Johnny & the Sprites

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Risk of imitative behaviour

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	2005-ongoing
Classification advice
Rating	G
Consumer advice lines	None
Duration	10 minutes approx.

Other information
Country of origin	USA
Production Company	Disney Channel & Home Girl Productions

Synopsis

Johnny moves into an unusual house in the country whose garden is inhabited by Sprites, whom only he can see. Basil, Ginger and the other Sprites learn about the human world and Johnny learns about their world while trying to keep their existence hidden from other people.

Points to consider

Words of caution

Johnny is often forced to explain strange occurrences to friends and family, such as Sprite hiccups or an extremely large tomato moving by itself. More often than not he attempts to hide or cover-up Sprite behaviour that may seem strange in the ‘human world’. He is not overtly deceitful, but he is not openly honest either.

Positive aspects

encourages healthy eating, specifically fruits and vegetables
encourages persistence to stick with a problem and see it through to the end
promotes taking care of the earth, it’s creatures and the natural environment in general
promotes cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.

Questions to ask

Why do you think that Johnny tries to cover up the Sprite’s behaviour or existence?
What would happen if other people knew about the Sprites?
Do you think that they would believe Johnny?
Is there a way that Johnny could be completely open with people and still keep the Sprites a secret?
What would you do in his situation?