Willa's Wild Life
Common Sense says
- ION, NBC, qubo
- Kids' Animation
- 2008
Parents say
Kids say
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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 this animated series from the creator of Oswald is perfectly age appropriate for young kids. The simple stories are easy for kids to grasp, and they'll likely relate to some of the issues Willa faces (like wanting a certain hair accessory because it's "cool"). They're also sure to get a kick out of the wacky situations Willa and her friends find themselves in. If a fault can be found, it's in Willa's tendency to rely more on her animal buddies than on her dad for help in a jam, but at least the critters' advice is always sound.
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User Reviews
Something for all ages - Great.
Great for kids and adults alike!
Willa's Wild Life is a decent modern TV show. '_'
What's the story?
WILLA'S WILD LIFE follows the unpredictable adventures of a young girl named Willa (voiced by Jordan Todosey) and the menagerie of adopted animal friends who live in her home. There's just no way life could be mundane when your roommates include a walrus, a seal, a giraffe, and an alligator, and 6-year-old Willa is always full of big ideas for each new day. With guidance from her talking animal friends -- and lots of patience from her understanding dad (Peter Keleghan) -- Willa somehow manages to find solutions to the wacky situations she unwittingly gets herself into.
Is it any good?
Based on the book An Octopus Followed Me Home by Oswald creator Dan Yaccarino, this pleasant series will surely appeal to kids' sense of fantasy and adventure. Willa's house is the stuff kids' dreams are made of; hardly a cupboard, bathtub, or even toilet exists that's not home to a critter of some sort -- and, what's more, all of them talk! This lucky 6-year-old is set with friends of all shapes and sizes ready to help her navigate whatever the day has in store.
The show infuses kid-friendly stories with humor that young viewers will appreciate and positive lessons that they'll easily grasp. Willa may be a sucker for zany predicaments, but she's also good at asking for help when she needs it and listening to her friends and her father when they give her advice -- which sets a good example for her preschool viewers. Each episode also includes positive messages about values like responsibility and self-acceptance, reminding kids that learning opportunities that exist in everyday situations.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about taking care of animals. Which of Willa's animal friends would make good pets in real life? What would be involved in caring for them? What special care or living conditions would certain animals require?
How can people help care for animals that live in the wild?
What do you think animals would say if they could talk to people? If you could talk to any animal, which one would it be? What would you say?
TV details
- Premiere date: November 1, 2008
- Cast: Jordan Todosey, Katie Bergin, Peter Keleghan
- Networks: ION, NBC, qubo
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Available on: Streaming
Themes & Topics
For kids who love animals
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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.