It’s A Big Big World
It’s A Big Big World is an interesting title for a show that focuses on a single tree community. However, when you look a little closer, you see that the tree represents the world on a larger scale. The World Tree is home to a variety of animals including Snook, an energetic tree sloth who helps his friends learn about the world around them; Burdette, a Quetzal bird who is a bit of a know-it-all; Smooch and Winslow, a pair of sibling Marmosets who like to stir things up; Madge, a turtle with a map of the world on her shell; Bob, a Southern Tamandua who loves ants and likes to stir things up; Ick, the crabby catfish who lives in the water hole at the bottom of the tree; Oko, an old Howler Monkey and Tai Chi master; and Wartz, the agreeable Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Each animal has different characteristics and contributes to the tree community in their own way. Amazingly, all of the animals manage to get along and live in harmony, even with their differences.
In the World Tree, the tallest tree in the rain forest, Snook and his friends have many adventures and learn about the world using the methods of scientific investigation. It’s a Big Big World helps kids learn about animals and science through the process of discovery and promotes a better understanding of geography, environment, and community. Each episode also includes original music that features sounds from around the world. The show is produced using the patented Shadowmation, a combination of puppetry and computer generated animation. The result is a high-definition picture with very vivid colors.
After viewing the show, kids can go to the It’s A Big Big World web site to play games and find other activites that build on the ideas presented in the show.
While I will admit that the show moved a little slow for me, it does appear to accomplish its goals of teaching children ages three to six about science and the environment. When you are tired of ABC’s and 123’s, it is definitely a worthy alternative.
It’s A Big Big World can be seen on PBS Kids. Check local listings for times.
It’s A Big Big World, Shadowmation, science, environment, geography, scientific method, animals, World Tree, community, PBS Kids
March 25th, 2008 at 7:08 am
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