Pappyland facts for kids

Pappyland was a popular American children's television series. It was created to teach kids how to draw and learn important life lessons. The show starred Michael Cariglio as Pappy Drew-It, a friendly artist. Pappy lived in a magical cabin in a unique land filled with many different characters.

The show first aired on WCNY-TV and other PBS stations from May 24, 1993, to September 3, 1999. Later, new episodes were shown on TLC from September 30, 1996, until 1997. Reruns continued until February 21, 2003. A lot of the show was filmed using a special blue screen, which made the magical world of Pappyland come alive!

How the Show Worked

Each episode of Pappyland was about 30 minutes long. Pappy and his friends would dance, sing, and share important life lessons. But the main part of the show was watching Pappy draw amazing pictures.

A camera was placed right above Pappy's paper. This way, viewers could see exactly what he was doing. Pappy would carefully explain each step and drawing trick. The goal was for kids at home to follow along and create the same picture.

Near the end of each show, there was a special part called the "Hall of Frames." This segment showed drawings sent in by viewers. It was a cool way to see other kids' artwork! Pappyland is now available on DVD. You can also watch the series on Roku's Family TV channel.

Meet the Pappyland Characters

Pappy Drew-It had many friends and family members who lived with him or visited him in Pappyland. Here are some of the main characters:

Pappy Drew-It

• Pappy Drew-It (played by Michael Cariglio) is the main artist and host of the show. He loves to draw and teach kids. Pappy wears a hat, suspenders, glasses, and a green bandana, looking a bit like a gold miner from the old days. He lives in Pappyland and has many friends.
• A funny thing Pappy often did was break his crayons when coloring. He did this to teach kids that a broken crayon can still be used! He also sometimes colored outside the lines, showing that it's okay to be creative and not always perfect.
• To travel around Pappyland, Pappy used cool vehicles like the Pappy Pad Express, the Much More Door, the Wishing Wheel, the Pappyscope, and the Color Copter.

Pappy's Friends and Family

• Elmer (played by Joe Cariglio) is an old, funny, and sometimes grumpy man. He sits in a rocking chair near Pappy's desk and loves to tell jokes. Elmer also works at the Pappy Mines. He often started or ended episodes by asking, "Hey, sonny! Don't you know what time it is?"
• Binky is a talking paintbrush. He used to live in the Brushlands but moved to Pappy's cabin. Binky loves to paint pictures.
• Lily (played by Marilyn Arnone) is a talking flower. She originally lived in a flower field but later moved to a windowsill in Pappy's cabin. Pappy often gave her water from a watering can.
• Grandpappy Drewitt is a painting of Pappy's father or grandfather. He was also played by Michael Cariglio. Some episodes suggest he might have created Pappyland.
• Belle (played by Marilyn Arnone) is a talking telephone. She joined Pappy's cabin in the third season. Belle has a southern accent and often shares news with Pappy, especially if someone needs help.
• Color Copter is a smart biplane/helicopter. It helps Pappy travel around Pappyland. Sometimes, the Color Copter even talks!
• MailBird (played by Ted Long) was introduced in the third season. He has an English accent and delivers mail. MailBird often makes funny crash landings when he arrives. He works at the LetterLands Post Office.
• Sing-A-Song Sam (played by Michael Curley) is a singer and pianist. In most episodes, he sang a song that helped explain the lesson learned in that show.
• Buddy Bear (played by Ted Long) is a bear who loves honey. He lives in a cave called the Hamlet in Pencil Point. Like Pappy, Buddy Bear enjoys drawing and sometimes helped Pappy when he had a problem.
• Chucky Woodchuckles (played by Chris Grom) is a friendly woodchuck who lives in Woodchuckles Place. He sometimes lost things he borrowed, like Pappy's crayons. Pappy helped him learn about being responsible.
• Tree-O was a group of three trees named Oakie, Birchwood, and Miss Maple. They lived in a forest.
• Woody is a tree who lives at the entrance of Pappyland. Pappy once drew a picture of him to show him he had friends.
• Pumpkin Pop and Pumpkid are a father and son pumpkin duo. They originally lived in the Pappyland Grand Garden.
• Turtle Lou (played by Gabriel Velez) is a talking turtle who lives by a river. He loves to fish.
• Doodle Bug (played by Marilyn Arnone) was introduced in the fourth season. He tries to challenge Pappy by drawing a doodle for Pappy to finish. Pappy usually wins!
• Donkey Dan is a donkey who lives in a stable at the barnyard.
• Duggan is a small parrot who can be a bit grumpy. Pappy often helps him feel better with a drawing or a kind talk.
• Fishface was a mean fish who lived in the lake. Pappy's kindness and drawing helped him become friendly.
• Snacker Jack Drewitt is Pappy's city cousin. He appeared in an episode where Pappy taught him about eating healthy foods instead of just junk food.
• Uncle Tony is Turtle Lou's uncle.
• Wanda is a woodpecker who lived with Chucky.
• Songbirdy and Flutterby are animated bird and butterfly characters.
• Elizabeth Tricase is Buddy Bear's pen pal who is hearing impaired.
• Eloise is Elmer's twin sister.
• Color Taker (or C.T.) is a character who looked like a vacuum cleaner. He tried to take all the colors from Pappyland. Pappy taught him that being a bully isn't the best way to get what you want.
• Mya (played by Kali Deleo) is a Pappyland fan with a big imagination.
• Mrs. Pappy (played by Michele Cariglio Finnerty) is Pappy's wife, imagined by Mya.
• Patsy (played by Lori Ann Lesmeister) and Eddie (played by Thomas Rhett Kee) are Hollywood producers.
• The Pappy Imposters (played by Bill Neer, Patrick Bader, and Dennis Calkins) were people auditioning to play Pappy.
• Santa Claus (played by J.P. Crangle) and his elves, Hans and Fritz, appeared in a Christmas special.

Pappyland Episodes and Lessons

Each episode of Pappyland taught a valuable lesson through Pappy's drawings and the adventures of his friends. Here are a few examples of the lessons learned:

Season 1 Lessons

• "Elmer's Birthday Party Mystery" taught about concern for others.
• "Chucky Wins at Having Fun" taught about being a good sport.
• "Chucky Learns to Keep Trying!" taught about sticking with a task until you succeed.
• "Staying Fit" taught about exercise and being healthy.

Season 2 Lessons

• "Tree-O Share The Sunlight" taught about sharing.
• "I'm a Turtle, Not a Rock" taught about honesty.
• "A Lesson for Lilly" taught about faithfulness.
• "Wanda the Woodpecker Won't Forgive Chucky" taught about forgiveness.
• "Pumpkid Grows Patience" taught about patience.
• "Buddy Bear Learns About Love" taught about love.
• "Binky Thinks Through A Picture" taught about thinking and planning.

Later Season Lessons

• "Mailbird Gets Organized" taught about getting organized.
• "Lost in Pappyland" taught about brainstorming ideas.
• "The Day Pappy Forgot How To Draw" taught about perseverance.
• "Doodle Bug's Music Recital" taught about practicing.
• "Pappy's Alphabet Drawing Adventure" taught how to draw using letters.
• "Pappy's Drawing With Numbers Adventure" taught how to draw using numbers.

Pap's ArtVentures

Pap's ArtVentures is a newer series that continues the story of Pappy and his friends. It features Pappy, his pals, and kids on the show. This sequel series first appeared on Michael Cariglio's (Pappy's actor) YouTube channel on October 22, 2019.