JoJo & Gran Gran
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sweet British series celebrates grandparents, diversity.
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JoJo & Gran Gran
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Based on 3 parent reviews
A way to entertain all ages without flashy agendas
What's the Story?
Based on the children's book series by early childhood education expert Laura Henry, JOJO AND GRAN GRAN is a British animated series about a little girl and her grandmother. JoJo (voiced by Taiya Samuel) is almost five, and lives with her mother and father. But when they go to work, JoJo and her stuffed panda spend time with her beloved Gran Gran (Cathy Tyson), who lives nearby, and always has something fun planned for them to do together. Between their adventures, live-action scenes of kids talking about, or doing activities that are similar to Gran Gran and JoJo's, are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet and charming series explores a special relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. Gran Gran and JoJo go on a range of daily adventures together, including going to the park, repurposing old items into fun new things, and sending newly colored pictures to Great Gran Gran (Llewella Gideon) in Saint Lucia. Throughout it all, Gran Gran gently teaches JoJo new things, like how to check the weather forecast, and how to stamp and post a letter.
The show's universal themes are inspired by the passage of time, whether it be an afternoon spent catching a bus, or the passing of the seasons. All of them will resonate with young kids. But what also makes JoJo & Gran Gran worth the watch is the way it acknowledges and celebrates the enormous role grandparents often play in children's lives. It also highlights the value of the extended family. The diverse cast, which is mostly Black and British, also sets it apart from other shows geared towards preschoolers. Overall, it's a lovely series full of valuable lessons that kids on both sides of the Atlantic will benefit from.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their relationships with different family members. Do you have a grandparent or extended family member that you spend a lot of time with? What makes them special? Are any of your adventures similar to the ones featured in JoJo & Gran Gran?
What things does Gran Gran do to to help JoJo when she gets worried or frustrated? Does Jojo feel better afterwards?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 16, 2020
- Cast: Cathy Tyson , Taiya Samuel , Llewella Gideon
- Network: CBeebies
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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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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