British cartoons for kids: 7 Cute British Cartoons To Check Out, Because You Love Your Kid’s Peppa Pig Accent

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7 Cute British Cartoons To Check Out, Because You Love Your Kid’s Peppa Pig Accent

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Youtube.com/HeyDuggee

by Cat Bowen

I am obsessed with British television, and have been since I was a little girl and PBS ran BBC shows at night. I fell in love with shows like Keeping Up Appearances and Eastenders, and to this day, some of my favorite shows come from across the pond. My children seem to be no different. It’s to the point where my kids have watched so much Peppa Pig, that they pronounce tomatoes «toe-mah-toes.» I love it. Alas, one cartoon is never enough, and we’ve started searching out more shows. So far I’ve found 7 cute British cartoons that are really fitting the bill.

British television has been gaining popularity in the United States since BBC America and Netflix have made access to this entertainment all the simpler. In the United Kingdom, they have what’s known as CBBC, or children’s BBC, which functions much like Nickelodeon or Disney Kids channel. It’s quality content, well-regulated, and the shows are extremely creative. Because there are fewer of them, they tend to be highly curated, which explains why they’ve become so popular in the U.S.: They’re just that good. Shows like Fireman Sam and Peppa Pig are perennial favorites, but others are gaining popularity in their midst.

1

‘Hey Duggee’

This show has several episodes available on YouTube, making it a perfect entry point to British television. Kids know YouTube, and love it even more than television. It’s also available on NickJr, if you have cable. Perfect for your little ones aged 2 to 5 years old, the show is all about kids in The Squirrel Club trying to earn badges and going on adventures.

2

‘Danger Mouse’

I remember the original Danger Mouse, and his evil nemesis, Baron Greenback, from my childhood. It’s a cross between Pinky and The Brain, and Mighty Mouse, and while that sounds really strange, it works. This one is available on Netflix, thank heavens, and each episode is chock full of intrigue and the workings of the super spy mouse.

3

‘Alphablocks’

I remember when I was learning to read, we had a show called The Letter People, and it was from about 20 years before I was born, but they played it in school, anyway. It was creepy as heck, and I think I still have scars from Mr. T. The Alphablocks are decidedly less 1970s terrifying, and kids absolutely love them. They also have a really great educational website and merchandise tie-in you need to check out.

4

‘Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom’

Showing on Nick Jr, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom was a favorite of my daughter for years. It’s made by the same people who created Peppa Pig, so you know that children will absolutely adore it. There is always a lesson learned, but each show has enough magical hijinks, that it’s not overly-pedantic.

5

‘The Ooglies’

If Ridiculousness had a child with Veggie Tales, and they divorced it from religion, that is what The Ooglies would be. It’s part disaster show, part Fruit Ninja, and it’s weirdly addictive. You’ll have to head to YouTube for your fix right now, but hopefully, with the relaunch, it’ll make its way to Netflix, soon.

6

‘Hilda’

Based on the wonderful graphic novel Hilda and The Troll by Luke Pearson, Hilda was imagined by the BBC in all of her free-spirited glory. The artistry and graphics on this one are beyond gorgeous. I found myself utterly captivated by the show, and my daughter and son were, too. It’s one of my little girl’s absolute favorites.

7

‘Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed’

This is the British version of the classic Dennis the Menace, fully realized for the twenty-first century, complete with Gnasher, his canine companion. Dennis faces challenges every day, and he does so with plenty of attitude. The difference between this and previous iterations is that he’s viewed through a lens of compassion, which is novel and needed. It’s available in the states on Beano.

50 best kids’ TV shows on Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, NOW TV, Disney Plus

Features

From across the UK’s streaming platforms, here’s our pick of the best kids’ TV around. ..

This list applies to UK streaming services

In these most indoors of days, television isn’t only a pal,
it’s a lifeline. Especially for families, especially in a time of school and
playgroup closure (stay strong, people. You’re doing great.)

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgia hit, some quality family viewing or a bit of headphones-and-bowl-of-sliced-apple alone time for your youngest, we’ve collected up 50 top children’s TV shows from across the UK’s major streaming platforms. (As well as the 50 best British TV dramas and British TV comedies available.) Find a few old classics and plenty of new favourites below…

Adventure Time

Pendleton Ward’s endlessly inventive fantasy cartoon about the adventures of Finn and his magical dog Jake is streaming exclusively on Sky and NOW TV, where all ten seasons are available. Each episode is a short, sweet 11-minute burst of colourful invention and blessedly stupid jokes for both adults and kids. A joy.

Where to stream? NOW TV (seasons 1-10)

A Series of Unfortunate Events

There are 25 episodes of this solid three-season Lemony Snicket adaptation, which brought the Baudelaire orphans’ travails to their full conclusion last January. Neil Patrick Harris plays the dastardly Count Olaf, who schemes to get his hands on the Baudelaire fortune while Violet, Klaus and Sunny thwart him at every turn. Colourful, funny and more than a shade dark, it’s very good stuff.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-3)

Avatar: the Last Airbender

Nickelodeon’s fantasy series about 12-year-old Aang, a youngster with a world of responsibility on his super-powered shoulders, is critically acclaimed, award-winning and beloved by fans for its beauty, warmth and characters. Its 24-minute episodes (followed up by acclaimed spin-off The Legend of Korra, see below) are a must-watch. Read more about it here.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-3), Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-3)

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom

These 21-minute episodes about elf Ben and princess Holly’s magical fairy tale world are terrific British comedy featuring characters loved by adults and kids alike (Sarah Ann Kennedy’s Nanny Plum would make an excellent post-work pub friend, of this there is no doubt). As a schools-closed treat, Amazon has made all 10 seasons (and several others) free to everybody, not just Prime subscribers.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (10 series), Netflix UK (26 episodes)

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Bing

The calming tones of Mark Rylance as Flop are enough to recommend this one to adults, while kids will fall for toddler bunny Bing, whom Flop gently coaches through life’s difficulties. At only seven minutes long, the episodes are comforting slices of loveliness, even if you don’t necessarily have a particularly firm grasp on what the whole deal is.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (98 eps), Amazon Prime UK (series 1-8)

Clangers

When the remake of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin’s The Clangers was first announced, fans of the much-loved early seventies stop-motion animation expressed doubts. Would a new version take away the original’s imagination, whimsy and homemade feel? No, is simple the answer. This new take on the strange race of pink, knitted space creatures is a charming and beautifully made tribute to the original, from the models to Michael Palin’s avuncular narration. At 11 minutes each, the episodes slot nicely into a pre-bedtime routine.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (22 episodes)

Creeped Out

A must for geek parents, this spooky British/Canadian anthology series for kids (eight years old and over for this one, but you know what your kids can handle) is jam-packed with nerdy 80s movie nods. Creeped Out’s 25-minute episodes range from sci-fi to fantasy to horror, and the first six chilling tales are available here.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (6 episodes)

Danger Mouse

This 2015 reboot of the Cosgrove Hall classic (all ten series of which are also available to stream on Netflix UK) featuring the voices of Alexander Armstrong, Kevin Eldon and Stephen Fry among others, is a total treat. At twice the length of the original episodes, these 22-minute instalments have room for more action and plotting, without ever overstaying their welcome.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (99 episodes), Netflix UK (48 episodes)

Doug

Jim Jenkins’ classic 1990s cartoon sees Doug Funnie navigate life, school and first love in the town of Bluffington after his dad is posted there for work. Introduce your kids to Doug’s love interest Patti Mayonnaise and this sweet, gentle cast of funny characters.

Where to stream? Disney+ (65 episodes and Doug’s First Movie)

DuckTales

This delightful reboot of the original Disney series boasts the voice of David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck, with Community’s Danny Pudi, SNL’s Bobby Moynihan and Parks and Recreation’s Ben Schwartz as Huey, Dewey and Louie. With season three soon on its way, it’s a fun, knowing show and still has a rockin’ theme song. Read more about DuckTales here.

Where to stream? Disney+ (100 episodes)

Gargoyles

The connoisseur’s choice of 1990s Disney series, Gargoyles follows the adventures of a group of nocturnal creatures who turn to stone during the day. It has a little fish-out-of-water comedy as the ancient creatures adjust to life in modern-day NYC, but is mostly dark, layered fantasy.

Where to stream? Disney+ (78 episodes)

Goosebumps

R.L Stine’s hugely successful series of spooky Goosebumps kids’ books found their way onto TV (and children’s nightmares) in the 1990s, and now the first series in this horror-for-kids anthology is streaming on Netflix UK. See also: Creeped Out (above). Be warned though, this one’s for older kids and tough-as-nails types only.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (13 episodes)

Gravity Falls

Alex Hirsch’s spooky-cute cartoon has plenty of draw for adults and kids alike. It’s the story of twins Dipper and Mabel, who are sent to stay with their great-uncle Stan in the town of Gravity Falls. An ancient text and a series of adventures later, and the twins learn more about the town, their family, and each other. Here’s more on why we love it.

Latest TV reviews

Where to stream? Disney+ (41 episodes)

Green Eggs and Ham

Goofy, quirky and exciting are Netflix’s descriptors of this new Dr Seuss cartoon, all of which seem fair. May we also add ‘a massive pleasant surprise’ and ‘honestly, it’s lovely weird stuff and totally justifies its existence’. Rhymes, jokes, colour and zing, these half-hour episodes have it all.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (13 episodes)

Hey Duggee

This CBeebies delight is very funny and extremely charming, with plenty for adults to enjoy. Hey Duggee is the story of The Squirrel Club playgroup and the seemingly endless list of activity badges its children earn under the supervision of their barking leader, Duggee. Over 100 of its seven-minute episodes are available on BBC iPlayer, with roughly half that on Netflix UK.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (106 episodes), Netflix UK (51 episodes)

Read more

His Dark Materials

One for older kids and grown-ups, His Dark Materials is a BBC-HBO adaptation of Philip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name. It conjures a richly built fantasy world and boasts some excellent performances, not least from young Dafne Keen as lead Lyra. It’s the story of the epic journey Lyra undertakes to rescue her friend, and all the magic she encounters along the way. Perfect for sparking family conversations about good, evil, nature/nurture and what your daemon would be. (Mine’s a pigeon.)

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (8 episodes)

Horrible Histories

One of the greatest children’s television programmes of all time, Horrible Histories is a work of comic brilliance. The TV show added songs and parodies to the premise of Terry Deary’s popular UK history book series, performed by a comedy cast well on its way to national treasure status. The first four of the five series featuring the original cast (Jim Howick, Mathew Bayton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Simon Farnaby, Ben Willbond, Laurence Rickard) are available to stream, which is where a lot of the best stuff resides. Here are the show’s top 15 songs.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (series 1-5), BBC iPlayer (series 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 plus extras), Horrible Histories: The Movie on Amazon Prime UK.

In the Night Garden

Nonsense names and strange creatures live in the Night Garden, and pre-schoolers can’t get enough of it. Climb on board the Ninky Nonk (a train) to meet Makka-Pakka (obsessive-compulsive… alien?), Upsy Daisy (she likes dancing) and whatever the hell else is going on. Luckily for parents of young children, Amazon has made all the episodes available to non-Prime subscribers. Whack them in a pair of headphones and have a biscuit, you’ll feel better.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (series 1-5), BBC iPlayer (29 episodes)

Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Not a cult classic for grown-up kids, but very popular with
actual children, Jake and the Neverland Pirates sends characters
from Peter Pan including Captain Hook, Smee and Tick-Tock the Croc into battle
with a band of young pirates on the search for treasure.

Where to stream? Disney+ (100 episodes)

Justin’s House

A variety show/live studio audience sitcom featuring CBeebies king Justin Fletcher (also to be seen in Gigglebiz and Something Special), Justin’s House is terrific nonsense. Come for Justin, but stay for Robert the Robot, played by Steven Kynman. The 25-minute episodes are a hoot.  

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (65 episodes)

Moominvalley

Another recent reboot that totally justifies its existence by being utterly charming and filled with love (see also: Clangers, Danger Mouse, DuckTales), Moominvalley brings Tove Jansson’s characters to life with very sympathetic CGI, and a voice cast including Taron Egerton, Rosamund Pike, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry and more. It’s lush.

Where to stream? NOW TV (26 episodes)

Morph

Aardman’s little stop-motion animated plasticine character, recognised by a generation from his appearances on Tony Hart’s children’s television programmes, is back with 30 new episodes, all available to stream on NOW TV.

Where to stream? NOW TV (30 episodes)

Octonauts

Not just colourful and exciting for little kids, British animated series Octonauts also manages to be pretty educational. The marine creatures encountered by the underwater adventure gang all have something to teach little ones about the world under the sea. Read about more of our CBeebies favourites here.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (40 episodes)

Once Upon a Time… Life

Children of the 80s, prepare for a nostalgia jolt thanks to
the arrival of this 1986 French cartoon on Netflix UK. Remember? The one that
educated us all about how the body worked by depicting anthropomorphic red and
white blood cells running around inside a human’s veins? It’s here in full.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (26 episodes)

PAW Patrol

This Canadian series needs no introduction to parents of young children. Its merchandising has infiltrated every lunchbox, rucksack and pyjama set for years now. For everybody else, it’s about a pack of search-and-rescue dogs working missions in Adventure Bay, led by human boy Ryder. Paw Patrol to the lookout!

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-6), Netflix UK (seasons 2-4)

Peanuts

About the time of the Peanuts movie, this French-Italian-American animation arrived featuring Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip characters. It does a nice job of capturing the hand-drawn charm of the original animations, and the voice work is pretty spot-on.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (34 episodes)

Peppa Pig

Again, not one that requires any introduction to parents of pre-schoolers. Peppa, George and co. are characters that have long loomed large, whether on merch or in the 18-minute episodes following the young pig’s experiences of playgroup, school, neighbours and her various animal friends. It’s all sort of baffling when you think about it, which we have. Amazon currently has all episodes free to view for everyone, even non-Prime customers.

Where to stream? 46 (series 1-5) on Netflix UK, 91 on Amazon Prime UK (series 1-7), NOW TV (41 episodes)

Phineas and Ferb

Irreverent, imaginative and packed with witty pop culture references, Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh’s Phineas and Ferb, about two step-brothers who undertake ambitious (some might say, impossible!) adventures is a joy.

Where to stream? Disney+ (136 episodes)

Pingu

Another pre-school classic, this stop-motion animated show about a cheeky penguin and his family remains a hit for its charm and silent movie sense of humour. Its six-minute episodes are popular all over the world, thanks to the lack of a real spoken language – we can all speak Pingu.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-5)

Round the Twist

All four series of this Australian’s children’s fantasy are
here, from the first two 1990s series (i.e. the ones you’ll remember) to the final
two 2000s instalments. It’s the story of three children and their widowed
father who live in a lighthouse and have a series of very strange, magical and
sometimes very spooky adventures. Cracking theme song too.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4)

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Rugrats

The first two seasons, equalling almost forty episodes, of Klasky Gsupo’s hit children’s cartoon Rugrats, about the lives of a group of babies and one megalomaniac little girl, are available and they’re as much a delight as they ever were. Join Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, the fearsome Angelica and Spike the dog in imaginative adventures wittily based around domestic life.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-2)

Sarah & Duck

Like Hey DuggeeSarah & Duck is a CBeebies cartoon well loved by adults and children alike. From its delightfully minimalist theme song (“quack!”) to the calming voice of Roger Allam as the narrator, Sarah & Duck is loveliness personified. Its stories of the friendship between a little girl and her mallard best friend are warm-hearted adventures with a beautifully British sense of humour.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (55 episodes)

Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated

Arguably the best TV incarnation Scooby Doo has ever had, this fast-paced, witty series won over fans of all ages with its fun pop culture references and wacky adventures. Beloved characters given a new lease on life – dig in! Here are ten reasons you should be watching.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (52 episodes)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Noelle Stevenson’s reboot of the 1980s Filmation cartoon about Princess Adora and her superpowered alter-ego is a hit. With layered writing and convincing characterisation over its four seasons, not to mention bright, dazzling visuals, kids could do a lot worse than get hooked on this. Read more about the series here.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (39 episodes)

Shaun the Sheep

More great work from Aardman Studios in the A Close Shave spin-off stop-motion series that paved the way for the terrific 2015 Shaun the Sheep feature film. Featuring the baas of Mr Tumble’s Justin Fletcher as Shaun, and Vic Reeves on the theme song, these twenty-minute adventures are great fun.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK until 31/03/20 (87 episodes), Netflix UK (35 episodes), BBC iPlayer (23 episodes)

Something Special

Another from the king of CBeebies, Mr Justin Fletcher, Something Special packs its 20-minute episodes with songs, rhymes and laughter, using Makaton sign language to help young viewers communicate and share the fun.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (97 episodes)

SpongeBob SquarePants

Less a cartoon than a religion to some, this cult Nickelodeon cartoon follows the adventures of peppy SpongeBob and his pals in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Its 24-minute episodes are zany, colourful and delightfully bonkers.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (70 episodes, seasons 5-7), Amazon Prime UK (40 episodes, seasons 1-2)

Star Trek: the Animated Series

Both seasons of the original 1970s animated Star Trek series are available to stream on Netflix, continuing the story of The Original Series in the 23rd century, and following the progress of the USS Enterprise in its exploration of space. Here are the top 25 episodes of the original and animated series.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-2)

Steven Universe

Created by former Adventure Time writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe is huge fun. Airing on Cartoon Network in the US, it’s the story of a boy who lives with three super-powered aliens, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. They protect Earth from attack while Steven struggles to activate and control the power of his magical gem. It’s inventive, kind-hearted and seasons one to three are available to stream.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1, 4, 5)

Teen Titans Go!

This comedic spin-off from Teen Titans follows the Titans in their downtime from saving the world. and is packed with self-deprecating humour, nerdy DC cameos and fun in-jokes. The original voice cast are all present and correct, while the series also welcomes a number of special guests including more than a few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (seasons 1-4), Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4), NOW TV (seasons 1-3)

The Amazing World of Gumball

This Cartoon Network show blends a variety of animation styles to relay the stories of 12-year-old Gumball, his 10-year-old brother, and his best friend (a goldfish). Light and playful and always colourful, with simple comedic storylines that are packed with stuff, it’s currently Cartoon Network’s longest running show. Read more about it here.

Where to stream? NOW TV (160 episodes)

The Demon Headmaster

This continuation of the 1990s The Demon Headmaster TV adaptation is an apt satire of modern educational trends, while also being a roaring, intrigue-filled sci-fi-fantasy adventure. Based on Gillian Cross’ latest additions to her ongoing book series, it’s a treat of an update that features more than a few Easter Eggs for fans of the original. Read our creator interview here.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (10 episodes)

The Legend of Korra

The sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender (see above) and one season longer than it, The Legend Of Korra is an animated fantasy set in a world where the classical elements can be harnessed by those with special powers and training. This acclaimed series is available in its entirety to Amazon Prime subscribers.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4)

The Smurfs

These are the original American-Belgian animated episodes from the 1980s, so no CGI and no winky self-referential nods or movie star cameos. Based on the Belgian Peyo comic, there are over 250 episodes in existence, around a fifth of which are here.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (57 episodes)

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The Worst Witch

Jill Murphy’s The Worst Witch book series was given another TV adaptation in 2017, with terrific results. Adapted by The Demon Headmaster‘s Emma Reeves (see above), it tells the story of hapless witch-in-training Mildred Hubble and her adventures at Cackle’s Academy, with Game of Thrones‘ Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) in the lead role.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (50 episodes), Netflix UK (series 1)

Thunderbirds are Go!

When the first image of the Tracy brothers emerged from this 2015 Thunderbirds revival, the reception from fans of the original wasn’t altogether positive. When the full series arrived though, many admitted that the new version captured something of the adventure and fun of Gerry Anderson’s beloved supermarionation 1960s series. The first two series of this CGI remake are available to stream.

Where to stream? Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-2)

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia

Guillermo del Toro’s first Netflix children’s series, this animated fantasy adventure show sees teenager James discover a land of magical creatures when he stumbles into a secret realm after finding a mysterious amulet. Soon, he and his friends are tasked with protecting their small town from the mystical menace.

Where to stream? Netflix UK (52 episodes)

Twirlywoos

This stop-motion animated series is beautifully done and makes for highly relaxing viewing. Twirlywoos is about a family of four creatures who live on a boat and, in each 11-minute episode, travel to the live-action world where they cause a bit of lovely mayhem. It’s among our favourites.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer (58 episodes)

Wolfblood

This CBBC show is a fresh twist on the werewolf mythology, which weaves in Celtic legend and supernatural powers around honest, powerful storytelling about the difficulties and joys of teenage life. With strong writing, a great cast and a cohesive world, Wolfblood is up there with the best of them.

Where to stream? BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime UK (seasons 1-4) until 31/03/20

Yonderland

All three series of the brilliant fantasy puppet comedy Yonderland are available to stream on NOW TV. Created by and starring the original Horrible Histories cast, it’s a total hoot, bringing together a chosen one called Debbie, a mystical land, magical creatures and more brilliant comic characters than you can shake a wizard’s stick at.

Where to stream? NOW TV (3 series)

7 Shows Like Peppa Pig For Kids

By
Jayme Kennedy

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We love us some Peppa Pig, but kids need options, right? Here are seven shows your kids will love if they’re fans of Peppa.

Despite the fact that there are endless kids’ shows across all of the most popular streaming platforms, it seems like our kids seem to watch the same ones over and over again. Some of the shows have long since gotten on our last nerve (looking at you, Caillou). But others, like Peppa Pig, we don’t mind watching over and over again! That’s because Peppa and her family and friends and all the silly situations they get themselves into appeal to our sense of humor as well as our kids’. Admit it — you’ve laughed out loud at something Peppa has said or done, probably more than once. But even we need a break from our beloved Peppa. Lucky for us, there are some great replacements when our kids need a new show to watch!

These seven shows are similar to Peppa, but really amazing in their own unique ways. Some are available to stream on Netflix, but you can easily find episodes of all on YouTube, too. So queue up one of these awesome shows like Peppa Pig for kids.

1. Hilda

Hilda is an animated show exclusive to Netflix, based on the graphic novels of the same name by Luke Pearson. The show follows the adventurous of precocious Hilda, who has blue hair and lives in an enchanted forest with her mom and a deerfox named Twig. She’s often joined on her adventurous by her friends David and Frida. They befriend magical creatures, solve mysteries, and explore the world around the city of Trolberg. This show is seriously SO GOOD, and season two is scheduled to be released fall of 2020!

2.

Charlie and Lola

We like to think of Charlie and Lola as the OG British kids’ show, and this show is what got our own kids addicted to delightful British cartoons! Charlie is the patient and incredibly kind older brother of Lola, who is a bit of a firecracker. Many of the episodes revolve around Charlie explaining things to Lola, or fixing the inevitable messes she makes when she insists on getting her way. The TV series is based on the illustrated books by Lauren Child, and many of the episodes are taken directly from the books. You can stream Charlie and Lola on Hulu or Amazon Prime, or catch full episodes on YouTube.

3. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

Another of our fav British kids’ shows! Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom was actually created by the same people and companies who brought us Peppa Pig, and many of the voices crossover between the two shows. Holly is the daughter of King and Queen Thistle, and they live in a Little Castle in the Little Kingdom, along with Holly’s twin sisters Daisy and Poppy. Ben is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elf, and they live in Great Elf Tree #4. Ben and Holly are besties, and together they go on many magical adventures throughout Little Kingdom. You can stream episodes on Netflix and YouTube.

4. Hey Duggee

We know that Peppa appeals to a wide range of audiences, from the toddler set to moms and dads. But if you’ve got a toddler or preschool-aged kiddo who needs a new show to watch, look no further than Hey Duggee. This adorable British educational show is based around The Squirrel Club — think Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, but with fluffy animated animals. Duggee and his pals do activities, go on adventures, and earn badges for their efforts. You can watch episodes on YouTube, iTunes, or stream them on Nickelodeon’s streaming platform, NOGGIN.

5. Masha and the Bear

OK, we’ll fully admit that we were more than a bit puzzled by this Russian cartoon when we first started watching. It’s sort of a mash-up of Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Masha lives in a forest with her pets: a pig, a goat, and a dog. On an adventure, she stumbles across Bear’s home, makes a huge mess, and then when Bear returns, he and Masha become unlikely friends. Bear sort of adopts Masha and together they go on some pretty wild adventures. It’s pretty wacky, but a lot of fun. It’s available for streaming on Netflix.

6. Mighty Little Bheem

We love Mighty Little Bheem! This Netflix show is based off a popular animated Indian series called Chhota Bheem. The show follows Bheem, a precocious and insanely strong toddler, as he goes on adventures and gets into mischief in his small Indian village. It’s mostly without dialogue, but that doesn’t take anything away from the show in any way. Bheem’s expressive face and toddler-speak are so cute. You can stream both seasons of the show on Netflix.

7. Archibald’s Next Big Thing

Another Netflix exclusive, Archibald’s Next Big Thing follows Archibald Strutter, a chicken with a great outlook on life who often finds himself in weird and sticky situations. Archibald often wanders away from home, goes on mini-adventures, and inevitably finds his way back home where he belongs. You can stream both seasons of the show on Netflix.

READ NEXT: 3 Kids Shows Coming To Apple TV+ When It Launches

The 37 Best Kids TV Shows

Disney Junior»Bluey»

Here are the best TV shows for kids: From Ask the StoryBots to Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, we have it all!

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The best kids TV shows are never just for kids. As anyone raising a wee one knows, adults have to watch these things, too – or at least half-watch them while taking the opportunity to get some work done. That means that, at least in part, shows meant for children have to meet certain parental criteria, and not just rely on fart noises for entertainment. They need to relay important messages to kids, or inspire creativity — or at least have good jokes.

Each entry on this list of the best children’s shows currently streaming hits those marks. You’ll find cartoon classics and new-school gems, educational programs and totally bugged-out, wildly entertaining shows bound to make everyone in the room’s eyes pop. Check them out, then read our lists of the greatest animated movies and best Disney movies of all-time when you need something to keep the young’uns’ attention for a longer stretch.

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Courtesy: Netflix

1. Ask the StoryBots

Straight talk: StoryBots is one of the best kid’s shows around. The episodes follow Beep, Boop, Bing, Bang and Bo as they set out to answer a question such as: How do eyes work? Why do we recycle? How do you catch a cold? The silly storytelling is goofy and fun, but the answers are serious and scientifically sound—no wonder it won multiple Emmy awards.  The cameos are especially delightful for grownups: John Legend, «Weird Al» Yankovic, Wanda Sykes, Snoop Dog. Watch on Netflix. Ages 3-8.

Courtesy: Age of Learning

2. Search and Explore

Your little one will love the global adventures of ABC Mouse, 123 Mouse and Do-Re-Mi Mouse as they explore and learn about the world . Each 12-minute episode is geared for curious young minds, and short young attention spans. Produced by ABCmouse Early Learning Academy, you can stream the two, eight-episode seasons for free. Watch on Tubi. Ages 2-8.

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Courtesy: Netflix

3. Beat Bugs

Beat Bugs follows the lives of bugs living in a Richard Scarry-like village. What do the bugs do in such a lively place with so much going on? Why, sing songs mainly written by the Beatles, of course. If it sounds silly, it is – and it’s this light-handed setup that lets this thoughtful Emmy-winning series address the life issues that engross young minds.  Watch on Netflix. Ages 5-7.

Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon

4. PAW Patrol

Any parent of a young child knows the power of the PAW: This is pawsitively one cartoon canine-loving kiddies cannot miss. While highlighting the power of friendship and hard work, the beloved pups on PAW Patrol collaborate to protect Adventure Bay from all of the issues that arise. Who could possibly resist cute, crime-fighting pups like these? Watch on Sling. Ages 6 and under.

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Disney Junior

5. Bluey

This charming Aussie production, starring a family of anthropomorphic blue heelers, isn’t trying to teach your kids any huge life lessons, except one: no matter how old you get, always make time for play. In each bite-sized episode, Bluey and her younger sister, Bingo, indulge the whims of their imaginations, whether it’s pretending to be old ladies or getting into a dance-off with invisible fairies, and often draw their parents into the fun. It’s unerringly sweet, but also clever enough to wink at the adults watching along — a perfect family show. Watch on Hulu. Ages 5-7.

Courtesy: Netflix

6. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

This fantastical anime series follows Kipo Oak, a 13-year-old girl forced to run away from the safety of an underground city to navigate the dangers of a dystopian world. The episodes are clever, creative, seriously weird and completely wonderful. If your kid has a taste for out-there sci-fi, this is the show for them. Watch on Netflix. Ages 7 and up.

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Photograph: Nick Jr.

7. Peppa Pig

Peppa is some pig! Along with a hit TV show, this anthropomorphic pig also has an album out and even a live show. The success is understandable: little ones love the brief, five-minute episodes of this Nick Jr. series, which follows Peppa and her friends and family. Pair that with the charming colour animations, which look like they could be children’s doodles, as well as those adorable British accents, and who can resist? Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

Courtesy Universal Pictures

8. Shaun the Sheep

From the minds that brought you Wallace and Gromit, this series follows an unusually intelligent sheep who lives with his pals at Mossy Bottom Farm. Shaun always manages to find trouble, and get himself out of it in creative and hilarious ways—the claymation doesn’t hurt. Watch on Amazon Prime. Ages 4 and up.

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9. Sofia the First

If a show about an adorable young princess weren’t enough of a draw, peppering in appearances by the beloved Disney movie royals really sealed the deal for this series. 8-year-old Princess Sofia wins the hearts of youngsters everywhere with her sweetness and sense of adventure, and the well-known voices of Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Wayne Brady and Tim Gunn give the other characters palpable personality. Watch on Netflix. Ages 2-7.

Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon

10.

 Hey Arnold!

With nods to Brooklyn and Seattle, this ’90s gem follows a young football-headed urbanite, his kooky grandparents, boarding house neighbors and buddies from P.S. 118. The kids’ shenanigans—whether it’s uncovering urban legends, helping neighborhood outcasts or pining over girls in the sixth grade—never seem to lose their charm, and the Nickelodeon classic has certainly withstood the test of time. All young New Yorkers need to experience this show, so set aside time for a Hulu marathon. We promise you won’t be sorry. Watch on Hulu. Ages 7 and up.

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Courtesy: Disney

11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars

This animated series is must-watch territory for Star Wars fans—which includes just about every kid (and parent), ever. The shows follow the Star Wars saga in microscopic detail—prepare for lots of dinnertime trivia about the whens and wheres of who did what. Note that this epic series was launched in 2008 and ran for seven seasons, wrapping up in 2020 with more than 100 episodes to enjoy. Fans should also check out the new spin-off series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, which premiered in 2021. Watch both on Disney+. Ages 8 and up.

Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon

12. Shimmer & Shine

Being twins is totally cool, but imagine being a twin genie?! Now that’s awesome! Shimmer and Shine are trying to make the most out of spells and wish-granting capabilities (with help from their non-genie BFF Leah) but naturally, these budding mythical ladies encounter a few problems along the way. Hey, they are learning the ropes, after all! Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

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Photograph: Courtesy Sesame Workshop, 2017

13. Sesame Street

Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and the rest of the muppet gang have been telling families how to get to Sesame Street for decades and they’re still going strong. The show not only teaches kids how to count and read, but also about friendship, compassion, sharing and how to handle their emotions in different scenarios. And as the show has grown, more diverse characters and family units have made their way onto the cast. Watch on PBS Kids. All ages.

Nickelodeon©2011 Viacom International, Inc.

14. SpongeBob Squarepants

A fantastic Nickelodeon show if ever there was one, SpongeBob Squarepants plunges viewers into the depths of the ocean to the Bikini Bottom, the town that our beloved absorbent, yellow and porous protagonist calls home. You can find the sweet (yet naive) lead leaving his pineapple house to go jelly fishing in the park, assemble a delicious Krabby Patty, spend time with his partner in crime, Patrick Star, and, of course, annoy his curmudgeonly neighbor Squidward Tentacles. Watch out when he gets behind the wheel, though: As Mrs. Puff can attest to, SpongeBob is not the best boat driver. Watch on Paramount+. Ages 6 and up.

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15. Phineas and Ferb

There are lots of adventures to be had in this Disney Channel series as Phineas conjures up new hijinks to pursue and brainiac Ferb devises gadgets to make their ideas come to life. Meanwhile, undercover Perry the platypus is busy trying to keep Dr. Doofenshmirtz from carrying out his evil plans. Watch on Disney+. Ages 7 and up.

Photograph: ViacomCBS

16. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Cowabunga, dudes! Your favorite heroes in a half-shell have taken various forms throughout the years, becoming live-action movies, a CGI-animated series and, most recently, an anime-inspired cartoon with Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While it’s something of a soft-reboot, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello are still tasked with protecting NYC from the bad guys, but this show gives the franchise a renewed, fun energy. Stream on Paramount+. Ages 8 and up.

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Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon

17. Blaze and the Monster Machines

Prepare for a STEAM lesson thanks to Blaze and the Monster Machines. In this kids’ cartoon, viewers journey alongside AJ and his bright-red truck, Blaze, as they race cars and help other automobiles with their issues. Of course, fans will have to prepare themselves for the duo to go head-to-head with their rival, Crusher. Stream on Sling. Ages 4 and up.

Photograph: Courtesy Viacom

18. Dora the Explorer

This interactive show puts kids in charge right alongside Dora. While our beloved protagonist completes her missions and dodges run-ins with Swiper the fox, kiddies are asked to shout and sing along with her (and Boots) until the job is done. Stream on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

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19. The Adventures of Paddington

Ready the marmalade: Our favorite bear is starting off the new decade with an animated series on Nickelodeon. Voiced by Ben Whishaw, who also plays Paddington in the rather brilliant film series, fans can expect to go on adventures alongside a slightly younger Paddington, who begins and ends each episode by writing letters to his beloved Aunt Lucy. Watch on Nick Jr. Ages 5 and up.

Photograph: Courtesy Nickelodeon/Viacom

20.

 Bubble Guppies

This adorable show features the Guppies, a group of preschool merpeople, who navigate an underwater universe. Each episode involves the guppies work through various issues with help from their school teacher, Mr. Grouper, singing songs about the day’s adventures along the way. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

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Photograph: Courtesy DreamWorks/Universal Kids

21. Where’s Waldo?

Channeling inspiration from the popular seek-and-find ’90s books, Where’s Waldo follows a young boy in a red and white-striped shirt who is always on adventure. With his pal Wenda by his side, Waldo is always game to take on any challenge the international wizard society sends his way. However, the magical, mystical and wicked Odlulu is out to wreak havoc, which certainly keeps these kids on their toes. Watch on Peacock. Ages 5 and up.

22. Vampirina

Fitting in is never easy, especially when you’re a vampire who’s made her way from Transylvania to Pennsylvania with her supernatural family. Talk about a twist on the coming-of-age trope! Will little Vampirina (Vee for short) be able to fit in with the mortals in her new nabe? Stream on Disney+ and Disney Now. Ages 5 and up.
 

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23. Wild Kratts

This 30-minute show gives little ones a taste of the world around them. Two brothers and vigilantes, Chris and Martin Kratt, work together to protect animals who are in danger of malicious villains or problems within their habitat. While fun and exciting, the program is also educational—kids get a 101 lesson in zoology and ecology by watching each episode. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 5 and up.

24. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Classic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy get an upgrade in this bright, computer-animated series. In each episode, young viewers are presented with a challenge, requiring basic problem-solving and sometimes math skills to complete. The upbeat theme and ending songs (performed by They Might Be Giants!) will definitely get kids singing, too. Watch on Disney+. Ages 2-5.

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25. My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

Twilight Sparkle and her magical pony BFFs are schooled on what it takes to be the ultimate friend in a series that adds a bit of whimsy and color to your TV time. Stream on Netflix. Ages 5 and up.

26. Doc McStuffins

Dottie’s dream is to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a doctor. The little lady is already bracing herself for the medical field by caring for her stuffed animals. But, with the help of a magical stethoscope, her beloved toys come to life! Expect to pick up a few tips and tricks for healthy living along the way. Stream on Disney+. Ages 4 and up.

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Nickelodeon

27. Rugrats

Look who’s talking now! Or rather, back in the ’90s. It’s Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Pickles gang, whose baby-sized adventures thrilled elder millennials – and some Gen X-ers who were probably a bit outside the target demo. Watch on Paramount+. Ages 6-11.

28. Peg + Cat

In each 12-minute episode of the PBS Kids show Peg + Cat, the duo are faced with a math word problem that they must solve. Every whimsical story incorporates fun songs and encourages preschooler’s interest in basic math as the characters use charts and diagrams to find a solution. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 3 and up.

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29. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Introduce youngsters to Mister Rogers, the cardigan-clad grandfather figure we all know and love. The 30-minute episodes on PBS Kids feature puppets, characters and music, plus take kids on tours of factories, show them experiment demos, offer craft ideas and more—all with Mister Rogers speaking directly to them. Who wouldn’t want to be his neighbor? Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 4 and up.

30. Arthur

Airing on PBS Kids and based on the book series by Marc Brown, Arthur follows an 8-year-old aardvark named Arthur Read, who learns life lessons while growing up. As Arthur faces challenges such as school bullies and piles of homework he learns to overcome his problems with the help of his family and friends. Stream on PBS Kids. Ages 5 and up. 

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31. Hotel Transylvania: The Series

If the kids loved Hotel Transylvania, the 2012 animated film about an ordinary boy who falls in love with Dracula’s daughter, they’ll enjoy this prequel series on the Disney Channel. Dracula’s fun-loving teen daughter, Mavis, takes the reigns at the hotel while her father is off on a business trip, but her plans are derailed when her strict aunt arrives for a visit. Stream the first season on Netflix. Ages 7 and up.

Photograph: Walt Disney Pictures

32.  Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure

The feisty Disney princess Rapunzel leaps her way onto the television screen with her very own animated series. The golden-haired heroine sets off with her friends in a quest to learn more about who she is and what she can face before truly becoming Princess of Corona. Rapunzel is such a great role model and shows little girls that they can tackle obstacles just as well as any other prince. Watch on Disney+. Ages 5 and up.

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33. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Taking a page from Mister Rogers’ book, Daniel Tiger puts on his cute little red sweater and beckons kiddos to embark on his adventures in the Neighbourhood of Make-Believe. Watch on PBS Kids. Ages 3 and up.

34. Cyberchase

If you have kids already hooked on technology, they’ll probably enjoy this animated trip through cyberspace. When Matt, Jackie and Inez are zapped into another world from their library’s computer, they join Digit and Motherboard in the fight against Hacker and his evil sidekicks. Together, they solve math problems and overcome obstacles. Watch on PBS Kids. Ages 8 and up.

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35. Blue’s Clues

Steve might have left the picture long ago and replaced with his brother Joe, but Blue the adorable pup is just as curious and playful as ever. Kids will have to chime in with their responses to help Joe figure out what Blue wants to do based on the clues. Blue is definitely a longtime Nick Jr. favorite with the young ones and engages them in fun ways. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

36. Thomas & Friends

Beloved by children for generations, you can’t go wrong with Thomas the Tank Engine and his engine friends from the island of Sodor. Originally filmed with model trains, the series has since been updated with more modern CGI animation, although it’s lost none of its whimsy charm or heartfelt storytelling. Watch classic episodes and newer seasons on Amazon Prime. Ages 3 and up.

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37. Team Umizoomi

After a few episodes of Team Umizoomi on Nick Jr., little kids will start zooming through their own homework assignments. The series follows little Milli and Geo and their robot Bot as they solve all kinds of math problems and help the tots of Umi City with counting, shapes and other mathematical fun. Watch on Sling. Ages 3 and up.

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    Top 10 Educational Cartoons for Kids in English

    Best Educational Cartoons for Kids

    A list of the best educational cartoons for kids in English that kids will love to watch.

    Most parents are looking for educational cartoons in English that are both fun and have a learning element.

    But with the huge variety of kids cartoons available these days, it is hard to decide which are the best for your child to watch.

    There are some kids cartoons that have been linked to bad behaviour and attention problems in children. So it is important that you do let your children watch cartoons, you know what they are watching, and that the cartoon is ok for them to watch.

    Here is a list of English kids cartoons for kids that are educational and fun.

    They will not only keep your child entertained, but they will learn a thing or two in the meantime.

    1. Little Einstein’s

    Four little explorers go on world wide missions with their rocket ship. Each episode is a different mission somewhere in the world where children learn about geography and culture. This educational cartoon for kids also includes classic music and famous art.

    The Little Einstein’s is an American English cartoon that you can find free on Youtube

    2. Blues Clues

    Blue’s Clues is a childhood favourite of many. The show follows an animated blue-spotted dog named Blue who leaves a trail of paw prints which are clues so that the host and viewers can try to guess her plans for the day. 

    You can find many episodes of Blaze on Youtube in American English.

    3. Blaze and the Monster Machines

    An educational cartoon for kids about group of nine friendly trucks, who all have different abilities. Each episode is fun, interactive and filled with educational opportunities for kids to learn.

    The cartoon focuses on learning about STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) so when your child is watching Blaze, at least they will be learning something worthwhile.

    Blaze  and the Monster Machines is an American English Cartoon you can find on Youtube.

    4. Dinosaur Train

    Dinosaurs climb abroad a train to embark on an adventure through prehistoric jungles and swamps, visiting volcanoes and other parts of mother nature.

    In this educational kids cartoon, children not only learn about the different types of dinosaurs and trains, but also about natural history and palaeontology. This exciting and fun cartoon for kids encourages basic scientific thinking skills.

    Dinosaur Train is an American English cartoon that you can find on Youtube

    5. Octonauts

    Captain Barnacles and his eight member adventure team love to save the day when there is trouble in the ocean.

    These little hero’s work together to protect habitats under the ocean and on the shore. In this fun kids cartoon, children learn about sea life and how to protect the environment.

    Octonauts is a British English cartoon available on Youtube

    6.

    Sid the Science Kid

    Based on a young inquisitive kid named Sid and his group of school friends, this kid’s cartoon uses children’s natural curiosity to introduce science into every day life.

    Each episode of this educational kids cartoon explores the every day questions that children have, and encourages them to think, and work like scientists do to work out the answers.

    Sid the Science Kid is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.

    7. Word World

    This is a cartoon for kids where words come alive. With a narrator and animal characters, the simple storylines creatively contain the use of letters and words all through out the episode. Children will learn letter recognition as well as the sounds and spelling.

    World Word is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.

    8. Paw Patrol

    The Paw Patrol are a group of rescue pups led by a little boy Ryder who love to “save the day”. Each dog is from a different breed and has a special skill based on a real life profession. Eg. Chase is a German Shepherd who acts like a police officer, Rubble is a construction Bulldog, and Zuma is a Labrador water rescuer.

    In this fun cartoon for kids, these characters protect the community by working together to solve any problems that arise. Children learn about problem solving, and teamwork.

    Paw Patrol is a Canadian English cartoon you can find on Youtube.

    9. Super Why

    Super readers to the rescue! Whyatt, Red Riding Hood, Princess Pea and Super Readers Pig, are the characters in the re-telling of popular fairytales.

    They jump into books to solve all the problems of the fairy tale characters living in Story Book village. In this fun kids cartoon, children learn real life lessons such as being kind, telling the truth, and being yourself.

    Super Why is an American English cartoon you can find on Youtube.

    10. Dora the Explorer

    In each of the more than 250 episodes of the British TV series Bob the Builder, the main character Bob and his machine friends help local residents solve a problem. For example, to remove garbage or repair the fence.

    There are a lot of short set expressions in the cartoon that will be useful in everyday situations. And besides, the child will accurately learn constructions with the verb can — “to be able”. Because nothing is impossible for Bob and his team.

    4.

    WordWorld

    Thanks to the World of Words educational animated series, a child will be able to remember how to write and pronounce simple English words. And the Duckling, the Frog and other funny little animals will help him in this difficult task.

    All 45 episodes of 12 minutes are also in Russian voice acting, but it’s better to stick to the original or watch both versions.

    Cartoons in English for children aged 8-12

    1. Martha Speaks

    The main character of What Martha Says is a talking dog who once swallowed alphabet soup. The plot of each story is built around several key words that Martha, her ten-year-old owner Helen, and other characters use in dialogue. As a result, it becomes clear exactly how to use new vocabulary in a conversation.

    Total US/Canadian/Philippines co-produced series 8 seasons and 96 episodes. The episodes consist of two stories of 13 minutes each.

    2. Muzzy

    The BBC Children’s TV Course has been helping foreigners learn the basics of classic British English for over 30 years. The audience learns grammar rules and vocabulary together with the alien Muzzy, who looks like Bigfoot, for whom all words and phrases are new. The characters speak in well-trained voices of famous English actors, so you can improve your pronunciation along the way.

    There are two seasons in total: the first, Muzzy in Gondoland, was released in 1986, and the second, Muzzy Comes Back, in 1989.

    3. The New Adventures of Peter Pan

    The action of the animated series «The New Adventures of Peter Pan» takes place in contemporary London. The language is not adapted for beginners, but the context is clear to any student. As you watch, it will be easier to understand and absorb colloquial phrases. All episodes are stored and waiting for their viewers on the YouTube channel of the cartoon.

    Cartoons in English for children aged 12 and over

    1. Phineas and Ferb

    Disney’s Phineas and Ferb animated series follows the antics and adventures of two restless stepbrothers living in the non-existent town of Denville. Each 23-minute episode is filled with witty situational dialogue. If you manage to catch and appreciate humor, consider that English is in your pocket.

    From 2007 to 2015, 4 seasons were released, where 222 episodes are enough to get used to the intonations of the characters and thoroughly expand the stock of spoken English.

    2. Lassie

    «The Simpsons» is already top notch both in terms of language perception and immersion in US culture. An animated sitcom about the life of a family from the American hinterland raises serious topics like political correctness, bullying, excess weight or feminism.

    You can watch The Simpsons endlessly while learning English with the whole family. The series is now in its 31st season and the number of episodes is inexorably approaching 700.

    English

  • 15 movies to help you learn English
  • How to help your child learn English
  • 5 tips for those who want to learn English through TV shows and movies

15 best educational cartoons in English for children

Learning a language is not always just reading textbooks. One of the best ways to speak a language is to immerse yourself in the culture and environment where it is spoken. If there is no opportunity to go to English-speaking countries, you can use other sources of living English, for example, cartoons.

In this article we will find out why watching cartoons can be not only interesting, but also a useful pastime, and how English cartoons can help in learning the language.

Watching cartoons as a way to learn a language

It is difficult to learn a foreign language only from texts and exercises. The ability to speak a language is primarily a conversational practice and the ability to perceive speech by ear. One of the best ways to improve your English level is to surround yourself with English words and expressions in your daily life. This can be done, among other things, with the help of original British and American cartoons.

Watching cartoons is useful because it trains the ear and creates an idea of ​​intonation and pronunciation in the language. In addition, translations cannot always convey the original meaning of words or phrases, so many language learners tend to study foreign content in the original.

Children’s cartoons effectively help in learning English also because they present the language in a playful manner. In addition, now it has become much easier to learn the language in alternative ways: all series of cartoons can be found on the Internet and, if necessary, reviewed several times.

15 English cartoons for kids

In this section we will get acquainted with some of the most interesting and useful cartoons in English and see how they can help you learn the language.

1. Hello Happy Rhymes

Cartoon «Hello Happy Rhymes» means «hello, happy rhymes» in English. He is perfect for children who are just starting to get acquainted with the English language . The cartoon consists of 14 episodes, each of which lasts only 3 minutes, and therefore it is easy and interesting to watch.

«Hello Happy Rhymes» is a series of colorful and short cartoons, each with its own simple and memorable story. The peculiarity of the cartoon is that at the end of each story there is a song that repeats the main events of the plot. Thanks to the rhythm and rhyme, English words are remembered much better.

There are many different characters in the cartoon: these are children — for example, Jack and Jill — their parents and animals. The first part of the video is always devoted to the story of events from a third person — the narrator: with him the viewer is immersed in the plot. The cartoon teaches to consistently describe events in the same way as the narrator himself does in each episode.

2. Gogo Loves English

The cartoon «Gogo loves English» consists of 39 episodes and tells the story of the dragon Gogo, who came to Earth and began to learn English. When viewing, it seems that you are learning English with the main character. In the cartoon, characters often repeat lines and phrases so that the child can remember them better and faster.

The main character is an inquisitive and sociable dragon Gogo. Together with him you have to go on a journey to learn English from the very first phrases. Each episode lasts approximately 5.5 minutes, which is enough to immerse yourself in the plot and not get bored.

The cartoon teaches basic English dialogues and topics such as «greeting», «description of an object» and «telling about yourself». The material in the Gogo dinosaur series will be useful for children with basic English skills.

3. Dora the Explorer

Another useful American animated series in English is Dora the Explorer. This cartoon is well known in Russia under the name «Dasha the Traveler». The protagonist of the series is the girl Dora, who loves to travel. Her friends help her in this: a monkey named Slipper, Backpack and Map.

The peculiarity of the cartoon is that it is interactive and involves the direct participation of the child in the plot and what is happening on the screen. Dora constantly interacts with the audience: asks questions, explains and discusses what is happening in the series. Often, Dora or other characters in the cartoon give the audience tasks, for example, «finish the rhyme» (in Russian, «to complete a rhyme, poem») from the Dora in Troll Land series.

The cartoon consists of 8 seasons, each of which has 19-40 episodes of 23 minutes. The story about Dora is designed for an audience up to 6 years old and with basic skills in English .

4. Martha Speaks

This is a cartoon whose main character is Martha the dog. Once she ate alphabet soup (Russian for «alphabetic soup») and learned to speak English. Despite the fact that this way of learning is possible only in cartoons, by her example Marta shows how the ability to speak the language “opens doors”, that is, opens up new opportunities. In total, the cartoon consists of 6 seasons and 111 episodes, each episode is divided into 2 stories and lasts about 25 minutes.

«Martha speaks» is already aimed at advanced students : the series touches on more serious topics, such as «bad habits» or «game addiction». Therefore, the cartoon is worth watching for children who have already mastered the basic dialogues and want to improve their skills.

In the cartoon you can find useful idioms: in one of the episodes «Martha speaks» you will hear the phrase «you’ve got a frog in your throat», which in Russian means the inability to speak due to hoarseness. Martha speaks has other features that make the series educational. For example, heroes use synonyms to describe a concept — this helps them remember it better and at the same time expand their vocabulary on the topic.

5. Muzzy

This is a cartoon created by the BBC in the 80s of the last century especially for those who study English as a foreign language. It introduces viewers to the basics of English, so is suitable even for those who are just starting to learn the language. The cartoon consists of 1 season and 20 episodes, their duration is short — from 9 to 15 minutes.

«Muzzy» is the story of a friendly alien, Muzzy, who arrives in the land of Gondoland. Here he finds himself in various unusual situations. For example, he is imprisoned for eating parking meters, and then he has to intervene in a court conflict and help his beloved Bob and Sylvia reunite.

The main feature of the cartoon is the repetition of phrases and words spoken by the characters. The repetitive lines serve the educational purpose of the cartoon very well, as they help you memorize new words faster. In addition, the episodes have special educational inserts that explain the spelling and use of words. For example, in one of these inserts, the viewer learns that «I’m» is an abbreviated form of «I am».

6. Peppa Pig

In Russia, the cartoon is known as «Peppa Pig» — perhaps this is one of the most popular English cartoons among children. A total of 6 seasons have been released about the adventures of Peppa Pig, each of which has approximately 52-54 episodes. Peppa Pig is designed for children who are just starting to get acquainted with English, but it is also suitable for those who already speak it well . Beginners will be able to learn new words and phrases with original British pronunciation, while advanced students will be able to hone their listening skills.

The main characters of the cartoon are Peppa Pig, her younger brother George and their parents. In Peppa Pig, many episodes are devoted to games, from which you can learn their names and features: for example, «marble race». In addition, many everyday situations and traditions are played out in the cartoon, which you need to be able to talk about when learning English.

7. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

In Russian, the cartoon is called Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, and it is quite famous among the Russian-speaking audience. The cartoon was released in 3 seasons: 52 episodes in the first and second, only 9 in the third. The episodes are short — they last 10 minutes, so it won’t take much time to learn and practice English while watching. However, for comfortable viewing of the animated series , we recommend that you have basic English skills .

The cartoon introduces viewers not to real situations, but to the magical world of elves and fairies, the main characters of which are the little fairy Holly and the elf Ben. But even magical stories can help children learn English: for example, in the episode «No magic day» the fairies lose their magical abilities and their elves friends have to teach them how to do household chores. For example, get water in the bathroom or comb your hair. Thus, the viewer, together with the fairies, learns to name objects and actions in English.

8. Over the Garden Wall

Modern American cartoon «Lessie» tells about the incredible friendship between a girl named Zoe and her dog named Lassie. She helps Zoya get out of unpleasant situations and accompanies the girl in all her adventures. Since 2014, 2 seasons have been released: 26 episodes of 22 minutes each. The level of English in the cartoon is suitable for experienced listeners , since the speech of the characters is often fast and requires good listening skills.

It is worth watching the animated series for many reasons. First, «Lessie» is a beautiful story of friendship between a girl and her dog. The main character Zoe Parker teaches viewers to be responsive, active and uphold the main values ​​of life. Secondly, this is a great way to get acquainted with American English and learn new words.

11. Bob the Builder

Another useful cartoon in English with a memorable slogan “Can we fix it? Yes we can!” — Bob the Builder. Its main character is the builder Bob, a kind, sympathetic and dedicated character. Bob has unusual friends and helpers: for example, a concrete mixer named Dizzy and a bulldozer Mac.

A total of 378 episodes of the animated series were released: from 1998 to 2018, 21 seasons of the beloved “Bob the Builder” were released. The duration of each episode of the cartoon is about 10 minutes, so watching the series is easy and interesting.

The cartoon is useful in that you can find many English idioms here, for example, “as the bird flies” (in Russian “in a straight line, along a straight path”). In addition, thanks to Bob’s pronunciation, children can learn British English. The leitmotif of the entire cartoon was the phrase “Can we fix it? Yes we can!”, which is perfectly remembered from the first episodes and teaches listeners to use the verb can correctly (in Russian “to be able”).

12. WordWorld

This cartoon is quite modern — its first series came out in 2007. In total, the series has 3 seasons and 45 episodes, each with a duration of approximately 12-15 minutes. The name of the cartoon is translated into Russian as «The World of Words», and indeed, what is happening in it is literally surrounded by letters and words. Even the main characters — a dog, a sheep, a bear and a frog — consist of letters corresponding to their name in English. Thanks to the cartoon, the child learns to find letters and make words in English — this will be an excellent training at the first stage of learning the language.

WordWorld episodes are short and simple, designed for children with minimal English skills . Here you will not find complex phrases and dialogues, but you can learn basic English words and expressions in a playful way.

13. Spot the Dog

The main character of the cartoon is an active and friendly puppy named Spot. He is curious and always on the go. This cartoon is suitable for young listeners who will be interested in exploring the world of the English language together with the main character and his friends.

Spot has three friends: Helen the hippo, Steve the monkey, and Tom the crocodile. The animation in Spot’s adventures is reminiscent of illustrations in a children’s book, which is one of the features of this cartoon.

The first part of the series about Spot came out in 1987, it included 13 episodes, each 5 minutes long. In 1993, a continuation of Spot’s adventures appeared: 13 new 5-minute episodes about a puppy that everyone loved. In the 3rd season of the cartoon, the format of the stories changed: in each of the new episodes, a short song sounded.

14. Maisy Mouse

Maisy Mouse tells the story of Maisy Mouse and her friends. The peculiarity of the cartoon is that the main characters — animals, including Maisie the mouse herself — do not speak English. They only make sounds like words, but we learn about what is happening from the narrator, who communicates with animals as with children.

The series first appeared on the screens in 1999, in total 26 episodes were released — each 5 minutes long. Many episodes focus on a subject, place, or action in English, such as «umbrella» or «roller skates». They teach children the correct British pronunciation and help expand their vocabulary.

15. Pocoyo

The boy Pocoyo is also well known to Russian TV viewers — he loves to have fun and play with friends. It is noteworthy that each cartoon character has its own special dance and musical accompaniment, which helps children better remember each of the characters. In total, 2 seasons of the cartoon were released, each of which had 52 episodes. The duration of the episodes is short — 6-7 minutes.

In every episode of Pocoyo, the characters play games or find other interesting things to do. For example, «ice skating» or «hide and seek» in the episode where Pocoyo and his dog friend Lula hide under an umbrella from their friend Pato. The series uses an engaging technique: when the narrator asks the audience a question, and the hero is waiting for an answer. This makes watching the cartoon more lively and interesting. Another feature of the cartoon is in 3D animation and the almost complete absence of scenery.

How to watch English cartoons

Now let’s talk about how to watch cartoons in English and what you should pay attention to. Here are some tips to help you watch:

  • Use subtitles . This is especially important at the initial stage, when it is still difficult to divide English speech into words and translate it yourself. It is better to display subtitles immediately in English: this will help you immerse yourself in the language and speed up the process of memorizing new words. Over time, you can try to remove subtitles if you notice that you no longer pay attention to them when watching cartoons.
  • See regularly . In learning a language, as in anything, habit is important. It is better to start with a small number of episodes so as not to overload your memory and not lose interest, but make it a regular activity — gradually you will get used to the perception of English words and over time you will no longer need subtitles.
  • Choose a cartoon that matches the level of . When it comes to learning from cartoons, it’s best to take your time and don’t overestimate your strengths. Choose a series that suits your level, otherwise it will be too difficult to watch and this experience will not bring any benefit.

Learning a language requires a variety of approaches, memorizing the rules from a textbook is just one of the main ways. Watching cartoons in English can be a significant investment in the learning process and help with regular English practice.

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Cartoons in English for children of different ages

With knowledge of the English language, all the doors to the modern world are open to a person: after all, English is the generally accepted way of international communication. Therefore, it is not surprising that caring parents want to teach their children English from a very young age. Even teachers confirm that learning English is much easier in childhood. The main thing is to choose the right format for classes. One of the most effective ways is to watch cartoons in English for children with your baby. Therefore, in today’s material we present you a selection of educational English cartoons for different ages. But first, let’s briefly talk about the benefits of the method and the format of work.

Contents

  • Cartoons as a way to learn English
  • How to learn English from cartoons
  • English cartoons for 3-4 year olds
    • Selections nursery rhymes
    • Videos for toddlers Mya-mya series
  • Cartoons in English for children 5-7 years old
    • Educational cartoons (by Robert Saakayants)
    • Baby first impressions
    • Maisy Mouse
  • English cartoons for schoolchildren
    • Collection of Easy Dialogue
    • Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Cartoons as a way to learn English

Kids quickly get tired, start to get bored and lose interest in what is happening. Therefore, for children, English should first of all be an interesting activity, and only then useful. How to combine these two concepts? Easily! You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, everything has been invented before us: educational cartoons will introduce the child to English and will never make you bored. Why is this method so effective?

  1. Concentration — bright pictures and funny characters capture all the attention of the little ones.
  2. Visualization — thanks to the video sequence, the guys catch the meaning of words literally on the fly.
  3. Simplicity — in cartoons they speak a language understandable to children.
  4. Interest – children will never get bored of following the adventures of heroes.
  5. Development of several skills at once — the baby learns to perceive English speech ( listening ), learns new words ( vocabulary ), reads them ( reading ) and repeats the lines after the characters ( speaking and pronunciation ). And also the guys get an idea about the construction of phrases, i.e. about basic English grammar.

Thus, the usefulness of cartoons as a way of teaching English is beyond doubt. We would even recommend watching cartoons in English for beginner adults. An accessible form of presentation of the material will allow beginners to master the basics of the language and quickly move «from scratch» to a more confident level of knowledge.

How to learn English from cartoons

English for children requires a special method of teaching. It is necessary to captivate the children with foreign and regularly conduct lessons, but in no case force them to study by force. The first and most important thing is the interest of the child. It is on it that the whole teaching methodology is built.

So, first you need to choose interesting cartoons in English for your children. It all depends on age and hobbies. Perhaps, in order to find “your” cartoon, you will have to try several options, but then the baby will really look at the screen with enthusiasm and absorb information. The only thing to note: at first, try to choose short English videos with a minimum of vocabulary. This will make it easier for your child to get used to the new language.

When a suitable educational cartoon is found, you can call your child and start learning with him. It is very important that the parent also takes the lesson with interest, you can’t just put the children in front of the screen, turn on the cartoon and go about your business. Delve into the plot with your child, discuss the characters, repeat their words, phrases and actions. Show that English is interesting to you, and the children will follow the example of their parents.

Now let’s give a couple of recommendations on the format of classes. A parent, unlike a child, must understand that we are learning English. And learning means a thoughtful approach and repetition. Therefore, we do not just watch the video, but work with it according to a certain scheme. Let’s analyze the stages of the lesson using the example of a cartoon about colors in English.

  1. The first viewing — we watch the video in its entirety, we follow the attention and interest of the child.
  2. Repeated viewing — we pause at each new word, explain to the child their translation. We give examples of objects of this color.
  3. We are distracted from the cartoon — we go about our business, walk, play, eat, but periodically remember the learned words with the baby. For example, we call any object in Russian, and in English we say its color.
  4. One more viewing of the cartoon — we watch without pauses, we monitor how much the child understands the material.
  5. Performing practical exercises — turn on the cartoon and pause the video before the announcer says the word. The task of the children is to remember the name of the color and say the English word on their own.

Now that you are sure that the child has learned colors in English by 100%, you can move on to a new cartoon. Otherwise, the kid will start to get confused in different cartoons and will not remember anything. Also, in a couple of weeks, it’s worth remembering the name of English flowers again, only to make it more interesting, it’s better to choose a new video on this topic.

As you can see, the training scheme consists of several stages. But it is hard for children to study for a long time, so one cartoon is studied in 2-4 lessons. Moreover, each lesson lasts no longer than 15-20 minutes for kids and 30-40 minutes for children from 6 years old.

So, we understand the benefits and format of lessons based on cartoons, so it’s time to move on to practice. The following are popular educational cartoons in English for children of different ages.

Videos from Busy beavers

This site and YouTube channel offers kids a lot of colorful educational cartoons in English. The material is presented in a fun and playful way, and pleasant music attracts attention and helps to quickly memorize words. In general, what to say, we must turn on and try to learn. We bring to your attention a selection of videos from Busy beavers, which contains 11 different songs about colors in English. There will definitely be no time to be bored while studying this topic!

Baby first impressions

A series of English language videos designed especially for preschoolers. These are not even quite cartoons, rather small educational films. The videos will tell the children about counting, geometric shapes, animal names, food designations, etc.

The material is presented entirely in English, but we are sure that any child will understand the meaning of the phrases, because Baby first impressions is a video for children and about children. All explanations of the rules are very accessible, detailed and clear. Also, a lot of different kids were filmed in the videos, and it will certainly be interesting for kids to look at their peers from other countries.

https://youtu.be/kSs3YhlFgiQ

Maisy Mouse

If you practice from childhood, then by the age of 7, children can start watching English animated series . Long videos are good because the characters will be well known to the child, and the desire to see new adventures of the favorite characters will increase interest in English classes.

For starters, we recommend trying the popular animated series Maisy Mouse. It has more than 150 episodes, while the average duration of the videos is 20 minutes. Regular viewing of new episodes of Maisy Mouse will definitely turn your child into a novice polyglot and bilingual.

English cartoons for schoolchildren

When English begins at school, homework becomes a useful addition to school lessons. In the classroom, kids do not always manage to immediately understand the topic, and a calm home environment will help eliminate shortcomings and gaps in knowledge. And cartoons are perfect for learning English at home.

Collection of Easy Dialogue

This video consists of situational mini-dialogues on everyday topics. From the cartoons of this series, the guys will learn phrases on the topics of acquaintance, a story about themselves, food, games, seasons, etc. English subtitles are built into the video, so when watching a cartoon, schoolchildren improve several skills at once: pronunciation, reading, vocabulary and grammar.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

An English version of the tale about Masha and the Three Bears, which is definitely worth watching with children. The cartoon is very musical and colorful, and the dialogues of the characters are simplified as much as possible.

By the way, the fairy tale is included in the educational program of school textbooks for elementary school, so home viewing will be useful from two sides at once: both for personal development and as auxiliary material after school hours.

Good luck in learning English and see you soon! My English Kid children in learning English. The list includes video channels and cartoons with fairly simple vocabulary, simple plot, clear pronunciation and repetitive material.

Songs and Nursery rhymes.

Music Channels is a great source of English in a simple, accessible, fun and memorable way. Traditional nursery rhymes, just funny songs, nursery rhymes, including practicing colors, counting, alphabet, simple designs.

  1. Super simple songs is the largest Youtube channel with various songs, nursery rhymes, nursery rhymes. Drawn, puppet, performed in different variations — for every taste. Great channel for learning English.

  2. Nursery Rhymes TV UK is a great collection of songs and nursery rhymes dubbed by UK speakers.

  3. Mother Goose club — a distinctive feature of the channel — real children as the main characters who sing and dance everyone’s favorite traditional nursery rhymes and children’s songs.

  4. Dave and Ava — here you can also find a lot of nursery rhymes and baby songs, united by the main characters and small plots clear from the context.

  5. Little Baby Bum is another music channel for learning English, which, in addition to traditional nursery rhymes and songs, contains interesting music videos about everyday situations in children’s lives, interesting experiments, etc. — dress up the princess, participate in a costume contest, draw and mix colors, etc.

Educational cartoons and videos

  1. Go-go Loves English — Longman’s Youtube tutorial for beginners, designed for preschool and primary school children. Funny characters, incendiary games, catchy songs. The main character is a go-go dragon who arrived from another planet. Each episode gives an idea of ​​a certain grammar and vocabulary, the material is repeated and consolidated.

    It has notebooks and students book, 6 levels in total. On the official website of the course, you can find additional materials (games, writing activities).

  2. Zippy and me is a series of educational videos in three parts, created specifically for children who begin to learn English, so there is simple vocabulary, everything is very visual, a lot of songs and motor activities. The main characters are children and a flying Zippy that can work wonders.
  3. Tom and Keri is a series of educational cartoons with a very simple plot. The main characters are a girl and a teddy bear, with whom little magical adventures happen. At the end of the series, the teacher repeats with the children the main vocabulary of the series based on frames from the series.
  4. Magic English Disney is an educational Disney series, a compilation of familiar Disney cartoon episodes with simple English dialogues and explanations, songs to learn and sing, and interactive activities.
  5. WOW ENGLISH TV is a very popular Youtube channel for learning English from a fun teacher Steve and his hand puppet Maggie the crow. Fascinating short videos on various topics for beginners.
  6. Dream English Kids is an educational Youtube channel with songs about everything in the world. The videos are made with humor, cover all areas of interest of preschoolers, the musical form, rhyme and video sequence help to quickly gain vocabulary on topics: colors, counting, alphabet, transport, food, daily routine, etc.

Cartoons with simple everyday scenes.

  1. Peppa Pig is a must have for everyone who starts learning English! The cartoon is original, but very kind and funny. Wonderful plots and a lot of dialogues on everyday everyday topics. Simple grammatical constructions, excellent voice acting, words and phrases are repeated several times and from different persons (I, you, he, they), a lot of vocabulary on one topic, there is an educational element. Bonus — a lot of books, including self-published ones. There are also audiobooks and cartoons with subtitles.
  2. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood — the adventures of Daniel the tiger cub. Series about life situations (thunderstorm, morning preparations for kindergarten, about how to ask for forgiveness). Each episode is very musical — part of the text is sung.
  3. Maisy Mouse — this cartoon also tells about what surrounds the baby. The plots are simple: games, regime moments, new experiences. The characters themselves do not speak (but only bellow strangely), all actions are voiced by a voice-over. Cartoon drawing is too intense. But the big plus is that there are no details that overload the attention on the screen.
  4. Humf is a beautiful calm cartoon, good everyday stories about a cute little monster and his family.
  5. Raa-Raa the Noisy Lion is an animated series aimed at developing speech and communication skills. Each series is based on the 4R’s principle: repetition, rhythm, rhyme, retelling — repetition, rhythm, rhyme, retelling. I like everything in this cartoon!)) And the characters, and the voice acting, and the stories, and the drawing. I recommend!
  6. Pocoyo is a Spanish cartoon translated into American English. The narration is conducted behind the scenes, simple plots understandable to kids.
  7. Spot The Dog is a short cartoon based on the popular series of books about a puppy named Spot by Eric Hill. In fact, these are books supplemented with details and text about a beloved hero.
  8. Max and Ruby is an excellent series about a brother and sister based on the books by Rosemary Wells. Indispensable for those who need to pump up everyday English. Ruby constantly says to her little brother all the phrases that we repeat every day to our children.
  9. Eric Karl’s Animated Books are beautifully crafted animations using the author’s own illustrations, complete with nature sounds and wonderful reading.

By alexxlab

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