What the Wot? The WotWots Have Landed!

Given that there is a 5 year gap between my youngest, who is 3-1/2 and the twins who are next in age it seems that the longevity of Treehouse TV as a viewing option has strung along in my house for longer than I had originally anticipated.

As a result I’ve gotten to know more than my fair share of preschool TV programs and their characters.  The latest in this list, and it seems one of my daughters’ favourites, are the WotWots.  What’s a WotWot you say?  Well read on to find out!

I recently was invited to attend a launch event for the arrival of The WotWots to Canada – a charming alien sibling duo named SpottyWot and DottyWot who arrive from Outer Space to Earth to explore our planet through a preschooler’s eyes.  The event was hosted by my friend Maureen Dennis of WeeWelcome.ca and I was looking forward to attending  since the morning promised some bonding time for my wife and I with our daughter.  You see in a house with four children – and only one daughter, it’s rare that either of us can attend events with just our little girl, so this morning was special for that reason alone.

Maureen Dennis, DottyWot & My Belle

The event celebrated the two DVDs that have just come to Canada from New Zealand, with a special preview of an episode off their newest one, Spot a DottyWot.   Though the characters rely on their own simplistic language and body movements to communicate, definitely making this series geared towards the younger audience, both my wife and I tend to get caught up in their adventures.  It didn’t hurt when both of the WotWots suddenly appeared for a live visit – especially judging from the sounds of kiddie squeals all around me.

Though the show clearly emphasizes typical childhood adventures, with predictable lessons about friendship and other important virtues along the way, it was the underlying current of teaching about the planet and even basic science that drew me in more than it otherwise might.   For example, from the moment they land (in their steam-powered spaceship!), their adventures at the zoo teach them valuable lessons about diversity in animals and the varying roles they play.  And another episode for example, features an innocent examination of clouds (referred to as ‘Fluffy Puffies’) which might encourage children to look up and want to learn mo

re about these environmental wonders.  Teaching our children lessons about stewardship and sustainability can never begin too soon in my opinion and the WotWots adventures seem to understand this with solid effectiveness.

The WotWots’ two new DVD’s, Stripe a Lotty Wotty and Spot a DottyWot, featuring seven, 11 minute episodes each, are now available in stores for $14.99.  The WotWots also airs on Treehouse TV.

 

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.