It is wonderful seeing Little Bill interact with the rest of his family while delivering important life messages that even young children can absorb. My 10 year old son also enjoys watching this video (even though he probably won't admit it).Cosby gives kids yet another gift First order of business -- the "editorial" reviewer for Amazon says that this show is set in NYC. WRONG, Tammy, the show is set in Cosby's hometown, Philadelphia. Look at the buildings in the frequent skyline shots and figure it out. Anyway, what one finds is a middle class family in a middle class neighborhood, in a city that is just as racially diverse as the cast of kids one sees in this show. In other words, it is true to life.
It is really refreshing to hear an animated child character whose voice (as far as I can tell) is actually *performed by a child*. Again, it adds to the reality. And underlying all that is the simplicity and believability of the storylines. Nothing too presumptuous or grand, but always charming and stimulating.
If I would make a criticism, it is that the series seems to have a lot of preschool messages, for a character who attends school. So some episodes will appeal to younger viewers more than others. Our child is almost 3-1/2 and is developing an interest in the show, but I don't think all the episodes are equally appealing to one that young. Time will tell whether the stories remain appealing, as our child gradually approaches Little Bill's age.
But that's pretty subtle and is a faint criticism. Meanwhile, I think it's fantastic that the same jazzy musical score that appeals so much to us as parents is also appealing to our little viewer.
Yes, toddlers of one race can be fans of cartoon characters of another race. Yes, a simple animation style is adequate to convey life issues that matter to little kids. Yes, toddlers can enjoy jazz soundtracks in their TV diet. Hats off to Cosby and his team, as well as Nickelodeon, for bringing this to the screen.
Now, let's see more episodes on tape and DVD!!!
