Parents' Guide to

Yakari

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

French cartoon about Native boy has positive messages.

Yakari Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 5+

Based on 4 parent reviews

age 4+

A good, not overwhelming, movie for littles

Our 4 year old enjoys this and I think watching it WITH her has played a huge role in her understanding the themes. My only gripe is the use of the word stupid by some characters.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
age 3+

This title has:

Great messages

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Yakari is a great example of the beauty of simplicity in kids' entertainment. There's nothing fancy about this series, from the traditional animation style to the uncomplicated stories themselves, so it's easy for even young kids to follow along. Yakari's ability to talk to animals adds a fun element for children, and adults will likely enjoy that those characters join the human adults in being positive influences on the spirited but well-meaning boy.

Yakari focuses on a peaceful tribe and emphasizes community and nature. It explores Great Plains traditions, but if you're looking for "authentic" storytelling, this isn't it. For starters, the show generalizes Yakari into a "Sioux" tribe but never specifies which. Stereotypes like mystical Native characters -- Yakari has a "spirit guide" who gives him the ability to talk to animals -- and the reinforcement of traditional gender roles keep this series from feeling as compelling as more authentic shows like Molly of Denali or Spirit Rangers.

TV Details

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