Emmy winner Noel MacNeal boards puppet series celebrating neurodiversity

Music educator and creator Kiersten Case and friends

Puppeteer Noel MacNeal is on board an independently produced US preschool series that has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise US$10,000 to fund its pilot.

Created by Boston-based music educator and neurodivergent creator Kiersten Case, Lilypad Library follows an autistic young frog and her best friend, an axolotl, as they explore stories, music, friendship and everyday challenges inside a welcoming community library.

Designed for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, Lilypad Library blends puppetry, original music and storytelling to support early literacy, social-emotional learning, communication skills and the transition to kindergarten.

The pilot is being directed by two-time Emmy-winning puppeteer, writer and director MacNeal, best known as Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House.

MacNeal brings decades of experience in children’s media through his work with Sesame Street, The Jim Henson Company and other landmark family productions.

“I know the special bond that puppets have with the autistic and neurodiverse community, so I can’t wait to work on this pilot,” said MacNeal.

The producers claim many children’s programmes imply neurodivergent identities without naming them. However, Lilypad Library seeks to openly represent neurodiversity through characters who are explicitly autistic or have ADHD or Down syndrome.

The series is designed to support both neurodivergent and neurotypical children in building empathy, confidence and understanding.

The project has also received encouragement from librarian and mental health advocate Mychal Threets, whose work promoting a love of reading aligns closely with the series’ mission to celebrate books, curiosity, and community.

“I love how much they care about neurodiversity. I love how much they care about stories, about libraries, about literacy, about animals, about human beings, about neighbours. It’s showing us that we’re not alone,” said Threets.

The Kickstarter campaign, which runs until August 5, will fund production of the pilot episode, serving as the foundation for an independently produced proof-of-concept intended to launch Lilypad Library as a full preschool television series.

Supporters can access rewards including early pilot access, behind-the-scenes content, original artwork and exclusive campaign items.

It comes as some families and educators are increasingly seeking calmer, more intentional programming for young children in response to the rise of overstimulating content on platforms such as YouTube.