Little Gems

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© Michael Cole Estate, by kind permission.

Little Gems - Bod

This is another superb animated children's program from the talented makers Joanne Cole and David Cole (click to visit their home pages) - same stable as Fingerbobs. It was originally produced back in 1975 / 1976 and shown on the BBC for particularly younger children (although I admit to still watching at 16). The stories were narrated by the late John Le Mesurier (Dad's Army fame) who both introduced and told the story. His voice was perfectly calm and smooth for this kind of animation. Maggie Henderson did the end pieces including Alberto the Frog and his amazing Band. The music throughout the series was performed by Derek Griffiths who was a veteran of Playschool and other children's series. Bod was a simple animation but produced in a very charming way. Even now the program captivates all who hear the introduction and they find themselves once again watching this strange animated little character.

Each story concerned the adventures of Bod - no one really knows of a Bod was a small boy or an adult (we only assume he is a child by virtue of his size in comparison to the older characters). He was definately male though - no arguments there. He was in essence timeless and still remains that way to day. Nothing has changed since I saw him through the eyes of a ten year old, to today through the eyes of a thirty ahem ahem year old. It was not even possible to determine Bod's nationality (not that it matters). We suspect he is British since PC Copper (one of the main characters) wears an old constable's uniform and cape (more like a policeman from the forties though). Bod had many friends including PC Copper, Farmer Barleymow, Frank the Postman and his Aunt Flo. At the end of each episode Bod would appear and walk off into the distance and the familiar voice would be heard saying "There goes Bod, and his friends." Occasionally, at the end of each animation there would be Playschool like activities for children to watch followed by an episode of Alberto the Frog and his Amazing Animal Band.

Characters seen in Bod

Bod	Aunt Flo	PC Copper
Frank the Postman	Farmer Barleymow	Alberto the Frog and his Amazing Animal Band

Click Below to see some of the episodes

Bod main page	Bod's Dream	Bod in the Park	Bod and the Rain	Bod and Breakfast	Bod and the Apple	Bod on the Beach

Bod and the Dog	Bod and the Cake	Bod and the Kite	Bod and the Birds	Bod and the Grasshopper	Bod's Present	Bod and the Cherry Tree

Credits

Little Gems is very much obliged to Alison Cole who granted permission to retain the visual elements of "Bod" (© Michael Cole Estate, by kind permission)