If you liked Mister Rogers Neighborhood, try Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Was there anything more comforting as a child than hearing Mister
Rogers invite you into his neighborhood? I remember being mesmerized simply watching
him changing into his sneakers and sweater. PBS recently started airing their
new show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,
which features the offspring of the original characters, including four-year
old Daniel Tiger. The new show lacks the soothing voice of Mister Rogers
himself, but Daniel does sport a familiar red sweater. Parents are also treated
to the original theme song to brighten up their day.
If you liked Fraggle Rock, try Yo Gabba
Gabba.
When I was younger, if I wanted to “dance my cares away” the place to
be was Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock. Similarly,
Yo Gabba Gabba (Nick Jr.) also
utilizes zany characters and fun music to impart simple life lessons of tolerance,
patience and individuality. Yo Gabba
Gabba has had its share of impressive musical guests, including Weezer, The Roots, and Jack Black; but truthfully,
none of their musical numbers will ever compare to the catchy Fraggle Rock theme song.
If you liked Reading Rainbow, try Super
Why!
Before heading out to the library, I always looked forward to hearing
LaVar Burton’s suggestions of books that I should put on my reading list. While
Reading Rainbow has been canceled, they now have a great new app for the iPad that allows
children to “borrow” books with interactive features. Super Why! (also on PBS) is geared towards a younger audience and
focuses more specifically on fairy tales, but it is just as successful at instilling
a love of reading in children. But you don’t have to take my word for it…
If you liked The Cosby Show, try Little
Bill.
Created by Bill Cosby himself, Little
Bill (Nick Jr.) follows the adventures of an adorable five-year old boy
growing up in Philadelphia with his older brother and sister, as well as two
doting parents who give the Huxtables a run for their money for Parents of the
Year. I’m just waiting for the Little
Bill episode where the entire family sings a rendition of “Night Time is
the Right Time” for their grandparents’ anniversary.
If you liked Inspector Gadget, try Special
Agent Oso.
While Inspector Gadget had to fight off the evil, faceless Dr. Claw,
the tasks that Special Agent Oso (Disney Jr.) has to tackle are a bit tamer (doing dishes,
cleaning a room). Maybe the hapless Inspector Gadget would have fared better if
his niece Penny had broken down every mission into “three simple steps” like
Special Agent Oso. I am especially partial to Oso’s computerized assistant, Paw
Pilot, but maybe that’s because I personally held on to my trusty Palm Pilot
for a little too long.
If you liked Mr. Wizard’s World, try Sid
the Science Kid.
If your child is starting to ask a lot of questions about how things
work, Sid the Science Kid (PBS) will satisfy
their curiosities with an exploration of a different science topic every
episode. Sid is always on the search for answers and is helped along by his
family, friends and his teacher.
If you liked Today’s Special, try Doc
McStuffins.
If you enjoy watching inanimate objects come to life, Doc McStuffins (Disney Jr.) is the perfect show for
you. The Doc is in and her specialty is fixing broken toys. Her own toys come
to life in her playhouse to help her solve medical mysteries. Frankly, I find
most episodes to be more realistic and a lot more enjoyable than the recent
seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.
If you liked Sesame Street, try Sesame
Street.
Thankfully, some things never change.
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