Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories
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Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories
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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 Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories blends live action with animation to help develop a love of stories and reading in its young viewers. In the show, several books are introduced by the host and then an animated adaption of the book is narrated, often by a well-known actor. The stories are taken from picture books so nothing very violent happens, but there may be the occasional unkind or frightened character, as well as an appearance of a villain. Monsters are also sometimes present but the sound effects and music accompanying the stories are more playful than scary. Depending on the book, some meanness or insult language ("stupid," etc.) may occur.
What's the Story?
SHELLEY DUVALL'S BEDTIME STORIES is a part live action, part animated show from the early 1990s in which actress Shelly Duvall (The Shining) uses animation to share her favorite children's books. Each "bedtime story" is first introduced by Shelly from a bedroom set with over-the-top props (and in the second season, an animated alarm clock and lamp), then the book is introduced and an actor reads it while animation brings the story to life. Each episode has two stories.
Is It Any Good?
Despite being nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program, this short-lived show from the 1990s probably isn't one parents will remember. In Shelly Duvall's Bedtime Stories, actress Shelly Duvall uses theater scenery and a calming manner to introduce kids to some of her favorite books. The best thing about the show is how intentional it is about conveying a love of reading to its audience. Each episode features an animated adaptation of a book that's narrated by a celebrity. Importantly, a picture of the actual book, as well as the name of the author and illustrator, are all featured prominently before the story starts. Young viewers settling into this show will come away not only with a new story, but hopefully with a newfound excitement for reading.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why reading a bedtime story is a favorite nighttime routine for so many kids. Do you enjoy reading a story in bed before going to sleep? Why or why not?
Talk about the way the narrators of the books change their voices depending on the tone of the story. What else helps convey the intent of the story?
Do you prefer watching the animated version of these stories or reading the book yourself? How are the experiences different?
TV Details
- Cast: Shelley Duvall, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman
- Network: Peacock
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Book Characters
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: January 1, 2023
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