Toopy and Binoo

It may not be educational in the same way other shows are. Sure, it may not teach you how to spell or how to add. On the surface, it may seem completely nonsensical and just a colorful flashy show of some rat and his stuffy playing together.

As a child and youth care practitioner, I find this show an important and bold step toward child entertainment. With homophobia still existing, there are lots of people out there who seem to think this show is some great force of evil trying to brainwash their children into becoming gay. I see it more as building tolerance to people of certain orientations. And yes, maybe your son may want to try on high heels because Toopy did. So what? How many people are going to die because your son put on high heels? None, that's how many. The show has also been accused of romanticizing sexual behavior between men, but there is absolutely no sexuality outlined in this show. Toopy and Binoo take baths together? So what? Is it suddenly a sexual thing? My friends and I have been in a hot tub together, and we're all straight men.

Sexuality and homophobia aside, this show is great. It teaches love and compassion, and it reinforces a positive attitude. There is no promotion of aggression, no children throwing temper tantrums (Caillou), and no negativity. Toopy is an all-around loving character, and he's always looking out for his best friend Binoo. They have loads of fun together, and this is what children should picture when they picture true friendship.

I cannot believe that some parents are commenting that "dressing up in as girls and using makeup" will turn their boys into homosexuals. May as well torch all the re-runs of Mr. Dressup, chop up the famous tickle trunk and label Ernie Coombs as the instrument of Satan!! Please. Who are the parents protecting here, their own insecurity or their kids?

I have to say that the show is absolutely awesome for young children, 1 to 4. The show does not contain any kind of violence, negativity, elements of bullying, or anything that young children don't need. They need exactly what Toopy and Binoo are showing. Caring, sharing, using their imagination, being good spirited and full of joy. I'm so happy this show doesn't show any kind of negative elements, because lets face it there are plenty those for them later!

Okay, this show is cute for kids. my daughter loves it. so to all those parents that are complaining about this show because so called "cross- dressing" and promoting gay views, you all need to grow up. its a kids show. there is nothing wrong with this show, its aimed for kids and kids love it so leave it alone. by doing this you are showing that you are against gays which is a bad attitude to aim towards your kids. they will learn worse things from you with that attitude then the show. im sure most of you parents saying these things grew up watching bugs bunny, and he always dressed as a woman, did that make you want to be a cross-dresser or gay? i didn't think so. so come on. leave it alone. over critics.

My three year old son loves both the TV show and the web site (see the link below). He has enjoyed the show off and on for over a year now. Almost all of the other 10 boys at his day care also watch the show.

This is an animiated fantasy based show from the perspective of a young boy Toopy and his stuffed animal friend Binoo and other characters.

Almost all of the action and conversations take place with inanimate objects but the boys imagination brings them to life. Messages on reading, getting outside and sleeping are high on the list of activities.

The colours, music and relationships are all good. The show is produced in both English and french but almost all the merchandise is in French.

Toopy and Binoo is a children's show which makes use of voices that would be engaging to children, along with bright colours and simplistic story lines. Because Toopy and Binoo is children's programming, obviously it's meant to be watched by all children (ie: not just boys). Toopy and Binoo explore various story lines, regardless of gender connotations, because their audience is diverse. Ignorant parents should try to remember that Toopy and Binoo are animals and not people, children who make up the viewing audience for Toopy and Binoo do not see animals as gendered. I also worry about the type of children these biased parents are raising.