Streaming guide: TV Series, Audiobooks and Podcasts to keep the children occupied
From online TV shows, to audiobooks and podcasts, offers some quality suggestions for younger who may be cooped-up
Studio Ghibli
.
The streaming platform scored a real coup in securing a licensing deal with the renowned Japanese production company, whose anime masterpieces are largely hand-drawn by Hayao Miyazaki.
There are countless gems to be found here, including the wonderful 'My Neighbour Totoro' and the lesser-known 'Kiki’s Delivery Service' (featuring the voice talents of a young Kristen Dunst).
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
If you haven’t seen this sublime production already, you’re in for a treat.
If you have, it is worth revisiting the three seasons to revel in the top-notch production, design, costumes and acting.
Neil Patrick Harris was born to play the evil Count Olaf, tormentor of the beleaguered Baudelaires.
Horrible Histories
Arguably one of the best series ever produced by the BBC, you will never grow tired of this smart and irreverent take on history, which uses parody, song and silliness to entertain and educate kids and adults alike.
Brainchild
This educational science series produced by Pharrell Williams, features plenty of interactive games, challenges and experiments to hold the attention of older kids, who will learn a lot about topics such as the psychology of social media.
The Worst Witch
This series, originally screened on BBC, based on the hugely popular series of books by Jill Murphy follows the entertaining adventures of trainee witch, Mildred Hubble. With a second season coming on March 26.
Little House on the Prairie
Take a trip down memory lane with this American show which was a staple of Irish childhoods in the mid 1970s and early 80s.
The series, which tackled some groundbreaking topics (racism, alcoholism and poverty) for its time, still holds up. The opening theme alone is guaranteed to have you misty-eyed.
Adventure Time
Plenty to keep the kids amused with over 170 episodes of this hallucinatory voyage through what may or may not be a post-apocalyptic universe with Jake the dog and Finn the human.
Also features Irish comedian and actress Sharon Horgan as the voice of Minerva.
Is Eolaí Mé
Peadar Ó Goill presents this fun and accessible science show from his attic lab, where he and his young guests explore topics ranging from gravity to forensics.
Audiobooks
* All available on Audible.co.uk
, narrated by Richard Ayoade
We all need a dose of the giggles right now and Roald Dahl’s hilarious tale of the disgusting Twits delivers them in spades, perfectly captured by comedian and presenter Ayoade.
narrated by David Tennant
The Scottish actor brings his immense voice talents to bear in his retelling of the much-loved fantasy series following the efforts of young Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III to bring the fire-breathing creature of the title to heel.
, narrated by Sheridan Smith
This unabridged audiobook edition of the classic uses sound effects and music to great effect, while the narration from the award-winning Smith does not disappoint.
, narrated by Gerry O’Brien and Nathaniel Parker
Follow the evergreen exploits of criminal genius Artemis Fowl in this lively and extremely funny rendition of the books written by Wexford author Eoin Colfer.
, narrated by Gareth Armstrong
A golden oldie for all ages, this classic series of 12 books originally published more than 50 years ago will transport you to a sepia-tinged childhood of adventure and derring-do.
- Note: If you are a member of a public library, you can borrow a selection of free eBooks and eAudiobooks, with the https://www.borrowbox.com/
Podcasts:
Available here
National Public Radio in the US leads the way when it comes to engaging and educational content for kids. This show is steered by questions from young listeners and recent episodes include the timely Science of Soap and Why Do People Have Nightmares?
Available here
Spanning six episodes, this scripted comedy podcast is the brainchild of Irish writer/director Karl Harpur and centres on Clarissa Sparrow’s efforts to foil the titular evil professor’s efforts to turn all the good kids of the city bad.
Available here
This podcast, presented by musicians Andrew and Polly, uses music and song to teach children about a range of topics.
Available here
An imaginative scripted series centring on Eleanor Amplified a radio reporter and Nancy Drew for our times who traverses jungles, oceans and even space in her quest to solve crime and thwart villains.
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