Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Music, animation bring timeless tales to life for littles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
HBO Storybook Musicals
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HBO STORYBOOK MUSICALS is a television presentation of a series of illustrated classic children's stories that incorporate musical numbers. From Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter The Rabbit to Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, each installment features a popular children's book that's been animated in a way that stays true to its original illustrations. As the story is narrated, different characters break into song, adding to the storytelling process.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet classic collection of animated popular kid's books from different periods of the 20th century offers lots of storytelling entertainment. The narrations and the visuals of each story stay true to the published book. But the songs, which were written specifically for the televised musicals, add some gentle flair to the overall presentation.
HBO Storybook Musicals appears a bit antiquated when compared to contemporary kid's cartoons. Meanwhile, chances are that parents and grandparents will be the ones to recognize the voice talent, which includes Carol Burnett, Tony Randall, Jason Biggs, and Jonathan Pryce. But young children who love reading, or who are familiar with these stories, will have fun following along. The series is also a great way to introduce these classic stories to new young fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how music contributes to TV and movie storytelling. How can a song, or a score, be used to communicate things like people's emotions, or serve as a way to foreshadow events? Have you ever seen a movie or show where the music or singing isn't helpful to the story?
Does HBO Storybook Musicals, or other TV series and movies based on children's books, spark an interest in learning to read? Or do you think most folks would rather watch a series or movie than read the books it's adapted from?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 18, 1987
- Networks : Max , HBO Family
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Book Characters , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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