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Jane and the Dragon (ION, NBC, qubo)

common sense media says

Medieval adventure is a soaring delight.

parents & educators say
  • 31% say there are positive role models
See all 23 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this excellent computer-animated series is set in medieval England. Although the main character is supposed to become a lady-in-waiting, she decides that she wants to be a knight instead and befriends a dragon. Jane is a strong, independent female role model, and the show's themes of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness make it great for young grade-schoolers.

Educational value: Not curriculum-based, but kids will pick up life lessons about topics like teamwork and cooperation.
Positive messages: The show promotes positive social messages/themes such as friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness.
Positive role models: Jane pushes the boundaries of expectations and is a positve role model for girls.
Violence & scariness: As a would-be knight, Jane carries (and knows how to use) a sword.
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 Jane and the Dragon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about Jane's challenges as she grows up and navigates her social world. Have you ever had to pick sides among friends? What caused the problem? What was your solution?

  • Younger kids can also talk about the show's plot points. What happened in this episode? What did the characters learn?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Based on Martin Baynton's storybooks, JANE AND THE DRAGON may lack the fantasy violence of other cartoons, but it certainly doesn't lack action. That's because main character Jane (voiced by Tajja Isen) is a spirited young girl who'd rather play with her friends and patrol her kingdom with her dragon (Adrian Truss) than fuss about and learn what's expected of a young woman in medieval times. Jane grows up in the confines of the royal court, where it's her destiny to become a lady-in-waiting. But thanks to a little determination (some might even call it stubbornness), she proves herself and joins the King's Knight Guard. The adventures that follow are full of lessons in bravery, conflict resolution, and patience that build Jane's character and teach her about the realities of growing up.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Full of humor and excellent messages, Jane and the Dragon offers girls a fantastic role model who's smart, confident, and has big dreams -- and the determination to chase after them. With its lovable characters, engaging story lines, and wit reminiscent of the Shrek series, Jane and the Dragon may capture the attention of the entire family.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y
Network: ION
Cast: Adrian Truss, Tajja Isen
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: ION
This review was written by Andrea Graham
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4
Based on 13 parent & educator reviews:
  • 31% say there are positive role models
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

butswana
parent of 7 year old
5
 
my oldest grandson likes dragons, so he already hooked. and Jane being a girl ,as long as she's strong,fearless,and can stick with the boys she's in....At five.she is another playmate as far as he's concern. But he seems to like the little adventures that they go through more when the dragon appears. I sit with him when he's at my house and we watch it together, I must say I like the stories myself ,I wouldn't change not one thing.This kind of show lets kids see both sides of the coin.You can then ask questions on how or what your child feelings are about the situations.We have talks about what we just saw almost after every show. And it helps him solve his own problems,I have notice by something he already seen on a show. So keep up the great job your doing and keep the dragon alive for my son please.(smile) He may not grasp everything that goes on in the show but he will ask me what does that mean,when he don't get it..
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mkalv
teen, 17 years old
5
 
An unknown show.
This show may not be too popular, but I like it. It is definitely the best show on Qubo!
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acolback
parent of and 2 , 4 , 6 year old
6
 
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carolcathey
adult
2
 
I am lifted and my moral character is supported by this program.
Every episode of Jane and the Dragon give me pause, teach me lessons, and make me think on the Aristotelian plane regarding how I treat my fellow human beings. Every episode has a message, an example of how things can seem to be diametrically opposed, but that in reality, the code of a knight indicates that only one path may be followed in order to "Do The Right Thing". I am a highly educated adult, and I need these messages to reinforce the ideals that I was taught. So do Today's children.
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woodcut
adult
 
Jane/ Dragon ROCKS !
I'm an adult, and I watch this show every Sat. morning in San Francisco. It has great characters, funny yet meaningful story lines, and may inspire kids to look into computer art as a career. One of the best shows on TV !
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adawn77
educator
6
 
i like the show verry much
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MADLover
kid, 11 years old
2
 
THIS SHOW MAKES ME CRY! WORSE THAN AQAU TEEN HUNGER FORSE!
HORRIBLE!
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azmomof2boys
parent
3
 
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kann200618
adult
4
 
I love the show
I am 20 and I love watching Jane and the Dragon. I watch every night at 11:30 before I go to bed. There is just something about this show that hucked me and I just stayed. The emotions that Dragon have melt my heart and Jane and his closness that melt my soul. Its a good show to let young girls know that you can be what you want to be. You may have to work a little bit harder but you will seep the reward.
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mcharry
parent of 5 year old
4
 
Jane is a great role model for young girls. The dragon is very funny. I love the theme song!
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CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
Great Detail
I loved the Medieval detail in Jane and the Dragon, and how Jane broke stereotypical roles by training to be a knight. She is a good role-model and always tries to do what is right. Though the characters are strangely thin, the animation is very good over-all. It is also good for more than one age group, and though it is intended for young audiences, it will not seem as corny to adults as some childrens' shows.
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Junebud
parent of 24 and 26 year old
2
 
Very sophisticated handling of human emotions!
I'm a 61 year old educator and a feminist since the early 70's. I LOVE THIS SHOW! I love that Jane is the heroine. I love the real and often quite subtle human emotions that every character shows, and I love that these emotions are deeply respected and dealt with. I am always impressed by the emotion-driven motives in the show, and the emotional growth that happens in every episode. This show could be a catalist for excellent classroom discussions!
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lam212121
teen, 16 years old
2
 
happy every day
I'm a Chinese and live in HK Island, I watch Pearl TV at this afternoon, I like the Dragon very much. I think I can lean English in the cartoon film, so I want to review this film again. Thanks !
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Quarrithbrakka
adult
 
Wonderful and wholesome stories for children of all ages.
I accidentally came across Jane and the Dragon, and now I watch it every chance I get...AND I recommend it to all the students I teach, Great show! I wish there were more like it. I would give it 10 stars if that was possible! I am now hoping there will be last-season videos offered for sale soon. I will buy them all!!!!
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jesssi
adult
 
we all watch!!!
This is not a show just for girls. I have 3 boys and one girl. We all sit and watch Jane and root for her. It has helped eliminate the "you can't cuz youre a girl" from my boys vocab!! Mom and Dad enjoy this too. It is one show that has captured all of us. Speaks of honesty and honor and integrity not just problem solving. Also Jane always keeps her word,refreshing!
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MLW - Jane Rocks!
parent
6
 
Jane - A wonderful heroine for children 2-92!
Jane and the Dragon is one of my favourite childrens series. I have all the DVD's. Jane is an inspiring role model for my two girls 8 & 10. She is funny, strong, kind, thoughtful and fair. The storyline is interesting and provides just the right mix of excitement and a little moralising. Well done Weta Workshop and Nelvana. At last a story that doesn't scream at you with banal, smart semi adult remarks that put people down. This is a sensitive, subtle story that appeals to all ages. The music is great. Jane is a heroine to be reckoned with!!! Big fan!!!
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kid, 12 years old
2
 
it should be TV-Y7 (not TV-Y). But Most Appropriate for kids under 6 or 7 will dislike Qubo. Someone says "Fr*ggin" and "freaking" is not good, they put a slang on it
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teen, 14 years old
2
 
it should be TV-Y7 (not TV-Y). But Most Appropriate for kids under 6 or 7 will dislike Qubo. Someone says "Fr*ggin" and "freaking" is not good, they put a slang on it
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helped me decide (21) | had useful details (21) | read my mind (21)

kid, 11 years old
2
 
it should be TV-Y7 (not TV-Y). But Most Appropriate for kids under 6 or 7 will dislike Qubo. Someone says "Fr*ggin" and "freaking" is not good, they put a slang on it
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helped me decide (21) | had useful details (21) | read my mind (21)
Oceanseve
parent of and 2 , 3 , 4 year old
2
 
Great show
Great storylines, great characters, I wish they had made a second season. Everyone in our house enjoys it from my husband and me to my 1 and 2 year olds. The only thing some may not care for is a little bit of sparring in a few episodes. Another episode also shows a skeleton, not in a scary way, but it is there. My kids haven't even asked about it. One thing I love about it is Gunther the antihero in the show is not a horrible enemy, but a somewhat friend and knows when things have gone to far and helps solve the problem. Great show!
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helped me decide (18) | had useful details (18) | read my mind (20)

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