Rating: Tv-YTarget Audience: Preschoolers
Episode Length: 30 mins (consists of two stories)
Network/Schedule: Playhouse Disney 11/10c (check local listings for your area)
My yearly family vacation to Ocean City New Jersey is not only a time for my family to relax and work on our sunburns, but also our chance to catch up on children television programming (since it’s the only time of year when we’re all up before 10 in the morning for something other than school or work). Of course we watch the essential Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, but a few summers ago we were introduced to what is now one of our favorite kids’ shows, Charlie and Lola.
Charlie and Lola is based off of books by Lauren Child and is shown on Playhouse Disney. Each animated show is about fifteen minutes long and follows 4 year old Lola and her 7 year old brother Charlie as they face many issues that we have all had to deal with; from eating foods we hate to not getting our dream role in the school play.
I’m sure it seems weird that a 21 year old college student would be so enthusiastic over a children’s show, but believe me, it’s the cutest show you will ever see!!! What makes the show so special and unique is the way the characters are designed and how they handle the issues brought forth. Charlie and Lola is an animated show, but unlike many other animated shows, it looks like a storybook. The characters are drawn one dimensionally as if in pencil. The colors are bright and sometimes go out side of the lines, as if a child had colored it—as if Lola had colored it. The characters also speak with little British accents that are so adorable.
Each episode begins with Charlie saying, “I have this little sister Lola. She is small and very funny…” Lola is this little blonde ball of energy who’s imagination always seems to be working it’s hardest. Charlie is probably the perfect big brother; he is always understanding and patient with Lola, even when her imagination gets the best of her. I think that’s my favorite thing about this show, is the relationship between Charlie and Lola. Growing up with two older siblings, I know how frustrating it can be to feel like they don’t understand you or think you’re too little to understand them, but with Charlie and Lola, they just understand each other. For example, in one episode Lola says she would “never, not ever eat a tomato,” but Charlie, being the clever big brother he is, tells Lola that the tomato is not really a tomato, but a "moonsquirter" from outer space. So, of course, Lola eats it and finds out that she loves them!! The stories are so clever, yet they deal with issues that we have all faced, some people still face even as they get older (my brother still won’t eat certain foods—maybe we should try Charlie’s methods). But it’s not just Charlie helping Lola; Lola also helps her big brother. In another episode, Charlie is supposed to perform a song he and his friend Marv wrote at school, but when Marv doesn’t show up because he is sick, Lola comes to Charlie’s rescue and performs with him instead.
Each show focuses on a different issue, but also always goes back to the emphasis on the strong relationship between a brother and a sister. The show really serves as a great example for all children on how to solve certain problems or overcome fears, but also how to treat other people, whether they are your best friend or sibling. I know the show has definitely strengthened my relationship with my big brother and sister!!! :)
To Find out more about Charlie and Lola, visit the show's website at :
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