Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series addresses emotional and practical issues that preschoolers face as they grow up and teaches them how to deal with theses issues (partly by relying on friends). The series sends the positive message that while growing up can be challenging, it's also lots of fun, and the musical and storytelling components provide a comforting element.
Families can discuss the theme of each episode and how the characters presented it. What problem or challenge did Courtney and her animal friends help each other with? Which character or characters were struggling with the problem? Have you ever felt the same way? What were Courtney's stories about? What did you learn from them? What was her song about? What did you learn from it? What city or country did Courtney talk about at the end of the episode? What did you learn about that place?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Larisa Wiseman
PBS's enchanting series MUSTARD PANCAKES features Courtney Campbell, a gifted songwriter, singer, guitarist, and storyteller who shares her home (on the show) with four lovable, childlike puppet pets: scruffy, sensitive Oogleberry Ink Dog, free-spirited beagle Tina, playful Chocolate Labrador Mo, and snooty cat Mr. D. The show takes place in a cozy house where the five characters play games, sing, tell stories, and learn to face life's daily challenges.
Each episode presents a problem that's affecting one or more members of the household, and together they all work through it with guidance from the funny, loving Courtney. She sings a song and tells stories related to the issue at hand, and the puppets usually act out one of the stories. The cast presents each issue and its resolution in a way that helps preschoolers learn about solving the little problems they'll encounter in life, whether emotional or practical.
At the end of each episode, Oogleberry writes down his thoughts about the day's lesson in his journal. Then, Courtney talks about an object she received in the mail (which usually pertains to the episode's theme), pointing on the globe to the country or city where the object came from. She shares some fascinating tidbits about the place and encourages viewers to read more about it.
Campbell is a glowing, comforting presence on the show, imparting her captivating stories and simple but affecting songs (about the joys of childhood, emotional growth, relying on friends, and more) with an easy, natural style that draws the viewer in. The puppet animals are endearing, expressive, and fun to watch -- especially when they act out stories in funny getups. (In one episode, they dressed as tadpoles, with their furry muzzles hilariously sticking out from the tight, wetsuit-like costumes.)
Mustard Pancakes is a wonderful way for kids to learn about the practical aspects of everyday life and how to deal with the various emotions they may experience. The show also celebrates music and the art of storytelling and gets children excited to find out about different places in the world. And practical, emotional, and educational elements aside, watching Mustard Pancakes feels like getting a warm bear hug or sitting in a big, comfy chair.
Preschoolers may also enjoy Pinky Dinky Doo, which introduces the components of storytelling, and Jack's Big Music Show, which celebrates the joy of making music.
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