Little Bear (TV series)
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Little Bear (1995-2000) was a children's television series. Originally produced for Nick Jr., it currently airs on Noggin and Treehouse TV.
It is based on the Little Bear series of books which were written by Else Holmelund Minarik, and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
Most of the characters are moderately anthropomorphic animals, exhibiting both animal and human behaviors, but generally dealing with human problems and concerns. However, Little Bear's friend, Emily, and her grandmother are human and Tutu, their dog, is mostly a normal pet. Other characters in the series include Little Bear and his parents Mother and Father Bear, his paternal uncle Rusty, his four grandparents, the eponymously named animals Duck, Cat, Owl and Hen, in addition to many recurring minor characters.
The series's music was mostly composed by Lesley Barber. The theme song was arranged by Arnold Black but written by Schubert in the early 1800s.
As well as the ongoing TV series, the show has enjoyed success in video form and via a "feature length movie" released on VHS and DVD and sometimes shown on Nick Jr.'s bedtime slot.
It was also on Nick Jr. on CBS on September 16, 2000, then last aired on September 15, 2001.
[edit] Characters
Little Bear - Little Bear is a small grizzly bear cub. An animal version of an average child, 6 years old. Throughout the series, he has grown somewhat, as his voice is slightly deeper, and he doesn't take naps as much. He is the only character whose parents are shown. Little Bear lives in a stucco, timber, plaster, and brick house.
Owl - Owl is the brainy character, who is sometimes pompous, but very wise indeed. He lives in a treehouse. Although Owl enjoys fun games, he'll only participate if the gameplay is sensible.
Duck - Duck is a domesticated duck with yellow feathers and a long neck, making her somewhat similar to a goose. Stupid and smart at the same time, Duck is a nerdy type who gets herself into comedic situations. We know that she lives in a nest, but it hasn't been seen in the TV series except for one episode.
Hen - Hen is a fussy, feisty chicken who lives in a large chicken coop. She is classy and sophisticated and enjoys cleanliness, though her several nieces and nephews often mess up her spotless house. However, she never turns down the opportunity for fun. Hen is also fond of opera though she is not a very good singer.
Cat - Cat is a slothful, pompous feline who enjoys prowling at night, playing tricks on passersby, and eating. When he and his friends must get to a certain place in the woods, Cat often leads them through one of his shortcuts, which often turn out to be longer than a regular path.
Mitzi - Mitzi is a mischievous, sometimes rather unthoughtful monkey who lives in a tree house in the forest around Little Bear's home. She feels bad after slighting somebody's feelings or misleading them (as when she played for keepsies by declaring keepsies too fast to be understood, and won all of Little Bear's marbles - to his great dismay). She does not appear in as many episodes as the rest of the cast.
No Feet - A green garden snake that lives in little bear's garden.
Frog - A 'Yoda'-esqe frog who often provides Little Bear and his friends with thoughtful insight.
Emily - A good friend of Little Bear's, Emily is a human girl who moved into a cottage in the forest with her Grandmother and dog Tutu. Emily's most prized possession is her doll named Lucy which she takes everywhere.
[edit] Voice cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Kristin Fairlie | Little Bear |
| Amos Crawley | Owl |
| Tracy Leah Ryan | Duck |
| Andrew Sabiston | Cat |
| Dan Hennessey | Father Bear |
| Janet-Laine Green | Mother Bear |
| Tara Strong | TuTu |
