I believe we have talked about our love for Arthur the A-A-R-D-V-A-R-K on the show before. The Arthur books were originally published 45 years ago by Marc Brown. The first installment in the series being called Arthur’s Nose and the little character not being happy with the way his nose looked and considered getting a nose job – he was relatable from the get go!
The idea for Arthur was born out of a conversation with his young son who requested a bedtime story about “a weird animal,” as Browns remembers. This was not the only inspiration the author took from his family and friends. Many of the attributes that showed up on his characters also matched those around him. For instance: Arthur has glasses because Marc Brown’s son has glasses. His favorite character, D.W., takes after his three younger sisters – which is why she is so funny, strong, and “triply lethal” as Brown explained during a virtual event celebrating the end of the series.
The final Arthur book was published early this year. It is called: Believe in Yourself: What We Learned from Arthur. This book is a reflection on the creation of the show and the book series and what makes it so special and enduring. Arthur became a beloved animated show on PBS channels 25 years ago and has proven to be topical, approachable, and all around enjoyable throughout its entire run.
When asked why he thought Arthur and the citizens of Elwood City had such an impact on a whole generation of kids and beyond, Brown said the series always told the truth to kids and is very relatable on many different subjects. Arthur himself is a good friend with a good heart, he learns from his mistakes.
While the original run of books and shows is coming to an end, the Arthur world is not ending. There will be new ways for fans to interact with Arthur. With the changes in technology and how kids get information and content these days, Arthur and his friends will still be helping kids deal with important issues through a series of different platforms such as: public service announcement short videos, podcasts, as well as online games. There is also a live musical in the works that could make its way to the stage in the future.
The newest book is available for purchase now and a marathon of more than 250 episodes leading into the premiere of the last four episodes of season 25 will begin February 16, 2022 and continue until February 21, 2022. The last four episodes have hinted at revealing what REALLY happened to D.W.’s snowball as well as a look at what will happen when the gang grows up.
Here are some viewing suggestions to catch during the marathon on your local PBS station:
Season 1 – Episode 5: Arthur’s Pet Business/D.W. the Copycat – the episode that made us fall in love with D.W.
Season 1 – Episode 22: D.W.’s Snowball Mystery/Team Trouble – where the snowball saga began.
Season 2 – Episode 1: Arthur Meets Mister Rogers/Draw! – gotta love Mr. Rogers.
Season 3 – Episode 11: Double Tibble Trouble/Arthur’s Almost Live Not Real Music Festival – having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! Also check out the soundtrack that goes with this episode.
Season 4 – Episode 1: D.W.’s Library Card/Arthur’s Big Hit – the episode that made Arthur a well-known meme.
Season 22 – Episode 1: Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone/The Feud – such a special episode about everyone’s favorite third grade teacher.
Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the world of Arthur, there is an episode or a book for you. Now is a perfect time to jump in and enjoy what has been a huge source of entertainment in our house for the last 25 years and will continue to be. Congratulations to Marc Brown and all the creators of the Arthur books and shows over the years and thanks for always making it a wonderful kind of day (as well as a go to Halloween costume, as pictured below).
Sibling Library 