TV Review: Wilbur
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this engaging series introduces
preschoolers to reading in a unique way. Kids see books from
the vantage point of the reader, watching as his hoof follows
the words that are being read and turns the pages when it's
time. Characters turn to books for information when they face a
problem they can't solve on their own, and they reiterate the
lessons they learn from the stories to ensure that young
viewers pick up on them.
Families can talk about what their kids like about books. Kids:
What are some of your favorite books? What do you like about
them? Who are the characters in the books? What problems or
issues do they have to solve? How do they do it? How do a
book's pictures help tell the stories? Parents can use Wilbur's
excitement about reading to jumpstart their kids' own interest
in books by reading to them, asking them follow-up questions
about the story's plot, and encouraging kids to retell the tale
in their own words.
WILBUR (voiced by Julie Lemieux) and his barnyard friends -- Dasha (Emma Pustil) the curious duck, Ray (Ian Busher) the talkative rooster, and Libby (Taylor Barber) the kind-hearted lamb -- join forces to tackle dilemmas that young viewers can relate to, like a pal with a bothersome habit or things that go bump in the night. Unable to find solutions on their own, the animals turn to books for inspiration; the stories they read help them understand how to navigate the world around them.
Preschoolers will be drawn in by the series' cheery characters, engaging puppetry techniques, catchy tunes, and rhythmic storytelling. Plus, they'll pick up important clues about the mechanics of reading. The characters also encourage listening comprehension through interactive questions that await kids' responses; many retellings of the stories by both Wilbur and real kids reiterate each episode's theme and ensure that little ones won't miss a beat of the tales.
Developed by a trio of moms who saw a need for book-oriented preschool programming, Wilbur may very well get your kids jazzed up about reading, especially if you mimic the characters' excitement and style (follow the words with your finger as you read, let your kids turn the pages to find out what happens next, etc.) when you read at home.
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