Common Sense Reviewer

  • Emily Ashby
  • Emily Ashby
  • Virginia
  • 3 kids: ages 1, 5, 8

About Me

After earning my bachelor's degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, I worked in meeting management for a few years before giving up a paycheck to become a professional mom. Eight years later, I'm blessed to still be at home with my three beautiful kids Megan, Colin, and Clare. Though I've never considered myself a media connoisseur (I'm still entranced by the Smurfs, after all), raising kids in today's culture reminds me of my obligation to conceptualize the media's messages, and I love helping other parents do the same by reviewing for Common Sense Media. When I'm not changing diapers, driving the family taxi, or writing, I enjoy current series like Grey's Anatomy, Dancing With the Stars, and Corner Gas.

What My Kids Love Now

Books like the Disney Fairies series, Berenstain Bears, and Goodnight Moon (at least three times a day); Wii Sports and Wii Play; T-ball and Chinese jump rope; TV classics like Looney Tunes and The Flinstones.

House Rules

TV use is reserved for specific times of the day, and the DVR allows us to fast-forward through those tempting commercials!

When the Kids Are Asleep…

Titles You’ve Reviewed

  • TV: Merry Madagascar

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Funny holiday special spreads goodwill and joy.

    Fans of Madagascar and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will find this ...

  • TV: Fanboy and Chum Chum

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

    If you're looking for deep content and lasting lessons, then this show isn’t for you -- or for your kids. Precious little of it can be applied to reality, especially when it comes to Fanboy and ...

  • TV: The Garfield Show

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Infamous cat's antics are fun, if not exactly message laden.

    Since his introduction in 1978, Garfield has garnered legions of fans, and this series proves that a good dusting is all this oldie needs to make it appealing to a new generation. The show’s CGI ...

  • TV: Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space

    I rate this titleonand give it2.0

    Tame Halloween special doesn't live up to original movie.

    There’s no doubt that this holiday special is intended to capitalize on the success of its full-length predecessor ...

  • TV: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Disney gang mixes adventure and learning for preschoolers.

    It’s hard to go wrong when you mix classic characters with eye-catching, colorful CGI and strong educational content for preschoolers. Put Disney in charge of the operation, and the result is a ...

  • TV: Head Games

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Science trivia show offers brainy fun for families.

    Hosted by comedian Greg Proops and produced by Whoopi Goldberg, Head Games is the Science Channel's first game ...

  • TV: Shelldon

    I rate this titleonand give it2.0

    Oddball characters overshadow messages in floundering show.

    Youthful sea creatures and brightly colored visuals aside, this ocean-set show is no Finding Nemo. The cast is a mish-mash of strange, ...

  • TV: Jungle Junction

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Colorful friends teach preschoolers about solving problems.

    With its delightful cast of critters zipping around their jungle home at preschooler-like speed, Disney combines two surefire kid-pleasers -- animals and vehicles -- into one in this fast-paced ...

  • TV: Gormiti

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Fantasy series has less weapon use than other action 'toons.

    This action-adventure cartoon doesn't really stand out from the crowd of similar choices aimed at grade-schoolers, but it does have one thing going for it from a parental standpoint: The ...

  • TV: Casper's Scare School

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Kindly ghost's adventures hold kid-friendly messages.

    This enjoyable seriers is filled with quirky characters, fun-filled mayhem, and plenty of imagination. The show’s razor-sharp CGI gives Casper -- and his unusual array of peers -- a modern look ...

  • TV: SuperFetch

    I rate this titleonand give it4.0

    Extreme dog tricks are fun for animal-loving families.

    A self-taught dog expert whose training videos on YouTube unwittingly launched his career, George has a natural affinity for canines that's obvious in all of ...

  • TV: Willa's Wild Life

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Life's a zoo for young girl and her critter pals.

    Based on the book An Octopus Followed Me Home by Oswald creator Dan Yaccarino, this pleasant series will surely appeal to kids' sense of fantasy and adventure. Willa's house is the ...

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