Target Age Group: Children 2-3 years and up
Network: Cartoon Network
Gerald McBoing Boing - Overview
Adapted from a story by Dr. Seuss, Gerald McBoing Boing relates the adventures of a six-year-old boy who communicates through sound effects instead of using real words. The original short film, Gerald McBoing Boing (1951) won an Academy Award, and Cartoon Network revived the series with the new show in 2005, using a similar short format and the same basic drawing style. The show was originally part of Cartoon Network's now discontinued Tickle U programming for preschoolers.
Gerald McBoing Boing presents 11-minute animated shorts about Gerald and his family and friends. He has two best friends, Janine and Jacob, who speak normally and are often involved in his hilarious adventures. Gerald's Dog "Burp" can't bark, but he burps instead.
The comedy, aimed at kids ages 2 years and up, focuses on sound and calls kids' attention to the ways in which sound is a part of every day life. The animated shorts are often linked together with "sound checks," which are funny plays on sound that often surprise viewers with things like a duck making a "mooing" sound. While highlighting educational concepts of sound and rhyme, the show's core purpose is to make kids laugh, helping them to develop an ability to see humor in every day life.
Gerald McBoing Boing - Guide Review
Stories told in rhyme help emergent readers develop an important skill base in understanding language and reading. Also, Gerald McBoing Boing's focus on sound effects is fun for kids, and it provides them with a learning experience as they begin to recognize the importance of sound and non-verbal communication.
Gerald McBoing Boing stories are funny and clever, and they are also sometimes silly and slap-stick. The bright and boisterous animation keeps up with fast-paced plots and noisy dialogue.
Gerald McBoing Boing - Available DVDs
- Gerald McBoing Boing: Adventures: Gerald's sound-making skills save the day in these amazing adventures. Watch as Gerald sops a gum-stealing pirate, meets some mumbling mummies, blasts into outer space, and more! (60 minutes long)
Compare prices - Gerald McBoing Boing: Fairytales: Gerald and his friends become part of takes on classic tales like Hansel and Gretel, Aladdin, and Cinderella. As always, Gerald saves the day with his sound-making shenanigans. (60 minutes long)
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