So begins every episode of the charming British cartoon, Charlie and Lola. I was recently introduced to this brother-sister pair by my English blog friend, Emily. It didn't take long for Garrett and I to get hooked.The animation follows a collage style using traditional 2D animation, paper cutouts, fabric design, real textures, photo montage, and archive footage. The characters are voiced by children (rather than adults as is typically done), and it's not just their British accents and Lola's childlike grammar that make them so endearing. Rarely do you ever see siblings portrayed on television as actually sincerely liking each other, as opposed to having to like each other because they're family. Charlie plays the role of big brother incredibly well, looking after his little sister not just because his parents asked him to, but because he loves her. And, ever demanding the patience Charlie extends to her, Lola is, well, a sweet younger sister.
In the states, Charlie and Lola airs on the Disney Channel (specifically Playhouse Disney). We don't have cable, but we've watched every episode posted on YouTube. We also check out episodes on DVD at the library. In fact, we just picked up another one this morning after Storytime. Here's one of our favorites:
It's a great show, don't you think? Garrett really loves it, and he frequently asks me to turn it on by saying "Lala, Lala," over and over. At 10 minutes an episode, I don't mind letting him watch a few at a time. I actually think I like it as well as he does.
7 comments:
We love Lola, too! It's one of VERY few kids' shows I can stand. Adore the books as well...the illustrations are even better "off screen".
I love Charlie and Lola! Can you watch it online? It's a disney show, isn't it? We don't get Disney channel anymore... but I would definitely search this one out on the internet.
Sara - We like the books, too. Well, I like them more than Garrett does right now. He prefers the show.
MommyJ - There are like a dozen episodes on YouTube. Just search "Charlie and Lola episodes." Those are the only ones I've been able to find online so far, though, and it's not nearly enough. Which is why I was so happy to discover our library has the DVDs. Maybe yours does, too? Or the local Blockbuster? If all else fails, you can buy them on Amazon. There are, I think, 7 episodes on each DVD.
Have you checked out Lauren Child's other illustrated books like Goldilocks and Pippi Longstocking? Not as much for your boys, but you will like them. We love Lauren Child at our house! I will never not ever eat a tomato is our fav.
Very cute!!
Glad that you do completely love it! Nice to think of Garret and you watching it together probably on the same day that we have watched a few episodes too!
The princess and the pea is my favourite Lauren Child book (apart from Charlie and Lola books of course).
That's my nieces' favorite show. Well, one of them. That's why we had Ella's birthday party with the Charlie and Lola theme. I love it. And I'm almost 29. I want all the books.
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