‘Oswald’ Sends Easy Vibes to Preschoolers

A blue, air-breathing, derby-wearing octopus and his dog Weenie (complete with bun) are the stars of gently fantastic “Oswald,” Nickelodeon’s newest Nick Jr. weekday show for preschoolers.

Created by children’s book author and illustrator Dan Yaccarino, the animated series offers short stories--two per episode--about kind and helpful friends who live in Big City, an urban landscape like none other. Its buildings are shaped like baseballs, salt and pepper shakers, musical instruments, boats and rockets.

Among many unexpected residents are a flower Daisy, Henry the Penguin, the Egg Twins, Madame Butterfly and her caterpillar offspring, Catrina. Snowman Johnny drives the ice cream truck and stocks everyone’s favorite treat. (Oswald favors swizzleberry swirl; Weenie likes the vanilla dog biscuits.)

The voice cast, starring Fred Savage as Oswald, balances the quirky visuals with engaging naturalness.

Jazz musician Evan Lurie of the Lounge Lizards provides wonderfully expressive acoustic music.

In this dreamlike world, with its soft edges, simple shapes and muted candy colors, the easygoing messages are all about sharing, problem-solving, overcoming fears, the rewards of learning and of being a friend.

The show premieres with a nighttime outing before starting its weekday morning schedule.

In the first episode, Oswald and Weenie discover that an ice cream truck isn’t the only thing that makes a bell sound as they search for Johnny Snowman and their favorite treats.

Then, Oswald finds a cozy solution when a rainstorm threatens a camping trip.

“Oswald” can be seen tonight at 8 on Nickelodeon. It moves into its regular time slot on Tuesday: Mondays-Fridays at 10:30 a.m. (It will also air on KCBS-TV, on weekends during “Nick Jr. on CBS,” beginning Sept. 15.) The network has rated it TV-Y (suitable for young children).