It's a Big Big World facts for kids

Quick facts for kids It's a Big Big World
Title card
Created by	Mitchell Kriegman
Starring	Peter Linz Melissa Creighton Tyler Bunch Julie Westwood James Godwin Tim Lagasse Aymee Garcia
Theme music composer	TTG Music Lab
Opening theme	"It's a Big Big World" performed by Peter Linz
Ending theme	"It's a Big Big World" (instrumental)
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	47 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Mitchell Kriegman Marianne Culbert Michael Klinghoffer
Producer(s)	Mary James Anne Martin Richards
Production location(s)	Wainscott Studios, Wainscott, New York
Running time	30 minutes
Production company(s)	Big Big Productions Shadow Projects (uncredited)
Distributor	Sony Pictures Television
Release
Original network	PBS Kids
Original release	January 2, 2006 (2006-01-02) – January 8, 2010 (2010-01-08)
Chronology
Related shows	Bear in the Big Blue House The Book of Pooh

It's a Big Big World is a fun American TV show for kids that aired on PBS Kids. It ran from January 2, 2006, to January 8, 2010. The show was created by Mitchell Kriegman, who also made the popular Muppet series Bear in the Big Blue House.

This show takes place in a giant "World Tree" located in the rainforest near the Amazon River. The beautiful Pico da Neblina mountain is in the background. The main character and host of the show is Snook, a friendly sloth.

The series was filmed at Wainscott Studios in Wainscott, New York. It used a special technique called Shadowmation. This method brought the puppet characters to life by mixing real-life animatronic puppets with computer-made animation. This was all done in real time using high-definition virtual environments, just like in a video game.

Meet the Characters

Snook the Sloth

Snook is a pale-throated three-toed sloth and the main character. He lives in the World Tree and loves helping his friends learn about the 'Big Big World'. Snook moves slowly but is very smart. He enjoys singing, dancing, and investigating new things. He often talks directly to the audience to explain facts or ask questions. Peter Linz performs Snook.

Burdette the Quetzal

Burdette is a beautiful resplendent quetzal bird. She sometimes acts like an older sister who thinks she knows everything. But Burdette is kind and often learns new things about herself while exploring with her friends. Melissa Creighton performs Burdette.

Bob the Anteater

Bob is a southern tamandua who loves to study the ants living in the World Tree. He is always trying new ways to make the ants like him. Bob also tends to worry a lot about things that might happen. James Godwin performs Bob.

Smooch and Winslow the Marmosets

Smooch and Winslow are two playful monkey siblings. They are common marmosets and always stir up fun. Smooch, the girl monkey, loves solving mysteries about the world. Winslow is the silly and creative thinker. Even though they have different personalities, their small disagreements often lead to exciting adventures. Aymee Garcia performs Smooch, and Tyler Bunch performs Winslow.

Madge the Tortoise

Madge is a wise Galápagos tortoise. She has a map of the world on her shell! Madge is the oldest and smartest creature in the World Tree. Everyone goes to her when they need help solving a problem. She has traveled all over the world and shares her experiences. Her library is the best place to find answers to science questions. Julie Westwood performs Madge.

Oko the Howler Monkey

Oko is an old brown howler monkey who loves to play tricks. He often appears when you least expect him. Oko can be a bit grumpy and mischievous. However, he also shares mysterious stories and wise advice. He is a tai chi master and can twirl his walking stick very fast. Oko has a friend named Tsetse who sometimes gives good advice. Peter Linz performs Oko.

Wartz the Tree Frog

Wartz is a red-eyed tree frog. He has gone through metamorphosis, meaning he grew from a tadpole into a frog. Wartz is best friends with Smooch and Winslow. He wants to get along with everyone and often agrees with whatever they say. Tim Lagasse performs Wartz.

Ick the Catfish

Ick is a redtail catfish who lives in the pond under the World Tree. He enjoys playing pranks on others. Tim Lagasse performs Ick.

Riona the Baby Sloth

Riona is Snook's niece and a baby sloth. She first appeared in Season 2 and became the co-host of the show. Tyler Bunch performs Riona.

Who Are the Puppeteers?

Puppeteers are the people who bring the characters to life! They control the puppets and give them their voices. Many of the puppeteers on It's a Big Big World also worked on other puppet shows.

• Peter Linz: Snook, Oko
• Melissa Creighton: Burdette
• Aymee Garcia: Smooch
• Tyler Bunch: Winslow, Riona
• James Godwin: Bob
• Tim Lagasse: Ick, Wartz
• Julie Westwood: Madge

Other talented puppeteers who helped with the show include Carol Binion, Eric Engelhardt, Jim Kroupa, Paul McGinnis, John Kennedy, Jodi Eichelberger, Heather Asch, Amanda Maddock, David Jordan, and Lara MacLean.

Many of these puppeteers also worked on shows like Bear in the Big Blue House and The Book of Pooh. These shows also used the special Shadowmation technique. Shadowmation combines live-action puppetry with computer-generated animation.

Episodes

How an Episode Works

Each episode of It's a Big Big World starts with the catchy theme song. After the song, there's a short story, usually 10-12 minutes long, featuring the main characters.

In Season 1, this first story was followed by another song called "Curve of the World." Then, a second story would play. This second story might be about a similar topic but wasn't usually a direct continuation.

In Season 2, after both stories, Snook would sing "Tell Me 'Bout the Best Parts of your Day" to Riona. This led to a chat about what the characters did and learned. At the end of every episode, Snook sings the closing song, "Try to Touch the Sky." Sometimes, after the song, Snook shares fun facts about the animals in the World Tree.

Season 1 (2006–2007)

Season 2 (2009–2010)

Where the Show Aired

It's a Big Big World first aired on PBS Kids in the United States. It was part of their special block of shows for younger kids until August 2007.

The show also aired in other countries! It was shown on Nick Jr. in Australia. In the United Kingdom, you could watch it on Nick Jr. 2.

In Latin America, the show premiered on Discovery Kids in May 2007. However, it didn't stay on the air for long there.

DVDs Available

You can find some episodes of It's a Big Big World on DVD! Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released several DVDs.

• The Sky Above (January 30, 2007)
• Safe and Sound (May 22, 2007)
• Let's Investigate the World (May 22, 2007 (2007-05-22))
• The Earth Needs You (May 22, 2007 (2007-05-22))
• You Can Do It (August 14, 2007 (2007-08-14))
• The Big Big Sleep (August 14, 2007 (2007-08-14))

Other DVDs include:

• Be Healthy and Happy (March 25, 2008 (2008-03-25))
• Everyone's Different (March 25, 2008 (2008-03-25))