Peppa Pig: Snorting, Muddy Puddles and Lots of Fun

Often my kids prove that they have the attention span of... well, children, by obsessing over a character, show or toy for one minute and then not caring less about it the next.

I thought you loved that [insert name of stuffed animal, board game or toy], you told me yesterday it was your favorite!

The response? Typically a shrug. Or maybe an I dunno. And then they turn and go back to having completely moved on.

So, I was expecting something similar when introducing them to a new animated series. Never mind that it is award-winning and massively popular across the pond in the UK, I just assumed that we would watch it once and that would be it.

And then we turned on Peppa Pig and life hasn't been the same since.

A longtime favorite with British children, Peppa Pig arrived in the U.S. in early 2011, airing on Nick Jr for preschool-aged children. This charming series stars Peppa, a loveable, energetic little piggy, along with her family – her little brother, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – as they play games, go to school, take family trips and, best of all, jump in muddy puddles.

While the program claimed that parents would enjoy watching the show with their kids, I was skeptical that I would find myself all that interested in a family of talking, laughing, snorting pink pigs. Ready to give Peppa a try, we put in Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles and Other Stories (not yet available for sale in the U.S.) and sat back to see what all the fuss was about.

As soon as the uncomplicated animation, upbeat, cheerful theme music and sweet, British accents began coming from the television, I found myself surprisingly intrigued. The colors were bright and attractive, the plots were adventurous and fun, and even the snorts that popped out each time one of the characters spoke all managed to be entertaining and somewhat addictive.

We were surprised to find that each of the 12 "peppasodes" were only around five minutes long, ensuring that short attention spans don't ever get bored. At the same time, I found that each of the storylines still managed to contain plenty of Peppa's signature lighthearted, laugh-out-loud approach to storytelling that makes the show truly enjoyable for both children and parents.

As each of the episodes centered around a different family activity, it was clear to me that they were designed to be simple and easy for kids to understand while still promoting a positive message. Whether the theme was visiting grandparents, playing with friends, parents having to work or going camping, the underlying message was always the celebration of the values of family, friendship, fun and humor!

Every episode of Peppa Pig and her family is not only fun, but are made so that preschoolers can easily relate to the topic. They include topics such as what do to when a treasured item gets lost, the fun of camping, how to play nicely with friends (and siblings) and more.

I appreciate that while my kids are laughing at things like Daddy Pig having to sleep in the car during Camping or a bird making a half squawk-half snort sound in Polly Parrot, that they are also able to subconsciously receive the lessons behind each one.

From Peppa learning that it isn't bad so include her little brother while playing to finding out that it just takes a little detective work to find a missing toy, this show is filled with sweet and simple messages about important topics in childhood.

My kids have asked to watch Peppa Pig: Muddy Puddles and Other Stories over and over and over and I have yet to tire of seeing these cheeky little piggies and their friends as well! If you are ready to invite Peppa and her family into your home as well, check them out on Nick Jr Monday - Friday at 12:00pm and 12:30pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm and 2:30pm.

You can also connect with Peppa at PeppaPig.com, on Facebook and on NickJr.com, where you'll find lots of fun crafts, recipes, printables and more to really catch the Peppa Pig spirit today!

(Other than the Peppa Pig DVD and a selection of other Peppa swag items that I was sent in conjunction with my membership to Team Mom, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this entertaining show.)