." The earliest seasons have the most charm and character to them. They're just very pleasant to watch.
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Teen, 15 years old
January 19, 2011
 
I actually like this show. i dont like most of the new playhouse disney shows but i actually like this one.
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Parent of 3 year old
July 29, 2009
 
We watch it again and again, happily.
The Minnow doesn't watch much television. When she does, it is usually a Charlie and Lola. Eleven minutes of pure fantastic fun. Great graphics, great music, no wacky antics or hit-you-over-the-head lessons. Just a five-ish year-old girl and her nine-ish year-old brother, using their imaginations to enjoy themselves. Lola can't check out the library book she loves and Charlie helps her choose another one. Lola wants to be the bigger one so she can go on the big kid amusement park ride and Charlie pretends to be the little brother so she can see how it feels. Lola wants it to snow every day and Charlie takes her on an imaginary trip to the North and South Poles. Lola and her friend Lotta want to play pretend and Lola has forgotten her suitcase of props. They search the house for other things to pretend with. It's the right mix of simple stories, totally believable emotions, and compelling graphics (all done in black crayon and collage).
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Parent of 3 and 8 year old
March 29, 2011
 
Wonderful sibling lessons
Love the interaction between the older brother Charlie and younger sister Lola. Great values of patience, friendship, and imagination. Very bright and playful shows where the brother helps the sister navigate everyday life issues... cat stuck in tree, busy best friend, not liking hair cuts, scarred of thunderstorms, etc. Enjoyed by both boys and girls. And the English accent adds charm.
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Parent of 18 year old
January 21, 2011
 
This film is actually very good-looking of, can let the children watch more *mesosok*
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Parent of 3 year old
January 23, 2010
 
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Kid, 10 years old
February 22, 2011
 
READ ME!
Even when I am 10 I still like it! Although I think my 3 year old friend likes it more than me!
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Kid, 12 years old
March 19, 2010
 
i ADORE this show!
i'm 12 years old but this is really cute and teaches kids lessons re: imagination. i watch them happily myself!

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Kid, 10 years old
August 10, 2009
 
Very Cute Show I Watched When I Was Little!
I love this show. It's wonderful, really, really wonderful! I couldn't wish for more out of this show. Lola is so silly and Charlie just takes it so well! I love the positive-ness of the show!
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Teen, 13 years old
February 8, 2011
 
i love the disney tv show you won't miss lt
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This review of Charlie and Lola was written by
This review of Charlie and Lola was written by
 

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