 | 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. |
Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat
- PBS
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Wonderful series based on Amy Tan's kids' book.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this delightful show not only introduces a taste of Chinese language and culture, but it also often centers around Chinese moral lessons, such as respecting elders, making appropriate choices, acting honorably, and looking after the good of the whole. This series can be appreciated by all audiences.
What's the story?
Based on a book by Amy Tan, SAGWA THE CHINESE SIAMESE CAT is set in an Imperial estate, where Sagwa (voiced by Holly Gauthier-Frankel) is the middle child in a family of cats. She plays with her siblings and sometimes verbally jousts with them, but she always takes care of her conflicts in a responsible way. Sagwa's grandparents are held in the highest esteem and treasured as role models -- Sagwa's family embraces individuality while encouraging family harmony. This series presents a thorough introduction to another culture: Chinese characters are shown, Mandarin Chinese is sung and spoken, mythological animals such as dragons are referred to, and the food, dress and customs are Chinese. Sagwa's best friend, Fu Fu (Rick Jones), is a bat whose name in Chinese means "lucky bat," and her grandfather (Neil Shee) is called "Yeh Yeh," which is an affectionate term for grandfather.
Is it any good?
This program seeks to culturally enrich its viewers and its beautiful visuals are a calming treat for the sensitive viewer. Sagwa doesn't attempt to appropriate another culture -- it actually immerses itself in its own, down to the tiniest details. The brief interlude between episodes -- called "What about you?" -- features real children discussing their interests and ideas. Such fortitude makes this program much more than yet another kids show -- it's one worth exploring with your kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it means to act honorably, why respecting your elders is important, and how family is important everywhere, in every country throughout history. Families can also discuss the cultural details they see. How are the clothes and customs different?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Wow!
A brilliant series! Gorgeous to watch. Doesn't pander to kids and is watchable by adults. Easily surpasses Arthur. I wish this was on DVD more.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great Intro to China
This show is a great introduction to Chinese culture without being preachy. It teaches important Chinese values and encourages kids to learn about other cultures. Chinese words, food, customs, and martial arts are introduced.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH!!! \MY MOM EVEN LIKED IT!! I LEARNED HOW TO WRITE THE WORD RAIN IN CHINESE FROM THIS SHOW.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Absolutely Adorable
When I was little I used to watch it. I'm Chinese-American myself and it's nice to see there's a show about it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Boring!
Sagwa is just a little too boring for me. Sure, it has some adventures and even life-threatning situations, but I just don't like it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
November 27, 2011
AGE
WOA!
Ok, to start out in the theme song, fat people look at Sagwa creepily! Secondly, Sagwa sounds like a bad word in Chinese! WAY too many fat people are told that they should lose a few pounds, and "Hapanyo Sagwa" sounds WAY too much like "Hop-on-yo-Sagwa"! There was one episode where they are trapped in a cave, and the bat tries to rape Sagwa in the dark! NOT FOR KIDS!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I used to watch this when I was younger
It's a cute little show. I don't like it as much now, but I'm older. It teaches some about China so it's educational.
Written on 9/11/1
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This is one of the best shows on TV...
I really enjoy Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat. It teaches you a lesson on every episode, and I learn a lot about other cultures through watching this. It's educational and entertaining at the same time!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
must see for any pre-schooler
this show is adorable and I used to love it!! its has NO bad content, anyone can watch this. but i would say that kids will outgrow it by the time they are 7 or 8
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | Holly Gauthier-Frankel, Oliver Grainger, Rick Jones |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
