Barney the Dinosaur is no giant purple people-eater, but he's gobbling up dollars for his creators and retailers this Christmas season.
The singing host of toddler videos and public television star has become a top-selling toy."Barney & Friends" TV shows and videos are filled with skits like those on "Sesame Street." But Barney is aimed at younger children, down to 18 months, and relies more on music to teach simple lessons and social skills than Big Bird and his friends.
"Barney is an incredibly lovable, warm and welcoming character," said Kathy Quattrone, vice president of programming for the Public Broadcasting Service. "The information that's presented in the program includes very simple but poignant lessons . . . brushing your teeth, picking up, how to get along with children who are not like you."
The show draws 1.7 million viewers a day compared with 2.1 million for "Sesame Street," Quattrone said, citing Nielsen ratings.
Many adults find the happy-go-lucky musings of Barney, his pal Baby Bop and their sing-along friends a little goofy or sappy. But preschoolers say Barney's appeal is simple.
"He's my friend. He's fun," 4-year-old Kimbell Burkhart said at her Dallas preschool.
Barney's popularity has created a bonanza for J.C. Penney Co. Inc., which decided before his April debut on PBS to develop a holiday "Barney Spot" promotion. The company expects to sell 1 million Barney dolls this year, mostly during the holiday season.