The Muppets: top 10 YouTube clips for young children This most nonsensical of nonsense songs, written by the composer Piero Umiliani for a documentary about Sweden in 1968, remained obscure until it caught the eye of the Muppets producers. It was the opening number in the premiere episode of The Muppet Show, performed by two perpetually bewildered, horned, fish-mouthed pigs, and a gravelly-voiced, fluffy monster. Singing' in the rain This 1952 classic will have your children opening umbrellas and spinning around all over the house. And tapdancing until they drop. The perfect prelude to bedtime. Laurel and Hardy pie fight One of the earliest collaborations of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, this scene is the centerpiece of the 1927 two-reeler called The Battle Of The Century. The carefully choreographed pie fight is said to have used up an entire day's production of Los Angeles Pie Company pies. Don't try this at home... Michael Jackson - his first performance of the Moonwalk It is a little known fact that the King of Pop did not invent this move. It had already been performed by the likes of Marcel Marceau, Dick Van Dyke, David Bowie and others. Michael Jackson made it famous, however, starting with this performance on Motown 25 in 1983. Tip: get the kids to remove their shoes before viewing. Hugga Wugga This Jim Henson classic demonstrates his affection for jazz, funk, and rudimentary special effects. It appeared in episode 118 of The Muppet Show, in 1976. Watch out, though; the potential for earworms is deadly. Fred Astaire on the ceiling This mind-bending dance routine, which appears in the 1951 musical comedy Royal Wedding, is one of the best-known Fred Astaire moments of all time. The set was built within a steel barrel which was revolved as Astaire performed. The children will be boggled. Louis Armstrong - Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen (1962) This performance of the poignant Negro spiritual is moving and amusing in equal measure. What is the globe doing there? And what exactly is Armstrong doing with his eyes? The kids found it hilariously funny, despite the somber nature of the song. March Of The Penguins: baby penguins What could be cuter, or more entertaining, than the hatching of baby penguins? And educational, too. Marcel Marceau - the famous mask sketch This classic mime routine, which Marceau first performed in 1947, is funny and also unsettling; thought provoking for children. The concept of mime is also one which can enrich their play no end. Button Moon - a classic episode All of these clips can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. This one, however, rewards parents with an especial dose of nostalgia. The lo-tech production is charm itself, and it is fascinating to see how kids enjoy this rudimentary show as much as today's zippy offerings.