A Review of Mouk

Hello, bonjour, hola, hallo, ciao, okay let's skip the introduction and move on to the review, please. When it comes to animated tv shows for the little kids, Disney Junior seems to have a poor line up, Special Agent Oso....hate it, Jungle Junction.....despise it, and Micky Mouse's Clubhouse is a straight-up insult to the classic Micky Mouse cartoons. However there is one cartoon series that has taken me by surprise, a show that stands up among the rest and comes off as original and unique, what show is that you may ask, read the title, jackass, this is Mouk.

Now, this is the part where I speak about the show and its premise, so here we go. Mouk is an animated show based on the cult children's book by Marc Boutavant. The show it'self centres around a young bear named Mouk and his friend Chavapa and how they travel all around the world on their bikes, from America to Australia and from Greece to China both Mouk and Chavapa learn all about different cultures, environments and traditions on their travels. Each episode would keep to a simple structure, Mouk and Chavapa would be in a different country and while there Mouk would chat to his friends Mita and Popo via laptop, about their adventures (like a journal if you will) the whole show would continue from here on. 

So what do I think of this show, I have to say I actually enjoy it. I mean honestly it's just a blessing to see a children's show that has so much effort and so much charm put into it, it's been a long time since we've seen a show like this and for a show that's on Disney Junior, it's just pleasant. I'm serious, never have I been so invested in something meant for little kids, oh sweet Arthur Rackham! Thank the Holy Grapes of God!

 Now when this show came out, I didn't really care about it much because I tended to watch Adventure Time and Fish Hooks as the only recent cartoons I was into at the moment. But a year later my mother saw bits of it and asked me to watch more of it, so I did. And much to my surprise, I liked it more than I expected. What really caught my eye was the art style and how unique it was, so I glanced a hand full of episodes and it didn't bother me at all. There's no bad forth wall jokes, there's no live-action sequences, there's no annoying characters and it doesn't rely on being condescending to the audience; it just tells a straight forward story and I like that. It has that same charm that "The Busy World of Richard Scarry" has, meaning it keeps it's self true to the source material which makes people interested in what it's based on. 

The writing is well done and like I said it's nothing you would ever see in any recent kid's show; it

tells a real story that's adventurous and educational at the same time. Like I said, there's no stupid live-action sequences that interrupt the episode and shows kids how things work, it simply tells them through plot and animation. The writers have taken inspiration from all these cultures to create unique plots, for example, there was an episode where Mouk and Chavapa were in Brazil and wanted to watch the football, but when birds mess with the satellite they try to fix it by using a machine that works through kicking a ball at a target. That there is how you educate the viewers through visual storytelling, and it's INTERESTING.....I mean take some bloody notes Stupid Agent Oso! This show is more educational in one episode than you are in a whole season! but I digress. 

The way it presents these different cultures is not only INTERESTING but it's also told in a simplistic fashion so younger viewers would understand. But maybe it goes a little too simplistic, don't get me wrong, when it's good it's at it's best but when it has to keep its self as a "preschool show" it shows a moment of weakness. I don't know maybe if the writing was much more clever as well as the humour, I mean the best part of something like "The Amazing World of Gumball" is the humour and I was wondering if this show would go the same direction but still. But here it isn't really distracting because of how decent everything else is, because it doesn't treat its viewers like idiots I forgive the writers for their approach. For a show like this, the simplicity works much better than in other Disney Jr shows in my opinion, I just wanted to see more in the joke department. 

And for those who have a problem with the tone of Mouk, it's called flaming SUBTLETY!!!

What makes Mouk stand out from other "little kid's" cartoons other than the writing is the animation, where do I begin. The animation and the artwork is beyond creative and even beautiful, the attention to detail on the character design, the colours, the backgrounds and the movement is done to a "t" there's so much to look at, it's a real feast.....no wait, scratch that! it's a real banquet for the eyes. 

It really stays true to the Boutavant design, this is saying a lot for me considering I'm not a fan of Boutavant's work; but after seeing this show I immediately wanted to check out his art, heck I didn't know who this guy was until I came across this show! The animators need to give themselves a pat on the back for bringing his gorgeous illustrations to life.

Of course, you can't judge characters on their designs but on their personalities, which brings me to another point why this show works. Unlike other "Disney Jr" shows the characters don't annoy you to the point where you want to punch them, in-fact their performances are so subtle, to say the least. Mouk is one of those very laid back characters who are also adventurous, characters like Snoopy or Brother Bear from the Berenstain Bears, but he also takes things seriously which is more than I can say for other Disney Jr characters. Chavapa is just as optimistic and as adventurous as Mouk only he gets the most jokes, as well as having an appetite he often brags a little bit but he still has a big heart much like Mouk. Popo and Mita are just like the younger brother and sister/cousins you know, especially if you're British.

And the side characters Mouk and Chavapa meet across are also kind and even interesting, again they're not generic or condescending unlike the characters from a certain piece of crap I won't mention*****cough***bobinogs****cough**** Though I was kind of expecting the accents to be more diverse but like everything else in the show I don't really see that as a problem. You could tell this show has a cast of 4 voice actors and they don't do a bad job at voicing the different characters; though some people may not get into the voice acting at first they'll get used to it, hey I can tolerate the voices way more than Eliot Kid. At least it doesn't resort to using offensive stereotypes. 

Overall Mouk is an adorable animated show that I'm glad to have checked out, sure the writing may not be top-notch it makes up for it with it's gorgeous animation, lovable characters, educational value and originality. Never in a long time have I seen a Disney Jr show to have so much effort put into it, it amazes me how it doesn't act condescending towards the younger audience but instead teaches different culture in a unique and creative way which is rare to see in a kid's show. It may not be at the same level as Arthur but that's really a hard act to follow, and as far as "little kid's cartoons" go this is a step in the right direction.

I highly recommend this show not just to children but fans of illustration and Marc Boutavant as well. I'm glad my mother made me watch this show because I've never would have enjoyed such a piece, it's that type of show that gives me hope for animation as well as the entertainment industry in general which is why it gets a 4/5 from me. If it's a modern show I like, then you know it's worth checking out! so if you excuse me I have to look at my photos from Barcelona.

A Retrospective on Michael Foreman Part 2

Going back to the 80s, Foreman has become a household name illustrating for various authors and book companies. His work received so much praise from the British public for re-inventing children's classics as well as making his own material. He was so acclaimed that he was called by writer Leon Garfield to make a book dedicated to the Bard

Shakespeare Stories-1985 and 1994

A unique collection of Shakespeare's greatest works, alongside Foreman's best watercolour and ink illustrations. Just the idea of that combination alone is excellent and this book shows. What Garfield and Foreman did for this book worked on so many levels, it had that right amount of text and imagery that stays faithful to the greatest plays ever written. Out of all the books Foreman has illustrated for I must say this is the one that not only students could read but adults who love theatre and artwork as well. I read this book every time I'm in the mood for some great Foreman artwork it's just that good a read.

This book was so successful that 9 years after it's release Garfield and Foreman did a follow up with the rest of Shakespeare's plays. It kept the same formula only the illustrations looked more updated. While some might say it's not as good as the first one, I disagree because for me it's like the first one only the illustrations has a brighter look and 'yes' it does have the Shakespearean plays that were not as well known as the ones in the first one but this one has a place in my heart, it's an underrated gem. As for what I think of the illustrations, they're beautiful and show how Foreman's style transited into what they are today. I definitely recommend these 2 books to anyone who loves the bard's work and those who are wanting to learn about these terrific plays for the first time.

The War Series-1989-1995

In 1989 Foreman wanted to write a book based on his childhood in the second world war and thus he made "War Boy: A Wartime Childhood". This has to be Foreman's most serious, darkest work ever, he presents the feeling of growing up in wartime with his trademark watercolour illustrations as well as some photographs and posters from that time. When I first heard about it I didn't bother all that much as I'm not into WW2 but with this, I made an exception as I had good expectations for it, when I managed to read this book I got exactly what I was hoping for. This book is definitely fascinating to read not only for Foreman's unique illustrative work but for the story that revolve around his childhood. It was not only praised by critics but it won him a Kate Greenaway Medal.

Later on, Foreman made a follow up to this book with "War Game: Village Green to No-man's Land. While the first book was more non-fiction Foreman decided to tell a story based on the first world war and the soldiers who battled for their country. War Game tells the story of a group of young friends who are called to duty to battle the Germans oversea, it talks about struggle and intensity. It also tells the story of how the two armies united in peace and joy for Christmas Day. This book was also a critical hit, they even called it a masterpiece as well as another award. It even had a short animated film based on it. When I read this book at school in Year 9 I didn't know what to think, but just by looking at Foreman great illustrations and by reading it I never read a war story so intriguing, it got me prepared for learning the First World War in history. Also if you read this book I'll tell you this, the ending is just tragic and I mean tragic.

In 1995 Foreman ended his series of war stories with "After the War was Over" Going back to non-fiction Foreman tells a story about the aftermath of the Second World War, like "War Boy" this book gives a look on the 40s and 50s through the eyes of Foreman himself told in a way that educates us as well. Now I haven't read this book but I could tell you from looking at some of the bits and pieces I saw from it I can tell you that it looks beautifully illustrated and I'll probably look at it some time.

While The General and War and Peas were more satirical takes on war, these war books told the readers about the impact of war as well as the history. They made you sympathise with the people because of how realistic it was written. Now, these books are pretty under-rated which makes them even more special. Though I'm not too big on the history of WW1 and WW2, may I add if you're into wartime stories or even Foreman's work I suggest you check them out, you've be surprised?

From looking at the books from the first part of Foreman's accomplishments, there were mostly stories made for younger children. However, in this part the books I'm listing here are not only for kids growing up but for grown-ups themselves. I feel since Shakespeare Stories Foreman has worked on very mature stuff and his collaboration with British writer Michael Morpurgo really shows.

Michael and Michael Don't Have Issues

Both being successful in the industry of children's books, these big names (or name if you will) joined forces to produce books that were successful among young boys as well as both their fan base. Their first collaboration was 19 years ago when Morpurgo wanted to do a book based on the Arthurian Legend "Arthur High King of Britain".
 This wonderful book has incredible watercolour illustrations as well as a whole new take on the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. This really showed how the 2 Michael's could work together as one, I like this book so much I want to do an illustrated re-telling of King Arthur that matches the same quality of this.

Considering "Arthur, HKOB" was a success both Foreman and Morpurgo went the same route in 1996 with "Robin of Sherwood". Once again Morpurgo has managed to tell a faithful adaptation to medieval legend, like "Arthur" he adds that same down to earth style to these well-known characters like "Little John, Frair Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Maid Marian that makes their stories all the more unique. Foreman's illustrations once again makes the book recognisable to readers, the backgrounds are lush as always and the character design depict Foreman's more figurative style. As far as adaptions of folk heroes go these are very unique takes, so if you like the tales of both Robin Hood and King Arthur than may I suggest giving these 2 books a page turn, they're interesting for young adults as well as young readers alike.


These adaptions began an awesome relationship between these idols of children's literature, as they would continue to create more original, more down to earth novels. These proved to be successful hits among young readers in the UK with a reputation of positive feedback critically, books like Kensuke's Kingdom, Billy the Kid, Cool and Toro Toro were proven to be some of the highest-rated children's novels of the 21st Century. Now while I've never read these personally, I could see why people (especially Foreman fans) consider them descent books. And while some I didn't mention like "The Sleeping Sword" and "The Last Wolf" look okay there are some I consider under-rated in a way like Beowulf.

There are 2 books that came out in the 2000s, "The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips" and "Kasper" seem to share something, they're about cats. When both books came out I was interested in them in the same I was with Arthur HKOB, so I glanced at them and to no surprise, the illustrations make the stories worth a look at. Now I don't judge books by their pictures but by their actual substance; but like some of the other Foreman/Morpurgo collaborations I'm thinking I would like these books just as much as Arthur and Robin (If I had the chance to read them) mean with how successful Morpurgo is as an author I might be just as invested in the story as well as the artwork.

In short Foreman and Morpurgo make a great book writing team, with their combined talents they've both managed to create some really creative books that would click with younger viewers as well as both their fan bases, which makes me wonder what these 2 will make for years to come. Whether it be a take on mythological legend or pure English originality I recommend checking out these books and more for any child or any person who interested in creating original stories.


Like Quentin Blake and Shirley Hughes, Michael Foreman is one of the most well-loved British book illustrators for all these good reasons and more. Both his illustrations and his stories have become a unique staple in children's literature as well as the reading industry in general; why? because his artwork is revolutionary, beautiful and even thought-provoking. From an artistic point of view Foreman has always changed his unique style though the cause of time like a good artist should, he understood illustration as an art-form and he would put a passion and devotion into each picture. Not only that but he would take chances with his own style given the source material he would work with.

But other than that, I adore Forman for the fact that he illustrates my favourite stories in a unique fashion and it's that illustrative style that introduced me to the stories I would read in later years. The way he designs characters and backgrounds is just wonderful to look at, just the way how he could blend them together is just so splendid, I mean this man really knows how to use watercolours. Every little detail on the facial expressions and skies just
gives his drawings life (man I could not get over how serene he could make the sky wow!) Just looking at his work in different decades fills you nostalgia and delight.

But with all those things said about Michael, what has he done recently? Well, just last year Foreman collaborated with the king of the fools himself "Michael Rosen" to create "Blue". Though I've personally haven't read it, just looking at the illustrations online, it looks like Foreman has done it again by taking a colour he knows best and taking it to a higher level. Like many of his books I like to think this book has the same amount of charm and wonder that appeals to both readers young and old. Also, this year will mark the release of "The Amazing Tale of Ali Pasha" a book about the adventures of a seaman and his tortoise which is stated to be based on a true story.

In conclusion, if you haven't heard of Michael Foreman's work before, then may I advise you look at his work as well as his contributions to children's literature. Because he's not only an influence on my style but towards many young readers alike, I wouldn't have discovered such amazing stories and wouldn't have appreciated the art of illustration if it weren't for him. It would be a dream for me to actually meet Foreman and it would be a pleasure to shake his hand and thank for what he has done for my childhood. It'll be a sad day when this man is gone, but his work, his kindness and his impact on me as a person will truly live on.

Thank you, Michael Foreman