Common Sense Media Review
Inspiration for baby games when TV is turned off.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Using a puppet version of the beloved central character in Dorothy Kunhardt's Pat the Bunny book, PAT THE BUNNY: PLAYDATES is structured as four 15-minute playdates for very young children. Each segment depicts babies and toddlers interacting with a plush bunny puppet, doting parents, and each other as they do simple activities like peek-a-boo, playing with bubbles, and pouring sand. All are games that enhance the social and mental development of the age group -- 6 to 36 months -- at which it is aimed.
Is It Any Good?
Scenes of giggling, gurgling babies interacting with puppets on a brightly colored set may hold the attention of babies and toddlers. Dialog and peppy song lyrics are simple for even young children to understand, and each concept, from looking in the mirror to imitating sounds, is shown from multiple perspectives. Basic manners, like asking permission before tickling a friend, are also reinforced.
This DVD works great as a source of ideas for parents and caregivers, who can then turn off the TV and replicate the activities in real life. As nice as it is to watch a gentle scene of a baby feeling different textures, how much more valuable would it be to your baby to sit in your lap with a Pat the Bunny board book?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the four playdates and then decide which activities might best suit their baby. Like the individual playdates, you can choose a single theme like making sounds or moving and group a few short activities together for your child. Try using a favorite stuffed animal to help the play along.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 4, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : March 4, 2008
- Cast : Jean Kunhardt
- Studio : Genius Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 62 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : not rated
- Last updated : January 6, 2026
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