There is a new generation of kid's characters in town and it sounds like a different language.  Wow wow wubbzy!  Did you see Handy Manny in the night garden yelling "yo gabba gabba!"? 

Wubbzy is an interesting one.  A square shaped animal that slightly resembles a dog who dances and wears psychedelic wigs to entertain your preschooler. 

In the Night Garden is big in the UK right now and will most likely be making an appearance in the US next year.  I have to admit, this one scared me a bit the first time I saw it.  But I'm also not four years old.  The characters that live in the garden teach kids about bedtime rituals.  Igglepiggle is the blue blob that drags his blankie around with him everywhere.  Tombliboos run around in their little polka dotted pants while Makka Pakka, the very neutral Teletubby looking thing tries to wash their faces for bedtime.  It's a lot to take in at once, I know.

How do I explain Yo Gabba Gabba?  A 1980's rapper, with the help of his 4 robot/oddly shaped friends, put lessons for preschoolers into catchy musical numbers.  Biz Markie even makes a guest appearance.  How much cooler can you get than that?  My personal favorite is "Party in my Tummy."  I heard it about six months ago and it hasn't left my head since.  I've also started eating my vegetables.

Don't get me wrong, Barbie still stands on her pedastal, Spiderman fought his way to the top again last year, and even Strawberry Shortcake made a slight comeback for awhile.  Mickey is still around and always will be, but looks younger and a little more rounded with the help of CGI.  Pooh and Tigger have a few more friends, but still hang out in the 100 Acre Woods....some things will never change.