Why Bo Peep Is An Inspiration For Girls AND Boys

I was invited by Disney to attend the Toy Story 4 press conference to meet Annie Potts, the voice of Bo Peep.

Bo Peep is no damsel in distress. She’s feminine and strong, courageous and caring and she can take care of herself and her friends. Annie Potts, the voice of Bo Peep, describes her as a toy little girls AND boys can look up to, and she’s absolutely right.

After the Toy Story 4 press conferences, I had the opportunity to sit down with Annie Potts for a smaller interview. During the chat, she gave us her thoughts on how Bo Peep has grown and why this is an important message for kids.

Bo Peep: An Inspiration For Girls AND Boys

As the mother of three girls, I admit that I am always searching for good strong female characters for my girls. So from the moment I was reintroduced to Bo Peep, I knew she was perfect for my daughters. But one of my favorite moments of the interview was when Annie Potts pointed out that Bo Peep is a strong character for girls AND boys to see.

YES! Boys and girls need to learn that girls can be strong women. Just like little girls need to see strong male characters like Woody who also have a softer side.

She’s been knocked around quite a bit, and she’s just kept on going and in a cheerful inventive way. I mean, this girl drives a Skunk Mobile. No one is going to screw with her. She’s figured out a way to make it happen. I think it’s fantastic for young women AND young boys to see this.

Yes, this is what a woman is. And to young girls, this is what a woman can be. I’m just thrilled to voice those qualities.  It is such a privilege when you’re giving positive messages to, especially children.

Bo Peep Is Empowering

Girls don’t need to be feminine OR strong — they can be both. It’s a careful balance, of course, but a message that is so often lost. We are all more than one thing, and so is Bo Peep. That’s what makes her so relatable to little girls.

She’s feminine but nobody’s fool.  And I think little girls are empowered by that and I think the world is moving that way and I think Bo gives it a nice shove in that direction.

Bo Peep Is A New Loveable Character

Of course, Bo Peep isn’t a new character. She’s been around for 24 years. But she has come a long way since we saw her last. She has reinvented herself into a new character and gone from a small role to a major reason Toy Story 4 was made. (Bo Peep Returns Toy Story 4 – Everything You Need To Know) And the new character is one that all little girls are going to love.

My oldest son is now married, and I think they’ll be starting a family soon. It makes me feel so good to think that in the not too distant future, maybe my granddaughter will be holding a doll whose string she can always pull and my voice will be there with her.

Bo Peep Is A Good Friend

One of Toy Story’s reoccurring themes is friendship, and in Toy Story 4 we meet one of Bo Peep’s new friends. Giggle McDimples is her best friend, the one who has been there with her on her journey to the toy she has become. The friend with whom she has shared stories and adventures.

You know, the one you tell your troubles to. She’s a metaphor for your bestie who’s always right there to hear the best and the worst of what’s going on with you.

But Bo Peep didn’t forget her old friends either. The moment Woody needs her, she (and Giggle) are ready and willing to help.

Bo Peep Is A Superhero

Toy Story 4 is a movie about ordinary toys. What’s special is that like people, when toys like Bo Peep are tested they can either rise to the occasion or fall flat. It’s clear to see that Bo Peep has easily risen to the role of superhero.

She’s very sassy, she ripped off her skirt and uses it as a cape.  ven though this isn’t a superhero movie, her superpowers are her heart and her courage.