Growing in Wonder with Mabel Maclay

AnneMarie Miller reviews a new children’s show that invites people to discover the world with curiosity and wonder.

“It’s a wonderful day, it’s a wonderful day …” my 5-year-old son softly sang as he meandered around our home. I could see that A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay had already struck a chord in his heart. In fact, during the first episode, all of my young children fell in love with this new show that seems both modern and timeless. While some of the show’s segments feel similar to those in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mabel Maclay stands on its own as a distinct exploration of the world.

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In each episode, Mabel discusses a practical question about a character trait or virtue and examines it through a variety of situations—with a strong dose of fun. She helps her pet dog, Jasper, work through a personal challenge regarding this virtue, she answers a question from her “Wonder Wheel,” and she visits with friends about this topic. Throughout the first several episodes, Mabel recognizes the importance of practicing and growing in virtues like courage, gratitude, teamwork, patience, and perseverance, even when it is difficult.

However, even when Mabel’s friends encounter difficulties, the show remains lighthearted and hopeful. Jasper brings levity and a strong sense of fun, and getting to watch his antics was the favorite part for two of my children. Mabel and her friends fill each episode with joy and laughter, and the whimsical machines add to the show’s atmosphere of delightful discovery.

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In fact, the inventive machines were one of my favorite elements. For example, when Mabel visits her “Wonder Wheel,” she doesn’t simply spin a wheel to determine the day’s question. Instead, she uses a type of Rube Golberg machine to do this, which involves both a marble track and an adorable British mouse. At the end of each episode, Mabel takes items that she has collected and places them in her “Masterpiece Machine,” which then creates a book about the virtue she has been pondering. The various pieces of the set and tools that Mabel uses are creative and delightful, and make the show an absolute delight to watch.

A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay features strong storytelling and playful characters, as well. However, a couple of Mabel’s visits with the other characters (or real-life individuals, like figure skater Scott Hamilton) felt rushed or abrupt. For example, in the second episode “Curiosity,” Mabel visits Find-It-Fred to examine his model town of miniature houses and people. Suddenly, Mabel and Fred are in a real-life caboose, and then her visit abruptly ends. Since the show follows a slow pace, this particular segment felt jarring. Thankfully, the flow of the “guest visit” segment got better in later episodes, with smoother transitions.

Overall, my kids and I loved watching Mabel’s adventures, and as soon as one episode would end, my kids would ask if there was another. As we observed Mabel and Jasper’s creative projects, my kids would begin talking about projects that they want to do (for example, using fresh lemons as stamps). The show’s acting is imaginative, the puppetry is incredible, and the musical score is amazing.

Free from political ideologies or hidden agendas, A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay invites a child to gaze upon the world with wonder, curiosity, and enjoyment. Furthermore, although this is not explicitly a Christian show, the episodes can easily guide parents and children into deeper conversations about God, the Faith, and the necessity of virtue.

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A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay is currently streaming on Bentkey.com. I received access in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions are my own.