In Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins preschoolers can enjoy learning good health habits as they watch the lead character, six-year-old Dottie “Doc” McStuffins care for adorable toys. Her magical stethoscope brings the toys to life so we can watch as she diagnoses and provides the cure for whatever ails them. Without lecturing or PSA type dialogue the viewers learn such helpful habits as stay hydrated especially on hot days, get enough rest or simply when your tummy is full stop eating. The stories are brought to life by the talented team at Brown Bag Films in Ireland. As fans of their previous TV work, Olivia (the tales of an imaginative pig and her family), I was excited about Doc’s arrival at Disney.
Last week Disney released Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Checkup a collection of 10 episodes from the popular Disney Junior series. Sadly for me my son didn’t connect with Doc as he did with Olivia (the stuffed animals coming to life made him uneasy) so I enjoyed the chance to watch a few episodes of the collection on my own.
Among them was “Brontosaurus Breath”. Doc’s Dad makes lunch for her and her little brother, Donnie. Mom’s a doctor, so its often dad featured at home with the kids. Donnie shares some his baloney sandwich with his toy dinosaur, Bronty. When Donnie heads off to soccer practice the toys come to life with Doc (she’s the only one who talks to toys) but Bronty’s salami breath causes everyone to hide. In order to find out what’s causing the bad breath, Doc declares its “Time for Your Checkup” a cute little song that plays in each episode and highlights the elements of doctor’s check-up.
Examining his teeth Doc uncovers a piece of salami. They log the diagnosis in her Great Big Book of Boo-Boos. After removing the offending snack, Bronty expects his bad breath problems are over. Not so fast, now Doc and her toy friends — Lambie, Stuffy and Hallie sing about brushing your teeth.
Over the years I’ve found songs stay with me (and with my little guy) much longer than the dialogue of a story so I love that the creators of Doc McStuffins use a simple tune to sum up what to expect when you visit the doctor and to reinforce the good habit taught in each story. I’m also a big fan of the good example by the show’s main characters. They are kind, friendly, compassionate, as well as teaching the lessons on proper health.
Doc McStuffins: Time for Check-Up features 10 episodes —
- Gulpy Gulpy Gators / One-Note Wonder
- Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!
- Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night
- Bronto Boo-Boo / Brontosaurus Breath
- Doctoring the Doc / Hot Pursuit
Sneak Peeks on the DVD include:
- Disney Movie Rewards
- Disney Junior – Jake and the Never Land Pirates
- Preview – New Tinker Bell film Spring 2014
- Preview – Blu-Ray Return to Never Land
- Disney Junior – Sophia the First
- Preview – The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition HD Presentation