Bambaloo

YMA recommendation

	Approved as non-violent media
Most suitable age range: 2-4

Availability

At time of review, screening on video.

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About the program

Year of production	2003
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	30 minutes per episode

Other information
Country of origin	Australia
Production Company	7 Network, Jim Henson Productions, Yoram Gross EM-TV Pty Ltd

Synopsis

The Bambaloo tree house is home to Sam (the main presenter) Fidget (a playful Dog), Portia (a parrot) Jet (a fish) as well as to Jinx and Gypsy (two helpful, hungry mice). Together they help each other rehearse for plays, imagine what it would be like to go to the moon or overcome a conflict. They play games, sing songs, learn to make things, have visits from friends and act out stories which often lead them to solutions or help them see things in a different light.

Points to consider

Words of caution

None

Positive aspects

The main characters live together and act like a family, thereby exemplifying unity in diversity.
They help and encourage one another and take risks as they learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.
They help each other work through conflicts and problems in a supportive and compassionate manner. Often these various strategies can be used with children to help them gain a new perspective on different issues.

Questions to ask

Babmaloo provides parents with the opportunity to help children develop empathy for others and to think through alternative strategies for peacefully resolving conflict and creatively solving problems.

Why did the characters disagree?
Can you see it from both sides?
Is there another way that they could have solved that problem?