What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this engaging preschool series offers a twist on the classic Winnie the Pooh tales: Christopher Robin has been replaced by a 6-year-old girl named Darby. Purists may quibble, but she's an endearing character who fits right in. Overall, this is a delightful show that encourages kids to think critically about the world around them by involving them in fun puzzle solving. Plus, it's got upbeat songs, which kids are sure to love.
Families can talk about how this show is similar to and different from other versions of Winnie the Pooh. Which characters are the same? Which are new? Do you like the new ones better than the old ones? Why or why not? Families can also discuss solving puzzles. Kids: What mysteries did Darby and her friends solve in this episode? Which clues helped them figure out the answer? How did they work together to find the answer? Which puzzles have you had to work out? Did you have clues that helped? How did you find them? What did they tell you? Did someone else help you?
Common Sense Media Review
Life in the Hundred Acre Wood is always full of fun and frolic, especially when there are new friends to share it with. And for newcomers Darby and her puppy, Buster, being with friends like Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore often means helping them puzzle through the curious things that happen in their everyday lives.
MY FRIENDS TIGGER & POOH follows 6-year-old Darby (voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz) and Buster ( Dee Baker) as they set off on adventures in their new home. (Pooh's traditional human pal, Christopher Robin, is nowhere to be found in this iteration.) And when there's a mystery to be solved, her new friends are quick to ask for help. Together with Pooh ( Jim Cummings) and Tigger (Cummings again), Darby and Buster don their Super Sleuth costumes and set to work gathering clues.
For example, when Rabbit ( Ken Sansom) wakes up to find that his savory rutabagas have been stolen from his garden, the Super Sleuths deduce from the small, pointy pieces of evidence left behind that a sight-impaired porcupine (who didn't see the garden fence) is the culprit. And when, after a mid-day nap, Tigger realizes he's lost his shadow, the Sleuths connect the dots and look to the skies for help finding his misplaced friend.
As the team solves mysteries, they show preschoolers the value of being inquisitive and reflective about the world around them -- as well as the benefits of teamwork. Throughout the discovery process, the characters interact directly with their young viewers, posing questions like "Can you think of where that might be?" and pausing for answers. They also encourage little ones' participation in catchy sing-along songs that quickly become familiar to regular viewers.
The series' bright, engaging animation and simple storylines are sure to capture preschoolers' attention, and parents will probably enjoy this endearing show almost as much as their kids do. And even though Christopher Robin is MIA, there's no need for long-time fans of A.A. Milne's classic characters to worry: In this case, modernization only enhances what you already love about Pooh and his pals, and the newcomers fit flawlessly into the fold.
Fans may also enjoy Dora the Explorer , The Wonder Pets! , Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Blue's Clues.
