What’s A Makka Pakka?

I watched In the Night Garden on CBeebies one afternoon with my grandson.

The series was created by Andrew Davenport, produced by Ragdoll Productions and narrated by Derek Jacobi.

                                                                

It’s a preschool series set in a magical garden with some unusual characters; Makka Pakka, Upsy Daisy, Igglepiggle and the Tombliboos, just to name a few!

My grandson goes crazy for it, he loves it and so do most young children that I have come across.

My favourite character is Makka Pakka, he loves cleaning and washing faces with his sponge; maybe that’s why my grandson likes cleaning?

I watched one episode with great fascination, at a balloon flying thingy called a Pinky Ponk; it flew slowly over the hedge into the magic garden.

The unusual sounds and characters are too much for me, but my grandson smiles and gets really excited when it comes on, the effect on him is mind boggling, but then what do I know, I'm just a grown up!

The music and songs are very catchy, I find my self singing along to some of them; I especially like the music at the start and end of each episode it’s so beautiful.

In my opinion it's great for young children, they will watch the show for hours.

My final thought: it's very abstract, best suited to young children.

What's your opinion?  

It’s Lines for Dipdap!

I watched Dipdap on CBeebies the other day with my grandson.

Dipdap is a children’s series that was written and created by Steve Roberts.

It’s produced by Ragdoll Productions.

                                

Dipdap is a five minute animated children’s programme.

The story-lines feature a character called Dipdap and lines that draw objects around him.

The animation is simple but effective.

It's entertaining and different, some children may not like it.

In my opinion, I think it’s very creative in fact genius to come up with a simple character and draw simple lines to tell a simple story!

My final thought: it reminds me of an animated flip book, maybe I should have a go?

What do you think?  

Where Does Abney & Teal Live?

I watched the delightful children’s series Abney & Teal the other day with my grandson.

Abney & Teal is shown on CBeebies.

The writer and illustrator is Joel Stewart; the series is produced by Ragdoll Productions.

                                                        

Abney & Teal are rag dolls that are bought to life through animation.

They live on an island in the middle of a big city with their friends.

As an adult I found the start of Abney & Teal a bit dated, however once the programme started it was very enjoyable to watch.

My favourite character has to be Bop the Elephant Seal, he lives in the river, blows bubbles and drinks tea from a tea cup.

The character Neep makes me laugh he looks like a Turnip and always gets up to mischief. 

I also have to mention Toby Dog who likes to play a tune and the Poc Pocs that look like they are made out of wood! Not sure what they are?

It’s worth watching the children will love it. 

In my opinion the stories are wonderfully told and lovely to watch, the animation works well with the rag dolls.

My final thought: how nice it would be to live on an island in the middle of a big city, eating porridge and drinking tea all day with my friends.

What do you think?