 | 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. |
Nanalan'
- PBS
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
Common Sense Media says
Little ones will love this charming puppet show.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that even though this very kid-friendly program is intended for preschoolers, it's charming enough that parents will get a giggle as well. Kids learn about love, patience, cooperation, and respect through funny skits and games. The show also encourages children's curiosity and love of learning and also features grandparents as caretakers.
What's the story?
Created by world-famous puppet troupe The Grogs, NANALAN' is a wonderful preschool program that tells the story of a very funny and curious 3-year-old named Mona (voiced by Jamie Shannon). Every day, Mona's mother drops Mona off at her nana's, where she learns and plays. Like most preschoolers, Mona is very excited to explore the world around her. She loves to chat with Nana's neighbors, collect bugs, and play with Nana's dog, Russell.
Is it any good?
Nanalan' succeeds in capturing kids' concerns and perceptions and is usually spot on with its sense of humor. Some of the puppets, like Nana (who's voiced by Jason Hopley), have quite detailed human like faces, while others -- like Mona -- have simpler features. But all of them respond to situations in funny, charming ways.
Emotional responses to curious discoveries is a very important aspect of a preschooler's life, and Nanalan' captures this excitement perfectly. It also depicts a positive relationship between Mona and her nana -- a caretaking example that helps kids learn that families come in all types and sizes and that every family situation is unique. All in all, Nanalan' will delight your little ones and will probably make you giggle as well.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the relationship Mona has with her nana. In every episode, Mona's mother drops her off to be looked after by her grandmother; this could spark some good discussion about contemporary family dynamics. Why does Nana look after Mona? What makes a family a family? How do you think Mona feels about spending her afternoons with her nana?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great for young and young at heart!
My 20 month old granddaughter loves it. She runs to the tv as soon as she hears the music for the show. She stands and watches the whole program and repeats many of the words they say. She relates to this show, and I hope it stays on the air for a long time. She is not very interested in cartoon type shows, but does enjoy Franny's feet also.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 2 years old
December 4, 2011
AGE
good job
my 2 year old grand son loves Nana. he runs to the tv when he heres the music. he dont watch all cartoons. its exciting.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
February 15, 2011
AGE
Good for babys! NOT kids 8= trust me! Me and my friends HATE it!
HORRIBLE!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Really great show!!
Sooo adorable and fun to watch for both kids and adults! Great situations for kids to learn from. Neat little touches like the natural way the Nana talks to Mona, almost unscripted sounding sometimes. Want to have a bit of extra fun? Try just listening to the Puppet Show put on by Mr. Woonka, without watching - it sounds hilarious!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
an innocent squeaky clean kiddie show but good for anyone
I love this show. I might be sixteen, but some little kid shows are actually interesting
There is nothing wrong, everything is squeaky clean, and just like Raggs, it is over-all
quality edutainment. The characters are all nice, and it shows good messages and intra-family relationships
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderful Show!
Absolutely delightful show!
Love it as much as 16 month old grandson!
Charming and just plain great!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Pre-school Treasure
I ran into Nanalan' while looking for programs that were good for my Grandson of 2 1/2 years. He LOVED it and was riveted to the tv when it was on.
The values and laid-back pace of this program are great for him and I too love the relationship between Mona and her Grandmother.
This is a puppet show done by a great group of puppeteers called The Grogs. The shows are done in 1/2 hour segments and are a great relief from the manic nature of most childhood fare on the waves today. Highly recommended to all children, as well as parents-grandparents too!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Nanalan' Rocks!
Trust me, Nanalan' RULES!!! Characters are great, good plots, great puppetry, and funny! It airs on some PBS Networks (along with Franny's Feet), but not all. It's GREAT FOR ALL!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | friendship, puppets |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | Ali Eisner, Jamie Shannon, Jason Hopley |
| Genre: | Kids Musical TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
