A good number of children’s stories often feature animals, and this is true even for centuries-old tales like legends and fables. Characters in older kids shows such as Winnie the Pooh, from the cartoon of the same name, and Barney the dinosaur from the “Barney & Friends” television series have had great success with their young audiences, telling stories of value and becoming memorable to a generation. But, what is it about these characters that makes them so appealing to kids?

Animals in the media are often seen by kids as comforting, non-threatening figures, giving them a way that feels safe to them to explore complex concepts such as emotions and values in a safe space. When a child picks up a book and reads a story about an energetic monkey for instance, they can project themselves onto a playful character, being playful themselves. By establishing this connection, children will have better chances of developing empathy and self-awareness.

While they are still young, children also consider a range of traits in the way that they view animals. This can have something to do with the sizes of the animals and their overall look. A study by faunalytics shows that kids associate certain animal traits with benevolence.

Children also have a good chance of developing creative thinking by consuming media that presents animals with certain human traits, urging them to use their imagination. This kind of exercise for kids is important for their cognitive development, as it helps them develop problem solving skills and abstract thinking. Additionally, with the use of these characters, writers and artists are indirectly promoting inclusivity and friendship to their young audiences, as animals are often not associated with things such as class or nationality. Overall, the appeal of animal characters in children’s media provides a lot of benefits, as they provide comfort and stimulate the mind.

References:

The Role of Animals in Children’s Stories: Why We Love Animal Characters

Children Love Animals. Let’s Keep It That Way.