Top 5 Wholesome Cartoons for Preschoolers

Lucy Brandon
In an age where every other cartoon geared toward preschoolers is filled with burping, belching, and name calling, behavior no parent wants their child to imitate, it's nice to know there are still a few wholesome cartoons parents can feel good about letting their child watch. Every parent knows that they should not allow their child to watch excessive amounts of television, yet most parents are guilty of letting their child view the occasional cartoon in order to get things done around the house, have a telephone conversation, or just have a moment of peace and quiet. Preschoolers are a very inquisitive group of children. They are absorbing everything they can at this age. It is the job of parents and caregivers to make sure that preschoolers are not allowed to watch cartoons that are teaching them inappropriate things. Parents can be sure the following 5 cartoons are wholesome, fun, and fairly educational.

The Backyardigans- The Backyardigans is an entertaining group of 5 neighbor children who have exciting imaginary adventures in their backyards, such as surfing the perfect wave, swinging through the jungle on vines, and being secret agents. There is lots of singing and dancing on these cartoons. The songs are fun, and catchy. I use the term children very loosely since the characters include Uniqua, a pink spotted ladybug, Tasha, a yellow hippo, Tyrone an orange moose, Pablo a blue penguin, and Austin, a purple kangaroo. Each character has unique characteristics that make them appealing to children. This is a fabulous, wholesome cartoon for the preschool set, and adults find the Backyardigans entertaining as well.

Max and Ruby - Max and Ruby is a clean cartoon. It is a series about a brother and sister rabbit. Ruby is always attempting to get Max to behave, yet Max usually gets into some type of mischief. Preschoolers love it!

Little Bill- Little Bill is the youngest child in an African American family that includes mom, dad, sister, brother, Little Bill and the great grandmother "Alice the Great". A lot of the cartoon centers around family time. Little Bill was created by Bill Cosby.

The Berenstein Bears- This cartoon is an oldie, but a goody. The Berenstein Bears teaches important lessons, such as saying please and thank you and not using bad words. It is a great cartoon for reinforcing the idea of having compassion for others.

Caillou - Caillou is the name of a 4 year old little boy who is the main character in the cartoon. His story mostly involves the everyday adventure he has with his mom,dad, little sister, and grandparents.

The Backyardigans, Max and Ruby, Little Bill, The Berenstein Bears, and Caillou, are all cartoons that send positive messages to preschoolers. There is no name calling, bodily noises, or otherwise undesirable behavior from any of the characters in these cartoons. They are good, clean, wholesome cartoons that represent childhood at its best.

Published by Lucy Brandon

Lucy Brandon is a former teacher, a freelance writer, and mom to one sweet preschooler.  View profile

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  • Organic Momma from the Boondocks9/15/2009

    Actually this list wasn't good enough for our family. My 16 month old and 32 month old adore Peep and the Big Wide World (science for beginners) and Pocoyo (which teaches through laughter)and even Curious George. They seen and enjoyed Word World a few times. Overall Pocoyo and Peep and the Big Wide World are the best educational programs for toddlers.

  • Linda Ann Nickerson9/25/2007

    THANK YOU for not mentioning RugRats or Ed, Edd & Eddy. Ugh!

  • Kristina Montefusco9/21/2007

    Great info. I was flipping through the other day and saw Max and Ruby and thought it was very cute. I was also happy to see that the Berenstein Bears are still around. My daughter is only 13 months old so we don't watch much tv (although she does like the music on Little Einsteins) but I know she will be more interested later and it's great to know there are some good shows still out there. :)

  • Anne Chekal9/20/2007

    Good to have a list of "screened" TV and why. We allow one show a week and he's getting a bit tired of Maisy!

  • Mary Moss9/17/2007

    Thank you! It's so hard to find programs that are REALLY ok for little ones to watch. This is great information.

  • Kelly H.9/16/2007

    Great article, and some great choices. I know some people are very anti-any TV, but we do watch some, and I am always looking for great choices. Nicely written piece.

  • Mommy2Lots9/15/2007

    Great article. I love all of these. Great picks! :-)

  • E Harmon9/10/2007

    Thanks for the info! The Bernstein Bears were always my favorite books growing up. My one year old doesn't watch TV yet but it won't be long so I'm glad I know some good ones he can watch. :)

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