Handy Manny

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Slapstick comedy

Most suitable age range:

2-4

Availability

At time of review, screening on Foxtel.

Many items on the list of non-violent media may be available for either purchase or hire. Click here for some ideas of where to look for them.

About the program

Year of production	2006
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	10 minutes

Other information
Country of origin	USA
Production Company	Nelvana Limited

Synopsis

Manny is a kind-hearted, fix-it man. With the assistance of a box full of helpful, friendly tools he is able to fix every odd job that comes his way, much to the relief and appreciation of his community.

Points to consider

Words of caution

One store owner often has little accidents: he drops a tower of boxes as a cat rubs up against his leg and he looses his balance, he is knocked over by a twirling sign, he staples himself to a pole etc.

Positive aspects

uses Spanish phrases, greetings and words throughout the show in a manner that children can easily understand and recognise
demonstrates positive, friendly and helpful attitudes and contains useful pieces of advice such as “never wander off by yourself.”
provides imaginative examples of how to improvise when you don’t have everything you need in order to fix something
shows the value of teamwork and community spirit and demonstrates positive, caring, relationships.

Questions to ask

One shop owner seems to be very accident –prone. What things do you suppose he could do to stay safe and experience fewer mishaps? Would he have still fallen over if he were carrying fewer boxes?
Parents might like to give children the chance to practice some creative thinking skills, such as giving them a simple problem and some basic items and asking them if they can come up with a way to solve the problems using the items on hand.