Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendship and problem-solving in colorful animation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
True and the Rainbow Kingdom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a beloved favorite for many, praised for its colorful visuals, positive messages, and entertaining characters that resonate with young audiences and even those a bit older. However, some viewers feel it's overly simplistic or geared towards a younger demographic, while others appreciate its approach to teaching valuable life lessons, particularly for children with autism.
- colorful visuals
- positive messages
- favorite for kids
- life lessons
- entertaining characters
- simplistic plot
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TRUE AND THE RAINBOW KINGDOM, a kindhearted 8-year-old named True (voiced by Michela Luci) lives in a whimsical land and has a very special magical gift: the power to activate the Wishing Tree and use its wishes to help people solve problems. Whether it's a friend who's feeling overlooked, a collapsing palace, or Yetis who are afraid of the dark, True never fails to find the perfect way to set things right again, thanks to three unique wishes shared by the tree. Once happiness is restored in the kingdom, True and her cat best friend, Bartleby (Jamie Watson), can get back to enjoying the delights of their colorful home.
Is It Any Good?
True's magical power has less to do with the Wishing Tree and more to do with her ability to problem-solve in this warm, colorful animation. In each episode of True and the Rainbow Kingdom, she takes great care in naming the problem and contemplating a possible solution before visiting the Wishing Tree and asking for additional help. What's more, even as the anthropomorphic wishes hop into action at critical times in the process, none can do the job alone; it requires a combination of them, plus True's patient guidance, to achieve the required effect. The resulting theme? Solutions aren't always simple to predict, but a little perseverance and teamwork go a long way.
But as kids might not seek out a show for its quality content, True and the Rainbow Kingdom wins them over with visual appeal, humor, and thoughtful characters. Everything in Rainbow Kingdom lives up to its name with vibrant colors, and there's lots of creativity in the inhabitants' fun shapes and sizes. Even True's peer, Grizelda (Anna Bartlam), serves a vital purpose in this colorful world, reminding kids of the results of less desirable traits like selfishness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how character strengths like perseverance, teamwork, and empathy are important in True and the Rainbow Kingdom. Which characters show these traits? Can you think of specific examples?
Is it frustrating when solutions don't work the first time? How does it feel to help someone else solve a problem? What do True and her friends learn and teach each other about problem-solving and helping others?
What aspects of the show resemble the real world, and which are imaginative? Is it an appealing place? Why is it fun to imagine different places and creatures? What are your favorite topics and characters for make-believe play?
Who are some of your favorite TV characters? What positive behavior do they show? Do you think they're good role models, like True? Do you ever question the things they do or imagine you would do them differently?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 4, 2017
- Cast : Jamie Watson , Michela Luci , Anna Bartlam
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : August 31, 2026
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