We are told that we live in an golden era for animation but the flag is mainly flown by Pixar, Dreamworks and our own Ardman.
Most TV animation is poorly drawn, badly executed, cheap, witless, ancient (the BBC - Batfink made in 1966 and looking like the film may melt at any moment) and often sadistically violent. Exempt from this, of course, is The Simpsons and, I would argue, Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Like the Simpsons it owes everything to its creator, Stephen Hellinburg a marine biologistturnedanimatorwho logically came up with the idea of a boy spongewho lives on the bottom of the sea.
Although very in your face with garish colours and loud sea shanty music the joy of Sponge Bob is in the writing. Their home has its own surreal logic, beaches at the bottom of the sea for instance and a squirrel who naturally has to wear an aqua-lung.
Bob is naive and childlike and his mate Patrick is lovably dim. They react to those who purport to act like adults, such as Mr Crab, Bob’s boss, with charming bewilderment - as real children do. There is lots of extreme slapstick but no pop culture references, satire or knowing winks to the adults as there is in the Simpsons. Nor does it try to be loved like the awful Scobby Doo. But above all this it is funny. Laugh out loud funny. For the whole family. The slapstick is always inventive and the verbal gags clever and witty. And you cant help liking them all including the tight-fisted Mr Crab and the miserable Squidward.
The lessons it delivers are simple - Bob loses his pet snail Gary, due to his selfishness, everyone deserves respect, etc - but never patronising or sickly.
And as you would expect, given its creator, there is a strong conservation and environmental message hidden inside.
Over a hour of back-to-back episodes might push your limits but otherwise treat yourself - and the kids!.
Sponge Bob Square Pants - Where's Gary costs £9.99
McLarenstore.com is offering Parenting Without Tears readers the chance to win a great selection of racing goodies from the brand’s exciting TOONED kids collection. We have two great prizes up for grabs, so enter now and you could be our winning champion!
Sometimes with children of different ages it is difficult to find a film wthat will appeal to everyone. Alex Bell found the The Jungle Bunch, out now on DVD, fit the bill for her four and seven year old offspring.
The latest Pokémon movies are released today and we asked to great fans – Jack and Laurne Denne – to tell us what they thought of Pokémon the Movie Black andPokémon the Movie White.
Based on Margery Williams' classic tale of a toy coming to life, this version of The Velveteen Rabbit is a great DVD to watch in the run-up to Chrstmas. One for all the family, writes Anne Coates.
Opening this week, Bolt is hailed at the cinema as the future. Brian O'Neill and his son Matt love the film about a dog who believes his on-screen super powers are for real!
Looking for somewhere to take the kids without breaking the bank? City farms are often free – or they ask for a donation – and offer families opportunities for wonderful interactions with a range of animals and birds.
The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.
Sharon M. Draper's beautifully written novel, Blended about an eleven-year-old's struggle to be herself not what or how other people see her. Review by Anne Coates.
Perfectly timed for the half term holidays and greater restrictions on our lives during the pandemic, comes Claire Balkind's Great Family Days In, reviewed by Anne Coates.
During lockdown we've all been exploring ways to socialise and keep entertained and so many have organised games and quizzes online. Anne Coates tried out the Whodunnit Murder Mystery games offered by MacMillan Cancer Support to raise funds for this excellent charity.
Teddy’s Wish announce their third annual bereavement and wellness retreat, running over the weekend of 21 – 22 September at the unique and calming surroundings of St Katharine’s Parmoor in Henley-on-Thames. The fully-funded weekend retreat offers group therapy sessions, as well as yoga, light exercise, creative writing and mindful meditation. They have also unveiled their "Be There" step-by-step guide on how to support friends and family who might be grieving the loss of a baby.
Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Gibsons to offer readers the chance of winning a Christmas Box worth £50 for a great start to your festivities.
With social media, there’s always something to compare: the child who seems to excel at everything, the family who’s always having more “picture-perfect” moments. If you or your child are caught in this comparison trap, there’s good news: you’re not powerless.
Fantastic magnetic shapes which actually increase in value as children get older and it's certainly fun for adults to join in with as Anne Coates discovered, playing with her granddaughter Lizzie.
Creating stability for children during divorce requires planning, communication, and practical solutions. These ensure both households operate clearly, allowing children to maintain their routines and relationships.
Whether your taste is for Mexican, Italian or French food, here are four restaurant chains offering a free child's meal when an adult orders a main course – valid throughout the school summer holidays.
Helen Little reviews this lagoon shaped pool which is large enough for all the family to enjoy if you have adequate room in your garden. The Bestway Pool is available from BM Stores.
Looking for somewhere to take the kids without breaking the bank? City farms are often free – or they ask for a donation – and offer families opportunities for wonderful interactions with a range of animals and birds.
Health Optimisation Summit explores the latest innovations, trends, and strategies in health and performance. Founder Tim Gray reveals his top health tips for making the most of your vacations.
Active Leah is a cuddly doll which says Mama, makes sucking noises when fed, burps, cries and sleeps after being gently rocked – a dream doll for toddlers and young children, writes Anne Coates.
Teddy Keen, editor and compiler of The Lost Book of Adventure, discovered the works and illustrations of The Unknown Adventurer in a sealed metal container in a remote hut on the banks of Jari River. Review by Christine Mayle.
Dr Emma Derbyshire who headed a new research review published in the journal of Gynaecology and Women’s Health Research, explains the benefits of Ubiqinol especially if you are struggling to conceive.
The Surprise Box doubles as a vending machine, adding to the excitement for slime enthusiasts. Natasha Da Souza's two daughters, loved discovering what was contained in each of the 20 golfball sized containers.
Ruth Ewing, pregnant with her first baby, takes inspiration and reassurance from this collection of birth stories shared by 30 women from the US, Canada, and the UK collected by Claire Fulton. Not all deliveries go to plan but all end on a positive note.
Puzzles, matching and recognising shapes are a precursor to learning to read and these lovely wooden animals offer a fun and educational way to begin recognising the alphabet for toddlers and young children. Review by Anne Coates.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaces the existing EHIC and can be used to get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.
Play is vital for fostering creativity, physical development, social skills, and emotional wellbeing. But sometimes, even exciting games can become less engaging. Here are simple ways from TP Toys to every game more enjoyable for everyone.
This set of 12 mini colouring books from Vibe Better range in subjects varying from food and holidays to aliens and cats in hats – all of them engaging and fun as well as aiding concentration, writes Anne Coates.
As part of a new menu launch, Frankie & Benny’s are introducing five seriously indulgent burgers and to celebrate they’re giving away a staggering £100,000 worth of burgers absolutely free. Get your voucher code now.
Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count runs from 18 July to 10 August and is completely free to take part in. Plus, there's a family fun pack full of activities for all ages, come rain or shine, that's sure to keep active imaginations occupied.
Three great books for older readers – adventure and romance: Alice with a Why by Anna James illustrated by Matthew Land; Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli and Rewind to us by Molly Morris. Perfect summer reading and gifts.
Clara Kervyn, Physiotherapist, Pilates, and Musculoskeletal specialist and Elyn Marwick, Personal Trainer, Coach and Functional Fitness Specialist advise on what to do when you're suffering pain in your feet and ankles.
In summertime, a family's thoughts turn to paddling pools and here's one which doesn't have to be inflated, won't be be punctured by animal claws, is made from slip-proof material and has eco friendly drainage – well done Peteast.
Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Zapf Creation UK to offer readers the chance of winning one of their fabulous toys: BABY born doll, BABY born My Cat Cookie, Splish Splash Surfing Berta and Splish Splash Swimming Emma.
Frontier Publishing introduces, Ava Spark: Hello I’m Here!is the first in a brand new young fiction series, following life through the eyes of ten-year-old Ava Spark as she navigates the trials and tribulations of home, school, friendships and family.