Today – The fictional characters your children should grow up with.
The stories you grew up with play a prominent role in your values and ethics and are part of the education that shapes you into an adult later on. You shouldn’t disregard their impact and importance, as thinking about them more closely will show exactly how important they are. If you have children of your own, it is now time for them to find their favorite stories as well and grow side-by-side with a new cast of characters that can make them feel at home. If you’re wondering which are some of the fictional heroes your children should join in their adventures, here’s a list of some of them you can consider introducing to your kid.
The fictional characters your children should grow up with
Miffy
Miffy was created in the 1950s by Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna and has been popular with people from all over the world ever since. While her appeal to preschool-aged children is second to none due to her simple and cute design, there are many people who remained lifelong fans after learning about Miffy during their childhood days. For many people, the character has become an embodiment of childhood joy and happiness, so grown-ups feel somewhat comforted to have such a character by their side as they navigate the difficulties of adult life. There are over thirty Miffy books out there and over 100 picture books.
They are an accessible read for young children as each book only contains twelve pages. Every single page includes illustrations and only four lines of verse, with the themes being easily accessible for children. There’s always a happy ending, so there’s no need to worry about coming across stories that could make your child sad or upset. Miffy’s stories are a great way to get your children to enjoy reading, as stories that are difficult or convoluted can actually be off-putting for them. If you want to build a collection of themed items, you can check Miffytown to discover corduroy plushies, blind box collectibles, tote bags and handmade toys.
Tom and Jerry
Another series with a long history, this beloved classic has not lost its appeal despite being released well over eighty years ago. It remains just as funny and engaging to this day, and since the dialogue is very sparse, there is no risk of younger children getting bored or not understanding the plot. The episodes follow the shenanigans of the two main characters, with the house cat Tom trying (and mostly failing) to catch Jerry, the mouse. Although the series has been criticized sometimes for its violent content, there are no actual blood or intense scenes being shown, as the ways in which Tom and Jerry try to defeat each other are portrayed in an exaggerated, humorous manner.
When cartoons are aired nowadays, gags that are believed to be offensive or outdated are censored, and the newer episodes that were created and produced more recently are devoid of these concerns.
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie first appeared in a children’s story that appeared in the London Evening News on Christmas Eve 1925. The beloved character was partially inspired by a bear at the London Zoo and a stuffed toy that author A. A. Milne purchased for his son Christopher Robin from Harrods. Apart from the original book, which was released in 1926 and included the characters of Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Roo, Kanga and, of course, Christopher Robin, there have been numerous adaptations of this well-known story. Disney has a popular franchise dedicated to Pooh, his adventures and his friends that began in 1966 with the release of Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. The 2011 musical comedy is perhaps the best-known revival of the original story and will become an instant favorite for any child.
There’s also much to learn from the characters, as they often share lessons in kindness, wisdom, friendship, compassion, understanding and a love of beautiful things.
Kung Fu Panda
This movie franchise follows the adventures of Po, a giant panda who is revealed to be a hero of prophecy destined to become a great kung fu master. The plot takes place in a fictional ancient China and explores themes such as embracing your differences and using your personal talents instead of comparing yourself to others, both of which are important reminders for children. Although everyone around him (including himself) doubts him in the beginning, Po proves that resilience, hard work and optimism are crucial in achieving your goals.
There are currently four separate movies in the franchise, with the latest instalment released in March 2024. There are also three TV series if your child wants to join more of Po’s adventures, as well as numerous short films and special features. If you’re looking for a series that perfectly portrays the importance of being true to yourself, you must add Kung Fu Panda to your watchlist.
Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli films are known among their fanbase for their ability to provide gorgeous animation and wholesome plotlines. The main characters are very likable, and the atmosphere of the movies is relaxing and pleasant. Delving into these stories truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy world. However, not all titles are appropriate for children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Arrietty and Howl’s Moving Castle.
The themes are primarily focused on the importance of friendship and family, creativity, finding things you are passionate about and believing in yourself. The natural world’s importance and the necessity of protecting it from harm and damage are also emphasized.
Choosing the correct stories for your children to interact with can be a challenge, but it’s essential to make sure their first incursions into the world of fiction are positive so that you can foster a love for reading, the arts and culture for them. It also helps that these stories offer a lot of valuable lessons, from the importance of family and friends to being resourceful and intelligent and believing in yourself when overcoming obstacles; there’s no shortage of wisdom your child can get from these stories.
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