Stick Man is a solid, gentle choice for the preschool and early elementary crowd, especially during the holiday season. It's not going to blow anyone's mind—it's a 27-minute adaptation of a picture book, so the plot is straightforward and the stakes are low—but that's exactly what makes it work for little kids.

The animation is pleasant, the message about family and perseverance is wholesome without being preachy, and the runtime is short enough that you won't lose anyone's attention. It's the kind of thing you can put on during a cozy December afternoon without worrying about nightmares, inappropriate content, or overstimulation.

That said, it's not particularly enriching or imaginative beyond the basic "stick comes to life" premise. Older kids will be bored, and even younger ones might not revisit it endlessly. But as a low-stakes, high-warmth holiday watch? It does the job nicely. Think of it as a pleasant seasonal appetizer, not the main course.