Parents' Guide to

Caillou

By Tara Swords, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Kids can relate to this sweet, curious explorer.

TV PBS Kids' Animation 1997
Caillou Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 5+

Based on 55 parent reviews

avenuecity949
avenuecity949 Adult
October 3, 2019
age 2+

A great motivation to the daily early childhood days

When I was 15 in 2015, when I go online, someone recommended this cartoon to me, and I watched it for the first time, I found the show interactive to younger children and it motivates them to learn, play and dream big.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
Bumble L.
Bumble L. Adult
May 5, 2018
age 2+

Is this website seriously recommending this for children?

I'll be frank. I'm not one of those cringeworthy parents who insists every little complex or suggestive topic in a movie/show automatically makes it a bad movie/show for children and in general. However, I WILL guarantee nyou that Caillou is a horrible influence on children and not even an engaging show overall. Before I get into the show's utterly awful protagonist, I want to state that the animation style and direction is absolutely awful. The narrator points out every little obvious thing happening on-screen that even children doesn't need it, and it's basically making Caillou more annoying than he already is by explaining every little thing he feels. The art and animation is boring and unengahing and the jarring usage of primary colors throughout the show is completely distracting and even fails at an aesthetic sense. The stories are full of absolutely nothing except for Caillou whining whenever things are not done the way he wants. His parents are just there giving him what he desires, which would honestly cause kids themselves to believe the same thing. And here's the worst thing in this entire show: Caillou himself. Goodness he is a horrible child. He whines whenever he doesn't get his way, acts like a brat and expects special treatment, and fails the acknowledge the concept of no in which his parents apparently don't know either. He is an awdaw, self-entitled child and a dreadful role model to any boy or girl. Parents, for the sake of your child's sanity, (and your own for that matter) please never allow them to watch this show. It's not inappropriate, it's not violent, it's just plain stupid. P.S. you guys should add a "Too Much Stupidity" option, as I would spam that towards this show to oblivion.
2 people found this helpful.
See all 55 parent reviews

What's the Story?

CAILLOU is an enjoyable cartoon about a 4-year-old boy who lives with his parents and little sister, Rosie. Each program has a theme and is divided into several short, attention-holding sections that mix animation, puppet skits, and video of kids in real-life situations. It's a colorful program, sometimes quiet and sometimes lively, and it captivates kids. In four animated stories, Caillou learns lessons about the day's theme and solves problems, often with some adult guidance. He talks and acts like a 4-year-old, which offers parents good talking points after the show.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (55 ):
Kids say (247 ):

Some of Caillou's reactions to situations are quite realistic: When he breaks a friend's bucket in the sandbox, the friend tells him that she doesn't want to play with him anymore. Caillou sulks, and when his mother asks him what's wrong, he doesn't at first 'fess up to breaking his friend's toy. A narrator explains Caillou's true intentions to viewers: He's embarrassed. Caillou might also make a sour face or protest if asked to do something he doesn't want to do, but the narrator usually explains his motives. Overall, he displays realistic reactions -- which might make Caillou more companion than role model. But he always gets the life lesson -- and viewers will, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Caillou's various themes: welcoming a new sibling, learning how to make and keep friends, the importance of caring for pets and the environment, and so on.

  • Young kids might see similarities between their actions and Caillou's. How do kids feel about the way the character behaves? What section of the show does your child respond to the most?

  • How do the characters in Caillou demonstrate curiosity and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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