Nils Holgersson
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tiny hero's adventures teach him to see new perspectives.
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Nils Holgersson
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What's the Story?
NILS HOLGERSSON follows the adventures of a young boy whose life changes forever when an elf turns him into a tiny human and he sets off with his new goose friend, Martin, and a flock of friends. Rebellious Nils discovers the world looks a lot different when you're mere inches from the ground, but setting a course for the horizon offers endless possibilities. Alongside their new friends Akka, Soft Feather, Gorgo, Pretty Wing, and Golden Eye, Nils and Martin embark on the adventures of their lives.
Is It Any Good?
A classic Swedish literary character comes to life in this beautifully animated CGI series about an imperfect hero. Nils isn't your typical altruistic central figure; he's impish, feisty, and resistant to the advice of his elders, whether they be human or bird. Sometimes his actions and reactions cause more trouble than they solve, but even then he demonstrates solid leadership and courage, which works to the benefit of his friends.
Nils Holgersson is lovely to watch, and kids will enjoy the conglomerate of personalities among the flock into which Nils and Martin adopt. Strong messages about friendship, compassion, and being open to new experiences stand out in the stories. There's also a sense of fantasy and new perspective that comes of Nils's magical transformation. While he's not a traditional hero in the sense that many animated characters are, the fact that Nils is relatable because of his flaws has some merit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Nils evolves as his story does. How does experiencing life from a different perspective change how he feels about helping others and extending kindness? How are we shaped by our experiences and surroundings?
What other literary characters do you enjoy seeing transfer to the screen? Are there others besides Nils Holgersson you'd like to see made into movies or TV shows?
What are some of Nils's best and worst qualities? Does the good outweigh the bad with him? Do you find this is true in your real-life relationships, too? What kind of behavior are you willing to forgive in your friends?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 1, 2017
- Cast: Michael Dobson, Andrew Francis, Erin Mathews
- Network: Comcast
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Book Characters
- Character Strengths: Courage
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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