MomReviews

Wow, there is so much going on around here that I can hardly catch my breath! I want to show you something really cute:

Cartoon Network has premiered a new animated show just for kids, based on the Mr. Men and Little Miss books created in the 1970s by British author Roger Hargreaves. It airs weekdays at 9 am ET, and features characters like Mr. Grumpy and the one that most resembles me (in character, I mean-I’m not purple), Little Miss Chatterbox. She talks so much that sometimes she doesn’t hear what other people are trying to say to her. Ahem.

Each episode of Mr. Men features characters learning to get along despite their differences. With cute retro graphics, this is a show you’ll want to watch with your kids. But I can show you a sneak peek right now!

How cute is that?? Your kids will also love the Mr. Men website. Each character has their own page, with a game to play (check out Mr. Grumpy’s game!), a video featuring that character, and free stuff which is a coloring page to print out and desktop wallpaper. It’s a fun site with tons to do. I’ve got more information for you, here’s questions and answers about the show:

1. What is the history of The Mr. Men Show?

The Mr. Men Show is an ‘inspired re imagining’ of the Mr. Men and Little Miss book series by Roger Hargreaves which was originally published in the early 1970’s.

2. Who are the characters behind The Mr. Men Show?

There are 25 characters in the The Mr. Men Show! Mr. Bump, Mr. Tickle, Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. Grumpy are some of our favorites.

3. Will there be a general theme to each show? If so what?

Each 11 minute segment has a familiar theme selected for its appeal and/or relevance to the lives of children (e.g., a trip to a Mall, a visit to a Farm, birthdays).

4. How long is each show?

Each half hour show is comprised of two 11 minute segments.

5. What is the appropriate age for children to enjoy The Mr. Men Show?

Like all great comedy, The Mr. Men Show appeals to a wide age range, with the younger kids enjoying the slapstick humor and the older kids enjoying the verbal wit. The Mr. Men Show captures the magic behind what makes kids fall in love with cartoons — hilarious physical humor and beloved personality-driven characters.

6. What makes the characters and stories such a great fit for school-aged kids?

The world of The Mr. Men Show is a humorous reflection of the kinds of social and emotional issues children are facing and working out for themselves. The “stuff” of childhood involves finding out everyone doesn’t see the world the way you do; learning to make and keep friends despite conflicts; and beginning to recognize and label feelings, your own and others. The show’s humorous approach to issues relevant to the audience makes it very appealing

7. What can school-aged children learn from the series?

The Mr. Men Show gives parents a great opportunity to talk to their children about emotions in a fun, neutral context. Of course it is a comedy developed to entertain so does not have a curriculum of specific learning objectives.

8. How does the TV show differ from the book series?

The show was inspired by the personalities of the characters in the book series and the producers took great care to preserve the essence of the original and at the same time re-interpret it for a new medium and with today’s audience in mind.

9. Does the Cartoon Network series follow the storyline of the books?

The sketch comedy format of the TV show is a refreshing break from traditional narratives in kids shows.

10. Over the years, has one character been the most popular of all the Mr. Men characters?

There are a number of very popular characters from the series because of the universal qualities that the characters embody. Interestingly, the first character Roger Hargreaves created, Mr. Tickle (in response to his son Adam’s question “what does a tickle look like?”) remains one of the most popular characters.

11. Why would parents love The Mr. Men Show?

The show depicts a range of very real emotions and character traits and offers a rich context for parents/kids to use as a reference point when dealing with feelings in their day-to-day lives. Humor offers a fresh way into issues critical to children’s social and emotional growth.

12. Are there websites for kids to support The Mr. Men Show?

Kids can visit www.mrmen.com — the site is packed with games and all sorts of fun things for children to do. It’s an extremely rich, immersive experience.

13. Is there any place online to preview the series?

Yes, you can visit Cartoon Network to see a quick preview.

14. Can kids and parents find books or other TV series-related merchandise?

Not yet! You’ll begin to see TV related merchandise starting Spring 2009. Toys will be available for Fall/Holiday 2009. The original book series is available at bookstores everywhere.

15. When does The Mr. Men Show premiere? What days and times will the show be on?

The Mr. Men Show began airing on Monday February 4th and airs each weekday at 9am Eastern and Pacific. Additional airings include Monday - Friday 1:30pm e/p and Saturday at 6:00am e/p.

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