Parents' Guide to

Super WHY!

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Young heroes' adventures build reading skills.

TV PBS Kids Educational 2007
Super WHY! Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 67 parent reviews

Quandale D.
Quandale D. Parent of 4, 6, 7, 10, 15 and 18+-year-old
April 14, 2023
age 2+

Best show ever

This is the best show ever. Everyone should like it.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
ncperez1
ncperez1 Adult
November 6, 2020
age 3+

Very beneficial to children!!!

Super Why! is an awesome TV program about working together, problem-solving, and learning the alphabet. Not only do they learn the letters, but they learn how to combine letters to make words. Each character has a power which illustrates the importance of teamwork. This program is great, especially for children in pre-kinder and kindergarten because by those grades they are learning their sight words. I loved watching this show growing up and it has never sent me the wrong message from when I was a child and even now. Have kids give it a try, if they do not like it that's okay! There are always other educational shows out there.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 67 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When problems arise in Storybrook Village, it's up to the SUPER WHY! Super Readers -- Red (of Little Red Riding Hood fame), Littlest Pig (The Three Little Pigs), Princess Pea (The Princess and the Pea) and Whyatt Beanstalk (Jack's little-known younger brother) -- to don superhero attire and save the day. Once transformed into their alter egos, they leap into the pages of books to gather lessons that will help them solve problems. Each Reader is equipped with a special reading-based skill that helps the team overcome obstacles. Whether it's the ability to transform objects by changing a letter in their name ("wall" to "ball," for instance) or the power to replace words in the story with synonyms or antonyms, each team member lends his or her individual talent to the group's work.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (67 ):
Kids say (44 ):

Kids are sure to enjoy this series for its energetic characters and vibrant illustrations, and parents will love its strong educational angle and the positive messages it sends kids about reading and learning.

Not only does this inviting animated series encourage preschoolers to expand their early literacy skills through interactive reading, word games, and spelling challenges, Super WHY! also draws comparisons between the lessons in classic tales like The Three Little Pigs and real-world troubles that kids will easily relate to. The stories' morals also remind youngsters that many problems can be resolved by communication and compassion.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about letters, letter sounds, and other reading skills. Kids: What letters do you know? What sounds do they make? What letters are in your name? How do letter sounds combine to make a word?

  • Parents can reinforce what preschoolers learn from this show by reading to them, practicing the alphabet, and pointing out simple words they see everyday.

  • How do the characters in Super WHY! demonstrate communication and curiosity? What about compassion and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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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.

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