joseph_sobora

This is DIC's first animated show (with the second being Inspector Gadget) and it first premiered in September of 1983 on ABC. This series focuses on one particular family of Littles - Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Dinky, and the two youngest: Tom and Lucy. In their quest to become productive adults, the Littles and their 12-year old huge friend Henry face the same kinds of problems that young children face every day - issues of friendship, jealousy, honesty, prejudice, consideration for others, kindness, responsibility, risk-taking ... and more. Each episode of the Littles focuses on one such issue, presenting it in explicit, concrete terms. And young, attractive characters with whom children can identify carry out these actions, they serve as excellent role models for young viewers. Younger and older children, boys and girls, loners and social butterflies...all can find a character with whom to identify and from whom to learn. And last but far from least, the character of Grandpa, a wise, experienced, older Little who clearly loves and cares for the Little kids, functions as the kind of non-threatening, non-didactic teacher to whom children respond. He frequently articulates the lesson inherent in the action as he interacts with and advises the Little children. He is the best kind of teacher. The exciting adventures of the Littles and the suspense generated by their frequent narrow escapes from Dr Hunter are designed to capture and hold young viewers' attention. The explicitness with which each lesson is articulated and role models with whom children can identify are designed to ensure that children note and understand the embedded pro-social content as they derive delight from the action. I definely remember watching this when it was on The Family Channel (I was 4 at the time)and later on Toon Disney. it was very funny and cute especially when Dinky was doing his own stunt show until it when out of control and went up to flames. Now that this show is currenly in syndication and on DVD, you'll be able to catch all the fun. Whenever you are big or little, it always a treat! From DIC Animation City, in association with ABC Productions (American Broadcasting Company). Joe's Rating: 4 stars.

The Plucky Duck Show premiered on FOX's Saturday Morning lineup (a.k.a. FOX KIDS NETWORK)on September 19, 1992. It includes the third season of Tiny Toon Adventures which premiered a week before this show aired(after there two-season run in first-run syndication).

It started with the following episode of "The Return of Batduck". Buster and Babs Bunny (no relation?) are taking a break off and Plucky Duck decided to have his 'own' show but he overhears that Director Tim Burton is directing a new Batman movie (which explains how Batman Returns was made and came out the same year). So with his pal Hampton, they went off with a limo to the Warner Bros. Studios Lot to meet Tim Burton so he can get a screen test on his part as "Batduck". The funniest part in this episode is where Plucky and Hampton explored down the sewer with a bunch of celebrity personalities as well as the search of the Bat cave and the screen test shot of his part.

During its short-lived run, the total of 12 of these episodes were just constant repeats of all Plucky Duck cartoons that has been shown on Tiny Toon Adventures. To make it that way, FOX urgently canceled the show due to their average of low ratings in the Nielsen chart listings. This was also there last run of Tiny Toon Adventures starting with their Christmas Special that aired on December 6, 1992 at 7:00pm prime time.

Even for that, this was a good short-lived show for Plucky Duck which proves the point that he CAN become a star!

Joe's Rating: 3 Stars

The Adventures of the Little Koala was definely the show that took koala bears family including other animals in very mysterious adventures. Not only that, this was the show that first launched the whole Nick Jr. block along with Maple Town, as well as other show that keep running like The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Pinwheel, and more back in 1987.

The show focused on the family and friends of Roobear, the title koala, as they learned weekly life lessons. Roobear lived with his parents, Mommy and Papa, and his little sister, Laura. The playful marsupial also had friends aplenty: Pamie and Nick, the penguins; Floppy and Mimi, two rabbits; Betty, another koala; Walter the kangaroo; Duckbill, a platypus; Kiwi, a kiwi bird; Miss Lewis, a reporter; and of course a mysterious cat in a brown coat with a brown hat and a blue mitt named Weather.

Of course, not all the animals could enjoy peaceful company, and the bane of Roobear's existence were the Dead End Kid kangaroos-Walter, Colt and Horsie. They were the bullies of this magical world, and though they were drawn in the same endearing children's book illustration style, they provided the edge to stir up trouble.

A Japanese import of all kind, The Adventures of the Little Koala made Nickelodeon a thing of the past. The next year has brought us another Koala show called Noozles which was also a very cute show.

I definely remember that show, it was my childhood memories I grew up with especially for Nickelodeon. During the last showing in 1993, I really miss this show but then after 8 years ago, I found an older print of the show on video at my local video store. I was so happy, I had to buy it so I can see this wonderful show just like I have watched it when I was a little kid. It really was one of the first shows I have discovered Japanese Animation known as anime.

>From Tohokishinsha Animation. A Cinar Production in association with Viacom International Inc.

Joe's Rating: 4 stars.