Overview
The animated show focuses on things preschoolers like, including dinosaurs, music, recycling, and more. There are sing-alongs, often parodies of popular songs such as Pencil Case (Lady Gaga’s Poker Face), as well as lessons in math, pre-reading, science, the arts, and the environment. In the series, six students—Gil, Molly, Deema, Nonny, Oona, and Goby—learn from their teacher, Mr. Grouper, and play will Gil’s pet, Bubble Puppy. There are also the Little Fish, who serve as a chorus of underwater guides and help explain the lessons to the audience. The show represents the wide array of personality types and how these diverse characteristics of humans are not only normal but necessary in a group of people. Characters demonstrate important social skills, such as empathy and inclusion. In addition, the show introduces little ones to a school environment and demonstrates daily routines with catchy tunes. Here is a look at the different personality styles and social attributes of the Bubble Guppies characters. Gil is a great example of how humor can lighten almost any situation. He also reinforces the innate curiosity so common in our preschoolers. Gil is voiced primarily by Zachary Gordon, best known for his role as Greg Heffley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies. If your preschooler holds any fear about starting school, Mr. Grouper may help ease her worries. Mr. Grouper is voiced by Tino Insana, who is best known as the voice of Uncle Ted in the 1990s cartoon Bobby’s World. Bubble Puppy is a model of optimism and cheer, something common in preschoolers. This guy is a good model for young ones as well as a reminder for parents who may have lost some enthusiasm for daily life amidst the busyness of adulthood. Bubble Puppy is voiced by Frank Welker, who is best known as the voices of Fred Jones and Scooby-Doo in Scooby-Doo. The example of empathy shown by Oona may be the most important social skill depicted in this series. Empathy, or the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, is a key component of emotional intelligence (EI). Teaching empathy to your children helps prevent bullying. Not only does a sense of empathy often lead to better relational skills, but research also suggests that emotional intelligence is even more important than intellectual IQ when it comes to job success. Fortunately, there are ways to nurture empathy in your kids. Oona is voiced by Reyna Shaskan and Tori Feinstein. If your child is shy, she may recognize herself in Nonny and find comfort in knowing that shyness is a normal personality trait. Nonny is voiced by Eamon Pirruccello.
