Little Bear
Gentle, age-appropriate viewing for preschoolers.
Parents say
Based on 46 reviews
Kids say
Based on 30 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this series is gentle, conscientious, and family-oriented. The pace is perfect for young viewers, and the plot is appropriately concise. Though the educational content is sparse, the characters' utter involvement with nature is a welcome variance from the computer-and-robot themes that dominate so many cartoons for children. Reading Homelund's book and comparing it with the TV series might be a way to delve further into this idyllic realm.
Community Reviews
Little Bear is fine
Report this review
Best tv show for kids age 2 & up!
Report this review
What's the Story?
LITTLE BEAR was introduced to the public as a collaborative effort between author Else Holmelund and legendary illustrator Maurice Sendak. First appearing on television in 1995, Little Bear's mixture of playfulness and heart gained a healthy following.
Is It Any Good?
Animal lovers will enjoy the characters who pal around with Little Bear: There's Cat, who can be crafty around baby birds; Duck, who loves potato salad; Owl, who can at times feel insecure; and Lucy, a little girl who plays with the bunch during the summertime. Mama Bear and Papa Bear trust Little Bear to play with his friends unattended in the forest. Perhaps this reminder of times gone by -- when playing croquet, having picnics, and swimming in the local watering hole were part of daily life -- is the most attractive aspect of this series. If Little Bear inspires families to enjoy such pastoral pleasures, then all the better.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to play outside all the time like Little Bear and his friends do. What would life be like without television, video games, and computers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 6, 1995
- Cast: Janet-Laine Green, Kristin Fairlie, Tara Strong
- Network: Nick Jr.
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Mustard Pancakes
Songs and stories infuse gentle series for tots.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate