Nature Cat: A Nature Carol

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Nature Cat: A Nature Carol
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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 Nature Cat: A Nature Carol is a Christmas special in which Nature Cat learns that Christmas is about more than presents. The special also teaches about being environmentally friendly by conserving power, using solar energy, avoiding light and noise pollution, and getting out to enjoy nature in a responsible way.
What's the Story?
NATURE CAT: A NATURE CAROL, an animated take on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, teaches the usual lesson of generosity but adds in a dose of environmentalism as the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future show Nature Cat the error of his ways.
Is It Any Good?
Filled with wit and dry humor along with some ridiculously catchy songs, this is a rendition of Dickens' A Christmas Carol that actually manages to stand out from the crowd. Nature Cat: A Nature Carol has a cast of all the usual suspects, including Tiny Tim and an adorable Scratchit family of mice plus three Christmas ghosts bumbling their way through their respective roles (kids will laugh every time one of them gets cut off just before giving Nature Cat the answer to all his problems). The message of focusing on giving instead of receiving is nicely delivered in a way that's silly instead of preachy. Where this special really goes above and beyond, though, is with its theme of environmental conservationism. Not only does Nature Cat learn to think of others, he also learns to think about the natural world surrounding him and the animals that call it home.
Viewers familiar with Nature Cat already know that what initially seems like a frenetic show that may be too much for some kids soon reveals itself to have a refreshingly wholesome message plus lots of opportunities to learn through humor. But don't get the wrong idea, this is a show adults will enjoy too. A whole host of SNL alumnus lead their voices to the series (including Kate McKinnon, Taran Killam, Bobby Moynihan, and Chris Parnell) and the jokes are every bit as quick and wry as you would expect from a cast of that caliber. It's truly a special the whole family will enjoy -- just be prepared for some tough questions from the kids about the carbon footprint of your holiday decor once it's over.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lesson that Nature Cat learns about the spirit of Christmas. Do you believe it's better to give than receive? How does each make you feel?
How does the Scratchit family demonstrate gratitude? Why is this an important character trait?
How did Nature Cat's idea of Christmas cause harm to the woods and the animals that live there? How can your family do more to help the environment at home this holiday season and the rest of the year?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 30, 2019
- Cast: Kate McKinnon, Taran Killam, Kate Micucci, Bobby Moynihan
- Network: PBS Kids
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Gratitude
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: December 9, 2022
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