We've received and enjoyed Charlie and Lola books, which tell the stories of two round-angled siblings against patterned backgrounds. It's a collage-like effect that's essentially the opposite of old Paddington Bear cartoons; where the former Brit import was all about texture and wrinkled paper, crumbs and smears of marmelade, Charlie and Lola inhabit a mess-less, uber-hip scrapbook of pattern and color. But while Paddington came to the screen in a far different form than the line drawings in the Paddington Bear books, Charlie and Lola is a fairly straightforward reproduction of what author Lauren Child did on the page.
I'm here to propose that Charlie and Lola's show is better than the books - both visually, where moving backgrounds and short takes lend visual dazzle and chances for quick visual jokes Child could never justify on the page, and aurally, where Charlie's tenderness towards his sis and Lola's damnable cuteness come vividly to life. The attention to detail and humor in the characters' movements and frequently off-kilter delivery give this show a freshness rare at the show's U.S. home, Playhouse Disney, where computer animation is the coin of the realm.
The soundtrack beyond the songs is pitch-perfect, too. Here's a great example of Lola's charm and some great background music that draw you through a story.
We are HUGE fans, actually finding the tv show before the books.
Lola reminds me a little of my daughter.
In fact, when presented with dinner that includes moon squirters, my daughter always says with a British accent “I will not ever eat a tomato!”
I try to tell her that she totally missed the point on that one.
I adore the scrapbook-y feel of the show and books. The textures (fave episode when they have to make a collage of their homes and they show Lotta all different types of art). And best of all, the playfulness.
It’s a children’s show that I actually like to watch with my children.
I totally agree with your post and with Leighann. We’re huge Charlie and Lola fans, too, and there really is something about having your child talk back to you in a British voice. I even find myself trying to do the accent when reading the books aloud.
We discovered the show when my daughter was 2, visiting my niece, who was 6 at the time. The show captivated them both, and continues to at ages 3 and 7.
it’s funny, this the one show I think I’d watch without my kids :) I love that the show focuses on a good, sweet sibling relationship. (not without conflict, but when conflict arises, it’s handles well). my daughter LOVES the show and I’m more than happy to let her watch this one.
and yes, it goes without saying that the art is lovely!
well charlie and lola have been a staple in our house for a few years. Pink milk is our favorite and i’ve even written a recipe for it on my blog, using frozen strawberries!
I bought my girls dolls in NYC this past fall, they are adorable. I say more Charlie and Lola for everyone (including mum)!
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We are HUGE fans, actually finding the tv show before the books.
Lola reminds me a little of my daughter.
In fact, when presented with dinner that includes moon squirters, my daughter always says with a British accent “I will not ever eat a tomato!”
I try to tell her that she totally missed the point on that one.
I adore the scrapbook-y feel of the show and books. The textures (fave episode when they have to make a collage of their homes and they show Lotta all different types of art). And best of all, the playfulness.
It’s a children’s show that I actually like to watch with my children.
I totally agree with your post and with Leighann. We’re huge Charlie and Lola fans, too, and there really is something about having your child talk back to you in a British voice. I even find myself trying to do the accent when reading the books aloud.
We discovered the show when my daughter was 2, visiting my niece, who was 6 at the time. The show captivated them both, and continues to at ages 3 and 7.
it’s funny, this the one show I think I’d watch without my kids :) I love that the show focuses on a good, sweet sibling relationship. (not without conflict, but when conflict arises, it’s handles well). my daughter LOVES the show and I’m more than happy to let her watch this one.
and yes, it goes without saying that the art is lovely!
well charlie and lola have been a staple in our house for a few years. Pink milk is our favorite and i’ve even written a recipe for it on my blog, using frozen strawberries!
I bought my girls dolls in NYC this past fall, they are adorable. I say more Charlie and Lola for everyone (including mum)!