Parents' Guide to
Gardenkeeper Gus
Common Sense Media Review
By Robert Yaniz Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, simple, and calming stories for little ones.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
What's It About?
GARDENKEEPER GUS presents a series of "sweet, calm, immersive stories" featuring 6-year-old Gus and his squirrel friend Rel. Gus lives with his mom, and most episodes see Gus embark on simple tasks such as mushroom picking, making a salad, and going on a picnic. The podcast has a strong theme of connection to nature as it veers away from discussion of modern technology.
Is It Any Good?
While many podcasts for preschoolers focus on academic lessons, Gardenkeeper Gus offers something very different and well worth checking out for the little ones in your life. Gus is a charming, innocent, and curious main character. In many respects, he gives young listeners an ideal to strive for. And for parents, he gives an example of good behavior their kids can strive for. The stories all emphasize traditional values, such as good manners, nutrition, and respecting the natural environment and the animals that inhabit it.
If the show has a weak point, it's that its target audience is likely to be fairly narrow. Older kids will likely grow impatient with its smooth sounds and simple stories, craving something more. The lack of new episodes also means that listeners will probably finish the show just as they're starting to really get into it. Still, the inclusion of calming music, nature sound effects, and top-notch voice work make it an easy -- albeit limited -- show to recommend, particularly for toddlers and preschoolers. It's a great first podcast for that crowd.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gardenkeeper Gus is set in a simple world and doesn't feature modern technology. What are the major differences? What are some positive aspects within that world?
Gus has a close relationship with his mother and has friendships with a number of animals, particularly his squirrel buddy Rel. Why is Rel such an important character on the show? What function does he serve? How can we treat nature and animals like our friends?
Most podcasts aimed at preschoolers directly incorporate lessons such as counting and behavior modeling into the story. What approach does Gardenkeeper Gus take, and which one is more effective for this age?
Podcast Details
- Release date: January 3, 2022
- Genre: Kids & Family
- Average Run Time: 7 minutes
- Production Company and Network: Headspinner Productions
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Last updated: January 11, 2024
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