Below is a compilation of reviews of
Mainstream Media: The positives
St Petersburg Times: Welcome to a brave new world. The reviewer was a fan of the show, and a big fan of Shadowmation.
It’s not Sesame Street. It’s not a cartoon. It’s hard to say what it is.Except that it’s really cool.
While the storytelling is soothing and clear, the visuals – created in a process dubbed Shadowmation – are the star. Unlike anything else on the air, Big, Big World delivers a beautiful, brightly colored package – a cross between puppetry and animation – that befuddles the eye and gives life to characters that beg to be made into giant, fluffy toys.
LA Times: To see a world in a tree puppet
If PBS is out to create new generations of biologists and geographers or simply citizens sympathetic to scientific inquiry and to the idea that the Earth is not the exclusive property of Homo sapiens, I am wholly behind them; learning to respect other species might even help a person to treat other people well. Possibly. Maybe. I’m not sure that this (or any) television show can accomplish it, but I applaud the attempt. Meanwhile, “It’s a Big, Big World” is a low-stress half-hour, free of commercials and cacophony, and it is certainly nice to look at.
Mainstream Media: The negatives
Boston Globe: There’s too little personality in PBS’s new series ‘Big Big World’
The story lines, however, need more tension. The series is designed to incorporate science and geography into preschooler entertainment. That’s a great concept. But in the pilot episode, ”Not Found Here,” the characters spend all of their time on a slow-paced mission to find a missing tadpole, who, it turns out, has transformed into a tree frog. That’s not enough drama.
The Blogosphere
Blogging Baby: A little stoned, but nonetheless lovable
It was created by Mitchell Kriegman from Bear in the Big Blue House (an obvious influence stylistically) and Clarissa Explains it All (my fave children’s show in years). The songs are far more melodic than the average children’s show, and I’m loving Snook’s voice.
All in all, we enjoyed the show immensely. And who wouldn’t love a big, friendly, stoned (and “energetic”) tree sloth and all his singing, dancing buddies?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
My wife and I really like the show. If everyone had the soundtrack in their car, there would be less road rage. Our 10 month old daughter will do whatever is humanly possible to watch the t.v. when she hears the theme song. The ending song leaves the audience in a relaxed mood. On another note, we cannot find a Snook doll anywhere for our daughter. If anyone knows of where to get one, respond to ccote3@hotmail.com. Thank you.
This is a wonderfully relaxing and educational show. I’m amazed that there is a program that can bring science down to a toddler’s level. My 2 yr old LOVES this show. Barney used to be his favorite character, but Snook has definitely taken the lead. It doesn’t matter what is going on, when it is time for It’s a Big Big World he is stuck in front of the TV dancing and playing with Snook and all his friends. Our favorite part of the show is during the last song when Snook has the kids give him 5 and then waves goodbye. We were completely shocked when our son held his hand against the TV screen and then waved by back to Snook. I actually found this site while trying to find a Snook doll. If anyone knows where I can find one, please e-mail lstnrisin@cinci.rr.com. THANKS!