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Jane and the Dragon is a Canadian animated series that aired from 2005-2006. The show is aimed at children aged 6-12 years old and is based on the books by Martin Baynton. It was produced by Weta Productions, a company founded by Peter Jackson and located in New Zealand, where the show was animated.

The show follows the adventures of Jane, a young girl who dreams of becoming a knight like her father. Jane lives in a medieval kingdom and serves as a squire to Sir Ivon, a knight who is not very good at his job. Jane is accompanied by her best friend, Dragon, who is a talking dragon that she hatched and raised herself.

Jane's goal is to become a knight, but she faces many challenges along the way. The show is often about Jane's struggles with gender expectations and societal norms within medieval times. She has to deal with discrimination and skepticism from her peers and other knights, who do not believe a girl can be a knight. However, Jane does not let this discourage her, and she is determined to prove that she can be just as good as any boy knight. Her resiliency and determination are some of her most admirable traits.

As a squire, Jane's role is to assist Sir Ivon in his duties, which often involve fighting against various monsters and villains, such as trolls, witches, and giants. Sir Ivon, however, is not very skilled, and it is often Jane who comes up with creative solutions to defeat the enemy. Jane's intelligence and bravery are what make her stand out.

The show's main theme is friendship, and Jane's relationship with Dragon is the heart of the series. Dragon is voiced by Adrian Truss and is a loyal and supportive friend to Jane. Despite their differences, Jane and Dragon have a strong bond that is admirable and inspiring to watch. The way they communicate and rely on each other creates a beautiful friendship dynamic that adds a lot of charm to the show.

The animation style of Jane and the Dragon is unique and different from other cartoons. The show uses a combination of 2D animation and 3D CGI, which gives it a distinct look that is visually stunning. The medieval setting is beautifully rendered, and the character designs are charming and memorable.

The voice acting is also commendable, with Tajja Isen perfectly embodying Jane's spirit and determination. The supporting cast of characters is also well-cast, with the likes of Neil Crone as Sir Ivon, Scott McCord as Jester, and Katie Boland as Pepper, showcasing their vocal talent.

One of the things that set Jane and the Dragon apart from other children's shows is its message of breaking gender stereotypes. The show teaches children that it is okay to pursue their dreams, even if those dreams go against societal norms. Jane's character is inspiring because she defies gender expectations and does not let anyone tell her what she can or cannot do.

Jane and the Dragon is an entertaining show that provides plenty of action, humor, and heart. With its unique animation style and strong message of friendship and empowerment, it remains a beloved children's series years after its initial release. Overall, Jane and the Dragon is an excellent choice for parents looking for a show that teaches valuable life lessons while remaining fun and engaging for their children.

Jane and the Dragon is a series that ran for 2 seasons (26 episodes) between October 15, 2005 and on Shout Factory