Tales of Nature
Visually pleasing but slight look at animals and ecosystems.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Tales of Nature
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Suggest an Update
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 Tales of Nature is a 10-episode look at the wildlife and ecosystems of Western European locations. Each episode focuses on one location -- the Vosges Mountains in France, up to the English Channel, down the Atlantic coast, across mountains and farmland to the Mediterranean Sea -- and then looks at seasonal cycles of wildlife and their habitat. There are some visuals and dialogue around mating habits and how and when different species mate.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
TALES OF NATURE is a one-season,10-episode series that explores the ecosystems in Western Europe from the life below the surface of the English Channel, through forests, farmlands, and mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Using time-lapse photo techniques, the series documents the life cycles of several species as they adapt to changes to the ecosystems over four seasons.
Is It Any Good?
Sporting some nice visual elements and some slightly blurry images, this documentary series barely scratches the surface of its subject matter. Tales of Nature is a series of 10 episodes that shows how the various ecosystems work but only in a superficial way. Not that there aren't good moments, but just when it feels like the show can explore and educate in a meaningful way, the narrative swings to something else. The scope of each episode may be hampered by the range of what they are trying to cover.
Should you pass on this series, then? No. Tales of Nature may be somewhat superficial but it does do a good job in describing the various ecosystems, how nature maintains a balancing act through different weather challenges, and is commendable in detailing the diversity of each setting. This is a solid show for younger viewers, and may actually open the gates of interest for more focused study. Just don't expect many "wow" moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk with younger viewers about their favorite habitat and species of wildlife. What makes mountains or farmland or the ocean special? What can be done to protect and preserve those environments?
What do you enjoy about nature documentaries? Do you like to learn about the animals or the environments? What are the benefits of documentaries and what don't you like about them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 1, 2011
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Bugs, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: April 18, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
David Attenborough's Ant Mountain
Unique nature doc asks what we can learn from ants.
-
Life in Color with David Attenborough
Animals use color to thrive in gorgeous nature docu.
-
Secrets of the Whales
Captivating, informative series about whales has some peril.
For kids who love animals
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate