Common Sense Media Review
By Lauri C. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet and clear lessons about grief, family, and safety.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
What's It About?
In the fictional podcast WHAT'S POPPIN' PENNY?, created by early-childhood educator Toni Kennedy, main character Penny is a sweet and curious preschooler who lives in a brownstone house with her parents and grandmother. She figures out how to make her cat talk and her teddy bear come to life as her recently deceased grandfather. Her teddy, cat, and family members support her through her relatable life experiences: processing the loss of her grandfather, enjoying family fun days, and learning lessons about grief, safety, ancestors, and more. The clear vocal performances, simple language, positive themes, and repetition make it appropriate for young audiences. This podcast is available widely for free, with most episodes around 10 minutes long.
Is It Any Good?
If you want a slow-paced and positive fiction podcast with examples of nurturing relationships for the young listeners in your life, put this podcast at the top of your playlist. What's Poppin' Penny? is what happens when an early-childhood educator busts onto the podcast scene to grace families with content that feels sweet, inclusive, and important. The youngest listeners will benefit from plot repetition and consistent characters, while adult listeners will gain ideas about explaining concepts to littles with care and accuracy, and how to patiently help them through challenges. Follow-up conversations are essential in this age range to help kids understand and relate to the positive themes. With content this good, you're sure to have a solid place to start.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they have experienced similar difficult feelings that Penny did in episodes of What's Poppin' Penny? Who was there to support you? How did you cope with these feelings?
How does Penny show the important value of curiosity? What are you curious about in your family or your family history, in your life, or in the world? How can your learn more about your family history?
How do Penny and her family show love and gratitude for one another and their family heritage? In what ways do you like to show gratitude to the people you love? Why is gratitude such an important character strength?
Penny has a lot of interesting and important conversations with her cat and teddy bear. Do you have a special stuffed animal, pet, friend, or trusted adult that you share your feelings with?
Podcast Details
- Release date : October 13, 2023
- Genre : Kids & Family
- Run time : 10 minutes
- Production Company and Network : Preschool Family Productions
- Pricing structure : Free
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 24, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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