Like many people who grew up in the British Isles, I loved Mairi Hedderwick's beautiful Katie Morag picture books in childhood. They were gentle, quiet and had a charm all their own, as well as being led by one of the most memorable and fun heroines I had ever met.
The TV series, which hit screens late in 2013, is a real trip down memory lane for people who've read the books, and a refreshing change of pace from normal preschool fare. And that's not just me being weird and watching a show aimed at three year olds: it was advertised on prime time BBC One prior to its first episode, courting an adult audience with the slogan 'Everything doesn't have to be a big drama'.
By using this slogan, it was clear that the writers wanted to show that their programme should be taken as seriously as all the programmes in the BBC's 'Original British Drama' line, while still asserting the individuality of Katie Morag as her own thing. And really, I can't think of any better way to describe the show.
It doesn't rely on gaudy bright colours, overly energetic presenters, or in-your-face loudness like other preschool shows. It's calm, subtle and celebrates the natural colour and variety of life in a close-knit island community. The plotlines are heartwarming and the lessons given well. I also personally love that it will take the occasional break to just pan across the landscape for a bit, to really show off the beauty of the Hebrides.
Of course, comparisons to Balamory are inevitable, since that was also a show set on a little Scottish island. But where Balamory was very staged and false, Katie Morag is much closer to real life. Well, as far as a CBeebies show can, at least.
The main character is likeable, the cinematography lovely, and the music gorgeous. If you want a peaceful, relaxing 15 minutes (with a potential added nostalgia bonus), I can't recommend Katie Morag highly enough.
Oh, and another thing? It's also been dubbed into Scottish Gaelic. Which is just a lovely-sounding language. :)
Peaceful, nostalgic and subtle
Like many people who grew up in the British Isles, I loved Mairi Hedderwick's beautiful Katie Morag picture books in childhood. They were gentle, quiet and had a charm all their own, as well as being led by one of the most memorable and fun heroines I had ever met.
The TV series, which hit screens late in 2013, is a real trip down memory lane for people who've read the books, and a refreshing change of pace from normal preschool fare. And that's not just me being weird and watching a show aimed at three year olds: it was advertised on prime time BBC One prior to its first episode, courting an adult audience with the slogan 'Everything doesn't have to be a big drama'.
By using this slogan, it was clear that the writers wanted to show that their programme should be taken as seriously as all the programmes in the BBC's 'Original British Drama' line, while still asserting the individuality of Katie Morag as her own thing. And really, I can't think of any better way to describe the show.
It doesn't rely on gaudy bright colours, overly energetic presenters, or in-your-face loudness like other preschool shows. It's calm, subtle and celebrates the natural colour and variety of life in a close-knit island community. The plotlines are heartwarming and the lessons given well. I also personally love that it will take the occasional break to just pan across the landscape for a bit, to really show off the beauty of the Hebrides.
Of course, comparisons to Balamory are inevitable, since that was also a show set on a little Scottish island. But where Balamory was very staged and false, Katie Morag is much closer to real life. Well, as far as a CBeebies show can, at least.
The main character is likeable, the cinematography lovely, and the music gorgeous. If you want a peaceful, relaxing 15 minutes (with a potential added nostalgia bonus), I can't recommend Katie Morag highly enough.
Oh, and another thing? It's also been dubbed into Scottish Gaelic. Which is just a lovely-sounding language. :)