The Friendly Giant

As a child in Detroit, Michigan, I had many favorite CBC television shows, and this was one of them--along with Mr. Dress-up, Chez Helene, etc.

There was just something so gently magical about it, even though Rusty the Rooster really scaried me at first. I always dreamt that he was hiding under my bed waiting to peck at my feet! Anyhow, a great show. I'd love to see some of it again.

Musidora

I watched "The Friendly Giant" as a young boy, and sometimes when I was older, I watched it out of reminiscence, and because I appreciated the sweet and calm gentleness of the program. Most of today's programs are so fast-paced and are far from educational, even children's programs. This program helped me develop a like for reading and for music. The pipe and harp theme song "Early One Morning" still sticks in my head.

Bob Homme, who passed away on May 2, 2000, created one of the finest preschool programs ever, and certainly, along with Mr. Dressup, the finest in Canada. By reading a book, playing the pipe, harp (played by the late John Duncan) and talking about simple, but important things with Rusty and Jerome, children had 15 minutes of quiet where they learned things important to them, at their own pace.

I always enjoyed Rusty the Rooster(from the BookBag), the musical Raccoons( it's been a while...) and the Giraffe too. This was a basic, well done, nicely paced and smart kids' show; from the Mr Rogers school of thought. No they don't make'em like this anymore; it's sad that they don't. Def. a classic.

Great part of my childhood too! Something that makes us Canadians - Friendly Giant, Chez Helene and other common kids experiences. Enjoyed reading new biography of Bob Homme - The Friendly Giant - called - no surprise here - Look Up - Way Up. The Palantir Publishing website also has some audio clips of interviews with Bob. So neat to hear his stories. Takes me back to preschool again! Cocoa and cinnamon toast. I was one of the ones who liked the big arm chair for those who like to curl up. My favourite opening scene was when Friendly started in a farm yard. Then it was always so great to see his boot then the castle and then the drawbridge come down. I wish they were out on DVD.

I can do no more than echo the sentiments of others on here, that there was something magical about the calm and jocular Friendly Giant and his limbless companions. Loved seeing the cow make its jerky way over the moon. Loved the stories and the walks over the countryside. Loved the arranging of the furniture in front of the fire, a big chair for two more to curl up in. The rocking chair, for someone who likes to rock. All the reliable and comforting things that a child never tires of hearing again and again. It is telling that there is not a single non-positive comment on the IMDb about the Friendly Giant. Click on 'Hated it', and you just get another positive comment. Bob Homme left a fine legacy.