About.com Rating

TV Rating: TV-Y (All Children)
Air Times: Usually weekdays, check local PBS stations
Length: Approx. 30 minutes for 2 stories
Target Age Group: 2-7 years
Network: PBS Kids

Jay Jay the Jet Plane - Overview

Nestled away in a land surrounded by meadows, forests, and snow-capped mountains, you will find Tarrytown, home to the Tarrytown Airport and a fleet of "friends taking off and friends touching down." Central to the bustling activities of the little airport is 6-year-old Jay Jay the Jet Plane.

Jay Jay and his friends - Tracy the Jet Plane, Herky the Helicopter, Snuffy the Skywriter, and Lena to name a few - are each unique personalities, but they share a love for each other, for flying and for adventure. The airport mechanic, Brenda Blue, gives the planes guidance and direction, and they can also turn to seasoned flyers like Big Jake for advice.

Jay Jay the Jet Plane is computer animated but also includes live actors for characters such as Brenda Blue. Each episode begins with a mystery that Jay Jay and the others must try to solve, and the curriculum of the show generally focuses on nature, science, and valuable life lessons.

Jay Jay the Jet Plane - Guide Review

The animation in Jay Jay the Jet Plane may look a little weird at first (human-like animated faces on planes), but kids will love the bright colors and simple, strong characters. Beyond animation, though, the show is all about education.

Jay Jay the Jet Plane masterfully involves viewing children in unlocking a mystery - usually dealing with nature, science or life lessons - in a way that speaks to kids on their level and is entertaining and fun for them.

The stories unfold as the main character, Jay Jay, goes about his daily activities at the airport, finding mysteries in everyday things such as water and ice or air and wind. As the mystery unfolds, children learn about real-life applications of scientific principles or about applications of life principles such as responsibility and friendship.

Jay Jay and his friends are excited about learning, and their excitement will be contagious to kids as well.

Jay Jay the Jet Plane - Expand Upon the Curriculum

• PBS's Jay Jay website contains games and activities for kids. The site also contains suggestions for activities caregivers can do with kids to help them learn more about various themes from Jay Jay the Jet Plane episodes.