Photo by Disney Junior

I have reviewed children’s programming on This and That’s YouTube Channel, but this is my first time blogging about one. Now as a disclaimer, I do not work for, nor receive any type of compensation from Disney or any of its subsidiaries. Last week, my children and I saw a commercial for Disney Junior’s new show Doc McStuffins. This morning, we watched the preview episode, leading up to it’s official premiere on Friday March 23, 2012 at 10:00 am/9 c. It will be seen on Disney Junior, a morning lineup of preschool-age appropriate shows hosted on the Disney Channel. And just on a program note, Disney Junior will soon become its own 24-hour channel, right up there with Sprout and Nick, Jr. Unfortunately, you will have to check the website (DisneyJuniorthechannel.com) to see if your cable/satellite carrier will have this station in your area.

Having said all that, let me introduce you to Disney Junior’s newest resident (no pun intended), Doc McStuffins, a 6-year-old girl who talks to and “fixes” stuffed animals and toys. The other human characters don’t know the toys can walk and talk, so you could think of this as a cross between Dr. Doolittle and Toy Story! There are a host of characters, my favorite being Hallie the Hippopotamus – Doc’s “nurse” (voiced by the talented Emmy-winning actress Loretta Devine). What I love most about the show is that Doc McStuffins is a little African-American girl, adding to the diversity of many of today’s cartoons – a far cry from the cartoons and children’s shows I grew up with. As mother to a girl, it makes me glad to see positive African-American images both in “real life” television, as well as in the animated world. The show emphasizes friendship, teamwork, and compassion for others. Overall, it’s a cute show and one I don’t mind my children watching – no corny or irreverent catch-phrases, no baby talk, or any other of those annoyances found in some children’s programming.

So for those of you who are parents, Godparents, grandparents, aunties and uncles of toddlers, make sure you tune in to Doc McStuffins. I predict it will be well worth your (and your child’s) while.

What are your child’s favorite animated shows?