<3

19th Century Works

Alice in Wonderland (1865)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass are the two titles from this list I actually read as books before watching any adaptation. I don't think I would have gone nearly into as much depth with this series as I have if not for the encouragement and interest from a particular friend of mine, after seeing how it inspired another series he enjoyed. I'll never forget the time we spent drawing art and writing stories inspired by the series and its characters together.

A Dog of Flanders (1872)

Some of my earliest memories as a child came from popping a VHS tape into the CRT on top of my dresser and watching A Dog of Flanders before bed. So much so that I can hear Nello and Alois's voices just by thinking about them now after so long. This story, among all of those from this period, is among the most popular and beloved in Japan, and has many works made in honor of it. Like others, its story is extremely sad. Somehow, within that sadness, there is beauty and joy.

Heidi (1880)

Heidi is another adaptation from Nippon Animations. What I love most about this show is the sense of adventure and wonder from the eyes of a child who has never been given such freedom to run around and discover the beauty of the alps. The setting and sense of space is just amazing! Partway through the story, Heidi is sent off to Frankfurt, which really helps to put things into perspective for her how good she had it in the alps, until she's one day able to return.

20th Century Works

Princess Sara (1905)

Princess Sara is actually the name of the Nippon Animation adaptation of the story of A Little Princess. The idea for my essay actually came partially because I was watching this show at the time, and was quite interested in the subject matter! I was suggested this by a friend of mine from the Arabic-speaking side of the world, who noted how popular Sara is among children and adults all throughout the neighboring countries! It goes to show that the stories from works of the Victorian and Edwardian eras are loved even to this day.

Anne of Green Gables (1908)

Anne of Green Gables follows the story of a young girl living on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Despite being an orphan, her demeanor is so utterly cheerful that you can't help but let it rub off on you! At the time of writing, it is currently receiving an anime adaptation.

The Black Brothers (1940)

Die schwarzen Brüder, also known as The Black Brothers, is a German-Swiss work from 1940 to 1941 about chimney sweep boys living in Italy. Well past the Edwardian period, but not quite in the era of electronics and the Internet, the story bridges the two periods.

21st Century Works

Bluey (2018)

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Bluey, as it is one of the most popular shows among children nowadays! While I have known of this show for some time, it really came onto my radar when hearing it mentioned in a video by YouTuber Doodley on the subject of children's animation. An Australian friend of mine told me that it's become one of the prides of being from his country, in a way, and I can see it!

Elinor Wonders Why (2020)

Elinor Wonders Why is a show I discovered pretty recently through YouTube, and something I don't think I would have ever come across otherwise. The very fact that, not only is this show amazingly made and educational, but that it's also accessible enough to come across accidentally, is just awesome! Elinor is just too adorable, and I always seem to find myself saying, in the exact same intonation as her, "That's so interesting!"

Google Sites

Report abuse