Friday, May 29, 2009

ASIAN AND AWESOME

It's great that creators of children's shows recognize that education should be a fundamental element rather than a bonus. My favourite bilingual show is Ni Hao Kai-Lan which started production in 2008. "Ni Hao" essentially means "Hello" in Chinese. In honour of May being Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, I'd like to recognize this show for its colourful characters, frequent use of Mandarin, and simple lessons targeting its young audience. Kai-Lan is a lovable five-year old girl whose best friends are a cuddly tiger, energetic monkey, and loving koala. The little girl often turns to her grandfather called "Ye Ye" for advice and he readily shares lessons on tradition and culture. With singing, problem-solving, and references to Chinese heritage, this is a sure hit for any family living in a culturally-diverse world.

Check your local Treehouse and Nickelodeon channels for showtimes.

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