Wishbone

I was so lucky to catch an episode of this show (The Tempest). My brother and I liked it, so we started watching it on a regular basis. I'm so glad that they started making new episodes a couple years back. I wish they would do it again.

Filled with wit, wisdom and a great showcase of classic literature, "Wishbone" is one of those shows that just will not be repeated. It will not be topped, in any form or fashion. It was a highlight of my childhood, and I hope that someday it will be a joy for my own children.

It was the 1990s, an era when children's programming was beginning to wisen up and realize that kids needed to learn more than just numbers, letters and how to play fair. "Lamb Chop's Play-Along" was teaching kids origami and magic tricks; "Magic School Bus" and "Bill Nye the Science Guy" were enlightening us to the wonderful worlds of science and nature; and "Wishbone" was covering a previously-unharvested part of the learning landscape, literature.

In a world where the average child would've been far more content to play Nintendo than crack open Charles Dickens, the clever Jack Russell terrier, Wishbone, was sharing classic stories in a fresh and exciting manner, and instilling a fascination for books into the new generation. But what made "Wishbone" work so well was that it was not only educational, it was INTERESTING. It grabbed your attention with an exciting story that didn't necessarily seem like school stuff. It was a charming, endearing program that has certainly--in my opinion--lasted the test of time.

I'm a young woman now, and for a lark I went and popped in my old "Wishbone" VHS. It made me interested in classic literature all over again. I suppose that ought to indicate SOMETHING. Now let's give a big cheer for the little dog who taught us all how to love reading. WHOOCHA!

Wishbone was one of those educational yet fun and action packed shows of my childhood in the mid 90's. I couldn't get enough of these shows. Wishbone made George Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and even Greek Mythology an adventure, and encouraged children to crack open a book. The show was a wholesome, well-rounded, educational show that was fun to watch. I'll never forget the Legend of the Creepy Dog collars episode, or the one when Wishbone explores the Japanese Heaven. Unfourtunatley, most children's programs I see today are just meant to make kids laugh, and send a shallow message. I am proud to say I grew in a time when children shows were in their prime. Wishbone is no exception.

A Jack Russell terrier and lots of classic novels by the likes of HG Wells, Washington Irving, Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and even ancient mythology. Is there any sweeter sign? Maybe there is on PBS when you're watching dogs narrate adventures. It's even relatable to kids on everyday struggles like what Wishbone does with his human family and all their friends and fellows. I started watching the show again on YouTube just to get a refresher and it didn't disappoint. Some of the major characters from the books included Robin Hood and Joan of Arc (the latter was real). And this delivered. For those of you who haven't seen it, you should; it's fun!

This is a wonderful show!! And it's not hard to see why. You have a cute little doggie who dresses up in wonderfully made costumes (who's a better actor than a lot of humans) that acts out fantastic classic literature. It's a great show that gets kids to want to read, and gets adults want to read some classic books again. Another cool thing about the show is that it doesn't have commercials and at the end it takes a look at behind-the-scenes so that kids can see what it takes to put a show together. It's definently one of the best children's shows on TV!

P.S.- My favorite episode is the one where Penny comes to visit Wishbone and he tells her about Don Quixote and other great stories.