 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mustard Pancakes
- ION, PBS
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Songs and stories infuse gentle series for tots.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
PBS's enchanting series MUSTARD PANCAKES features Courtney Campbell, a gifted songwriter, singer, guitarist, and storyteller who shares her cozy home 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 five friends play games, sing, tell stories, and learn to face life's daily challenges. In each episode, the pet friends work together to solve a particular problem with guidance from Courtney. She sings a song and tells stories related to the issue at hand, and the puppets usually act out one of the stories. 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), points out its origin on a globe, shares fascinating tidbits about the place and encourages viewers to read more about it.
Is it any good?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
toddlers love "Mustard Pancakes"
My two kids (ages 3 and 6) go ga-ga for "Mustard Pancakes". The younger loves the talking animals and the catchy beats to the sing-along sessions. My 6 year old can't stop watching it. The show has really sparked his moral interest and asks me why things are right or wrong and applies the scenarios presented in the show to real life. I feel comfortable leaving my kids in the hands of Courtney Campbell. It's like having their nana in the room. Two thumbs way up. Great for the kids!
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AGE
Great Concept, Great Show
I happened uopn this show one morning and have been hooked ever since. As a longtime fan of shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, it's nice to see another show come along in that same spirit, especially in light of what TV ofers kids these days. I love the characters, the songs...I just love this show!!
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AGE
Good show for young children.
Mustard Pancakes is a great, gentle show for the younger audience. It lets viewers learn social lessons of friendship and family by watching the trials and tribulations the puppets of the shows undergo. And at the end of each episode, they've learned a valuable lesson and are better for it. The show is very sweet and gentle, and the simple guitar is a welcome change from other kid tv.
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AGE
terrible show
It's a lazy and unimaginative series. You can't teach kids anything by boring them to sleep.
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AGE
The Next Doodlebops
Mustard Pancakes is such a good show!!! To me, Mustard Pancakes may be a Wiggles or Doodlebops clone, only with occaisional country music instead of rock or hip-hop music. Yet, this show is a must watch, watch it now, unless tou want more reruns of the Wiggles or the Doodlebops. LONG LIVE COURTNEY CAMPBELL AND THE PUPPETS (ESPECIALLY MR.D THE CAT)!!!!!
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AGE
Great program for children!
I really adore this show for my children. They absolutely love it! They really enjoy the sing-a-longs and the cute puppet animals. This show teaches children family values and life lessons in a fun simple way all while entertaining them and keeping them interested. I would defintely recommend this show for parents looking for a wholesome and educational program.
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along, puppets |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Networks: | ION, PBS |
| Genre: | Educational |
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