Television Show Review: “Peep and the Big Wide World”

by Daniel Sean Kaye

There are few TV shows adults and children can watch together. There are even fewer that are thoughtful and smart, humorous, and educational. “Peep and the Big Wide World,” seen on Discovery Kids and TLC, as part of their “Ready Set Learn!” block, is one of these rare shows.

The premise follows three birds and their growing awareness of the world around them. Chirp wants to fly, Quack knows it all (not really), and Peep is amazed at everything he sees. It’s life through children’s eyes and it’s a breath of fresh air.

My family loves this show, from the funky opening strains of the theme song, to the terrific story-telling narration of Joan Cusack, to the bold color of the animation, to the fun live-action science lessons taken part in by real kids.

The show is about questions—how does water become ice and then return to water; why do leaves fall; how can sounds lead us home—and answers all the questions through a cast of innocent characters with whom you’ll fall in love.

If you haven’t seen it, sit down with your child and see what you think. I’ll be shocked if you don’t smile at Quack’s gentle arrogance, Chirp’s unstoppable optimism, and Peep’s wide-eyed wonder. These characters will remind you of just how amazing the world can be, and how much fun it is when its secrets are revealed.

January 20, 2008

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