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'Hippy' BBC series teaches children to get in touch with their feelings
Tim Ross18 May 2009
Parents, toddlers and students shirking morning lectures should prepare: the Piplings are coming and children's TV will never be the same again.
Based on distinctly hippyish principles, Waybuloo, the BBC's flagship series, encourages toddlers to try yoga and hug each other in pursuit of ultimate happiness.
The show's four Piplings — Lau Lau, De Li, Nok Tok, and Yojojo — travel through the verdant and vaguely Eastern countryside of Nara, helping the young learn how to handle emotions.
When a Pipling is truly happy, or makes another feel better, they achieve the Zen-like condition of “Buloo”, and begin spontaneously to float.
Programme makers believe the computer-generated characters will be just as appealing to adults, and hope the show will replicate the success of hits such as Teletubbies.
The decision to focus on emotional intelligence represents a departure for mainstream children's TV in Britain.
Sarah Colclough, executive producer for CBeebies, said: “We were looking for a concept that would bring together that elusive notion of children's emotions. It is an extremely distinctive programme in that way.
“In each show you learn about friendship, co-operation and citizenship. The heart of the programme is about encouraging children to be happy. At the launch the children watching
were utterly mesmerised.”
Each character embodies a particular quality or emotion, from love to imagination. The designers wanted to find a way to spread their own “hippy” parenting philosophy to other families, added Ms Colclough.
Another distinctive feature is that the Piplings interact with real children — known as “Cheebies” — and directly address toddlers and parents at home. The audience is encouraged to join in with “yogo” exercises — essentially simple yoga moves specially developed for two to five-year-olds.
The show comes at a time when increasing numbers of children are exhibiting emotional and behavioural problems at school and nursery.
Educationalists believe too much TV and computer games has been detrimental to behaviour.
Waybuloo was created with the help of education specialists to foster emotional development. In one episode, Piplings and Cheebies search for strawberries but there are not enough for everyone.
They resolve to share their harvest so all can taste the fruit.
Nigel Pickard, director of family entertainment at programme maker RDF, said Waybuloo would show children how they can “work together to be come positive and content”.
Reader views (11)
Ive seen some episodes and they have my approval - they speak properly - none of this silly babble like in Night Garden & Teletubbies.
It teaches them "yogo" which is kiddy yoga, and teaches them to share which is a lot better than half the programs out there.
The music in it is also very relaxing and calm.
- Ms B, Lincolnshire, 03/06/2009 11:24
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I think they are rather cute. Can't wait to see the Zen merchandise!
- Smb, London,UK, 18/05/2009 16:02
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.....and don't forget the books, DVD's, bubble bath, clothing, food stuffs, toys .....wasting the world's resources and coming to invade every high street store you can think of. Wonder if the caring-sharing BBC will share some of the profits with the license fee payers?
- Browned-Off, Bognor, UK, 18/05/2009 15:54
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Al, not sure Adi hittler ever made Mein Kampf into DVD, proper grammar you may have. Accuracy you do not, you seem to have me and Graham mixed-up. I suspect Grahams post was an accident rather than written sabotage.
Now please relax
- Gary, Brentwood, 18/05/2009 14:41
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I think this programme sounds quite sweet and who can argue with the morals its teaching? At least it seems to have a purpose - can anyone say the same about the hideous teletubbies?
- Isabel, Woking, 18/05/2009 14:06
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I'm rather relieved Carlisle - and Gary - are rather a long way from London judging by his attitude. Not only does he appear not to know where the caps lock key is on the keyboard, his parents clearly did not teach him proper grammar, punctuation etc.
Both him and Steve should have been forced to have to watch Mein Kampf from birth.
- Alan, London, UK, 18/05/2009 13:07
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- Graham Thompson, carlisle england
Graham, I know Carlisle is a bit of a way away from London, but no need to shout! ;o)
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 18/05/2009 12:13
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if the BBC IS AGAIN WASTING PUBLIC MONEY FOR ANOTHER LOAD OF GARBAGE THAT THE PARENTS CAN `PLONK` THERE CHILDREN IN FRONT OF THE TV WHILST THEY ARE OBLIVIOUS TO ALL AROUND THEM,THEN WOULD IT NOT BE THE PROPER THING AND GIVE THESE CHARACTERS BRITISH NAMES SO THAT THEY CAN AT LEAST RELATE TO SOMETHING REAL .WE HAVE NO WAY OF STOPPING THE BBC FROM WASTING LICENCE PAYERS MONEY.
- Graham Thompson, carlisle england, 18/05/2009 11:36
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Not sure it as bad as the magic roundabout with brian, dougal and Zebedee. Do not get me started on the Spacey Rabbit Dylan, a walking kids advert for rizzla
- Gary, Brentwood, 18/05/2009 09:59
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More trendy PC nonsense from the BBC.Glad I'm too old to be subjected to that load of old rubbish.Shame for the kids to have to endure it though.
- Steve, London, 18/05/2009 09:36
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Wow! If you thought the Telly Tubbies were on drugs, take a look at this lot!!
Will the toddlers be taught how to skin-up?!
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 18/05/2009 09:10
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