Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Follow That Bird

film

Follow That Bird

1985

Big Bird is sent to live far from Sesame Street by a pesky social worker, who thinks it would be better for him to live with other birds. Unhappy, Big Bird runs away from his foster home, prompting the rest of the Sesame Street gang to go on a cross-country journey to find him.

Ages 5+Source checked

Why this age? Generally gentle and suitable for young children, though separation from caregivers, being sent away, a runaway journey, and mild chase or danger may worry sensitive viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age5+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5
  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film is based on Sesame Street characters, but it functions as a story rather than a sustained sales pitch or product-placement narrative.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The dialogue is very mild and appropriate for children.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The kidnapping plot and Big Bird being trapped in a cage may cause mild concern for very young viewers.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes slapstick comedy and minor cartoonish conflict with the Sleaze Brothers.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Big Bird shows courage in asserting his needs, and his friends show courage in searching for him.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Puppetry, music, imaginative characters, and an inventive cross-country quest strongly encourage playful imagination and storytelling.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of human characters alongside a wide variety of puppets.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages prosocial behavior, problem-solving, and emotional awareness.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of characters helping one another throughout the film.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of friendship, finding where you belong, and the importance of family.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate loyalty, kindness, and perseverance throughout the journey.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Follow That Bird would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Follow That Bird, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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