About The Danni Dragonfly YouTube Channel

Danni Dragonfly is an educational early childhood channel that creates music, short vignettes, and fun stories that educate young children and their families about their brain, building resilience, and making healthy decisions.

Our videos feature original animations, puppet shows, songs, how-to videos, and interactive "challenges" that are fun and educational. Our videos are made by real writers, musicians, animators, and puppeteers… real humans! The videos are then reviewed by early-childhood education specialists so families, educators, and caregivers can feel confident that their children are watching appropriate educational content.

Meet The Characters

  • About Danni

    Danni is a calm, soothing presence and the leader of the group. Danni is often a guiding hand for Tony, Glo, and Gordy and helps them by asking questions and providing tips. She lets the others figure things out on their own rather than doing everything for them. Danni is also the only character that speaks directly to the audience.

    Scientific Basis

    Danni represents the management function of the prefrontal cortex (the “leader” of the brain). In charge of knowing what is happening and how to respond when facing a challenge. She also represents the concept of mindful decision-making.

  • About Gordy

    Gordy lives in the moment, but is always there to help a friend in need. He is the emotional heartbeat for what is happening to the group. Gordy is never too far from Glo and relies on her to call out any danger she senses for the group.

    Scientific Basis

    Gordy represents the limbic system’s fast, automatic, short-term decision and reaction function. The limbic system is also the area of the brain in charge of emotions. This is why Gordy is not concerned with what happens in the future; he is concerned only about what is happening now.

  • About Glo

    Glo is kind and soft-spoken (unless threatened). Always assessing the situation, Glo emits an orange glow when nervous and goes full “red alert” when sensing a threat to the group. When facing a challenge, she is visibly exhausted by the experience.

    Scientific Basis

    Glo represents the amygdala, the “alert system” of the limbic system. The amygdala is the part of the brain that is always on the lookout for threats. The main job of the brain is to survive, so Glo is there to help the group know when they need to protect themselves.

  • About Tony

    Tony is pragmatic and prepared, but has trouble reacting quickly to threats. Tony likes to plan and be prepared before setting out on any adventure and he carries a set of tools that can help with challenges. Many of the group's adventures involve the use of one or more of Tony’s Tools to get the job done.

    Scientific Basis

    Tony represents the cortex’s slow, problem-solving, long-term thinking function. This part of the brain is In charge of helping you do the things that you don’t really feel like doing right now, but you do them because they will help you later. Tony’s Tools represent all of the things we need to create and maintain a healthy brain and body.