Parents' Guide to

Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks

By Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Charming animals teach life lessons; kids OK.

TV PBS Kids' Animation 2003
Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks TV: Scene #1
  • Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks TV: Scene #2
  • Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks TV: Scene #3
  • Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks TV: Scene #4

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Glenn C.
Glenn C. Parent of 3 and 5-year-old
April 6, 2010
age 3+
One of the best kids shows ever produced. Up there with Mr. Rogers and classic Sesame Streets. Plus, Jakers features the voices of Mel Brooks and Harry Shearer. Really fun for kids and all age grown-ups. The producers really "get it". There's even a reference to "The InLaws". Mel Brooks says to sheep trying to run away: "They can't catch you if you zig zag...zig zag" BRILLIANT
e_mansmom
e_mansmom Parent of 5-year-old
December 19, 2008
age 4+

Just Great!

Heart warming. Cute kids hijinx - my husband and I love this show ourselves.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS! is aimed at helping kids learn to cope with situations they're likely to encounter in their own lives. Grandfather Piggley Winks tells stories about his childhood to his grandchildren to help them resolve problems. The stories, told in flashback, take place in Ireland, where three friends -- the young Piggley, Ferny the bull, and Dannan the duck –- play and learn in the lovely countryside, wearing beautiful sweaters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (5):

The animation is lovely, the characters are amusing and cute, and the lessons are so gently presented that it really is a pleasure to learn them. For example, one story focuses on Ferny's crush on a pig named Milly. After trying his friends' suggestions on how to get her attention, he finally trusts his own feelings and instincts and asks her to join his family and friends for a swim. Back in the present, the lesson helps Piggley's grandson stand up for his own feelings.

An excellent feature of the show is the live-action segments at the end of each story. A group of children talk about their own experiences and feelings, reflecting on what the episode has been about. It's a great way to reinforce the show's message and make it more concrete for kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different stories Jakers tells. What are some favorite stories your kids have heard from older family members? Families can also talk about the lessons learned in each episode. How might your kids apply what they learned?

TV Details

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