It's a Big, Big World

It's a Big, Big World is a whimsical and engaging educational children's television series that aired on PBS in 2006. Directed by Mitchell Kriegman and executive produced by Anne Wood, the show features puppetry akin to Sesame Street or The Muppets, underscoring the rich tradition of children's programming in its storytelling and artistic approach. Its main characters, crafted and brought to life by acclaimed puppeteers including Peter Linz, Tyler Bunch, and Tim Lagasse, share adventures, lessons, and laughter with young audiences in their unique world of the World Tree.

The enchanting World Tree, which can best be described as a rainforest tree, serves as the central location for the series. In this verdant and vibrant environment, each puppet character has its own place to call home amidst the sprawling branches, cozy tree trunks and translucent canopies of the tree. The World Tree is a place where curiosity thrives, questions are encouraged, and the exploration of the natural world is always the order of the day.

The protagonist of the show is Snook the sloth, delightfully portrayed by Peter Linz, whose credits include iconic characters in Sesame Street and The Muppets. Snook, with his easy-going nature and unwavering friendliness, personifies the welcoming spirit of the show. His endearing character often introduces and explores each episode's topic, partnering with viewers as they discover new facts and nuggets of knowledge about the world around them.

Tyler Bunch lends his talents to the role of Madge the Mapmaker turtle. Detail-oriented and methodical, Madge often provides precise information about the numerous plants and creatures that inhabit the World Tree. Meanwhile, Tim Lagasse embodies Bob the anteater, a character whose fascination with all things small and intricate represents the show's commitment to teaching children to appreciate the beauty of minute details.

It's a Big, Big World is, at its heart, a science show that effortlessly blends fun and education. The series integrates concepts of biology, physics, astronomy, and ecology into each episode, presenting these ideas in a manner that young children can understand and enjoy. The series prides itself on illustrating these scientific concepts in relatable and digestible ways, often using the show's natural setting and the diverse characters' experiences as springboards for learning.

For example, the concept of gravity may be introduced through an episode where an object falls out of a tree and the characters discuss why it goes down and not up. Or, the principle of photosynthesis may be explored after a character asks about why the tree's leaves are green. The show reinforces these lessons with catchy songs, often reiterating the newly introduced concept in a fun and memorable way.

But while education is a critical component, the show is as much about establishing deep emotional bonds of friendship, understanding, and respect among its diverse characters. Episodes often touch on important life skills like problem-solving, conflict resolution, and accepting others' differences. Characters share their fears and accomplishments, learn to support each other, and navigate the complexities of their world with kindness, perseverance, and a propensity for teamwork.

Besides its rich content, It's a Big, Big World is renowned for pioneering the use of the Shadowmation technique in a TV series. This innovation, also introduced to audiences by Mitchell Kriegman, combines traditional puppetry with cutting-edge digital impact, resulting in a richer, deeper 3D environment. The remarkable environment aesthetics contribute to making the World Tree a robust, visually-stunning, and make-belief realm that stimulates young imaginations.

Moreover, the series has a whole cast of entertaining and lovable secondary characters. There's Smooch and Winslow, the siblings who are constant bundles of energy and curiosity, Oko the Howler Monkey, who loves science just as much as fun, Ick the Fish, who's made the World Tree's watering hole his home, and many more.

In conclusion, It's a Big, Big World from PBS is an inventive, warm-hearted show that utilizes puppetry and an engaging narrative form to foster a love for science, nature, and exploration in its young audience. With its colorful characters, immersive environment, and an innovative presentation style, it offers a unique educational viewing experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. In this big wide world, each child is welcomed as an explorer, a learner, and a friend.