Mike the Knight

This vibrant series will win over young fans with its fun-filled glimpse of a time and place filled with kings, Vikings, trolls, and wizards, but it offers plenty more depth beyond its visual appeal. Preschoolers will instantly identify with Mike's adventurous spirit and determination to be older and wiser than his years. His go-getter mentality has its positive points, but kids will also see that his haste to prove himself often gets him into some trouble, at which point he must rethink his actions to solve the problems they've caused. Sometimes the trouble relates to a friend's feelings, while other times it means he's shirked on his responsibilities. Whatever the problem, Mike is up to the challenge of fixing it -- and in the process, he learns important lessons about being a big kid.

Central to the Mike the Knight's positive messages is the fact that Mike is rarely alone in his adventures. His circle of compatriots encourages and guides him, even when he doesn't realize it's happening, and each one pitches in to help when Mike finds himself in a jam. The lesson here is clear: In order to "Be a knight and do it right," as Mike says, you must find good examples to follow and then set one yourself. Impressive stuff from a delightful cartoon.