Manny et ses Outils

I remember when this show first premiered on Playhouse Disney (now called Disney Junior) in 2006. At the time, and also a little bit now, I found it to be one of the most charming cartoons ever. A lot of people have compared it to Bob the Builder and have said that this is a rip off. Not only do I disagree with that statement, but I personally think that this is better than Bob the Builder. Handy Manny teaches preschoolers how to be honest, you should include others, everyone is different, and to ask for help if you really need it. Bob the Builder taught friendship and teamwork. Well, that's all fine and good but the lessons Handy Manny teaches seem much more fleshed out. On top of that, the characters of Handy Manny are much more three dimensional than the characters of Bob the Builder. Their personality traits are present and some of them start out a certain way and then go through a story arc that changes them. Bob the Builder was boring compared to the colorful and three dimensional world of Handy Manny.

My first thought also was that Bob the Builder (our favorite) was definitely a big inspiration for this show. And on top of that they took a cue from the success of popular Spanish/English bilingual shows, such as Diego. However true that may be, my boys love construction themes and tools (how cute is a hammer named Pat & a screwdriver named Felipe?), and I like watching them learn some Spanish too. They took to this show right away and ask to watch it all the time! I think it's pretty cute and tolerable for adult viewers, which is more than I can say for most of the other shows aimed at kids. The episodes stick to a predictable pattern, it's upbeat and delivers some good messages. Although it may not be the most original program ever, it's enjoyable children's programming all the same!

My Grandson is very picky on what he will watch on TV, it often takes awhile for him to warm to a show. This time he really liked it and it won't get him really worked up like some shows can, and more importantly it doesn't get on my nerves early in the morning like some shows. It's cheerful and easy going, a bit like the Thomas the Tank Engine. You can stand it being on in the background without gritting your teeth like Barney and stuff. I did notice the voice of "RED" from the 70's show in one episode, I thought it seemed funny to hear his voice in a children's show. Kudos to Wilmar- and creators also of course

This show is wonderful for kids. The CGI was done with a cartoon look instead of reaching for reality, which helps draw in the kids and the show doesn't stretch for anything. It is simple enough to draw in the kids and the characters interaction is incredible. My 3yo is transfixed to this show more than any other. Plus he gets the same out of this as he does Dora and Diego with the multi-lingual aspect. While similar in nature to Bob the builder, as both shows promote teamwork on projects, Bob tends to do large scale projects and Manny works on fix-it projects around the house. The different types of tools make it easy for kids to see how different types of work are completed. A perfect compliment to Bob, not a competitor.

If you want your kids to learn basic spanish, don't show them Dora, show them this. I used to watch both Handy Manny and Dora when i was little and i watched a lot more Dora but i learned more from Handy Manny in less than 10 episodes. The characters in this are fascinating , i didn't dislike one character and most of all its a great educational show that teaches kids Basic Spanish, or basically what Dora wanted to be