Why “Arthur” Means So Much to Me (And My Kids!)

When “Arthur” hit bulky square-box television sets in 1996, I was in third grade — just like Arthur Read and his friends. I had long checked out Marc Brown’s books from the library, but now Arthur’s world had come to life in a new way.

My Coke-bottle glasses matched Arthur’s, and as I sat in front of the glow of the boxy TV, I was invited into the warm, welcoming world of Elwood City. I giggled along with Buster’s antics, marveled at Muffy’s fancy life, and admired Francine’s way of calling it as she saw it. I found pieces of myself in each of the characters, watching as Arthur and his buddies navigated relationships and what it means to, as Ziggy Marley sings in the theme song, “learn to work and play, and get along with each other.”

After reading “Arthur’s New Puppy” to us, my school librarian was particularly thrilled to introduce a graphic of a new animated series to our class. We gathered around a giant computer in the media center, waiting with bated breath as a page slowly loaded to reveal Arthur, front-and-center.

Now, my three sons easily navigate the PBS Kids Video app on our smart TV. Technology may have changed, but the heart of “Arthur” — and its relatability to kids (and let’s be honest, grown-ups) — never has.

As “Arthur” celebrates 25 years, I’m grateful for how Arthur and his friends helped me — and now helps my kids — to consider and appreciate another person’s point of view.

Across the span of more than 250 episodes and specials, Arthur and his friends have invited us into relatable antics and adventures, celebrations and struggles. While Elwood City is charming, it isn’t perfect — and neither are those who live there — and that’s what has made the animated aardvark and his pals so, well, realistic.

• My eldest son relates to Arthur’s woes of having younger siblings that push his buttons sometimes.
• My 8-year-old appreciates the highs and lows of elementary school experiences.
• And my 5-year-old loves that the Elwood City pets can talk.

Through the years, “Arthur” has introduced us to characters with different family dynamics, religions, and beliefs, reminding us that differences make us special, and everyone belongs.

When D.W. stereotypes a new student who is from Senegal (and later learns from her mistakes), our family had a jumping-off point for talking about how this has happened in our lives, too. The episode where Buster talks about his asthma helped us walk our son through health challenges he experienced. And when discussing race and standing up for what’s right, our family frequently references the “Arthur Takes a Stand” episode with the late civil rights leader Sen. John Lewis.

Life together is weird and funny, complicated and tender. And kids are more perceptive, imaginative, and deeper thinkers than grown-ups often give them credit for. "Arthur" embraced these truths, inviting us into a world where kids are centered and seen. I’m grateful to have grown up visiting Elwood City, passing along the experiences to my kids, too.

To celebrate all the wonderful kinds of days “Arthur” has brought your family, consider planning an Arthur celebration. Here are some fun activities to get you started!

• Use that library card! As Arthur famously sang to us, “Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card.” Here’s how your family can make the most of your local library.
• Serve up some scoops. Who hasn’t wanted to hang out with Arthur and his friends at a booth at the Sugar Bowl? Make ice cream sundaes at home or visit a local shop in your neighborhood. (And why not play Muffy’s Party Planner game after you enjoy your dessert?)
• Write a letter. Arthur has a pen-pal named Adil who lives in Turkey. Grab paper and a pencil and send some snail-mail to someone who you’ve been missing!
• Collect them all. One of my son’s favorite episodes is “Arthur Rides the Bandwagon.” Arthur gets frustrated by his classmate’s obsession with a new toy fad. But what won’t ever go out of style? These fun "Arthur" trading cards!
• Get in the kitchen. Buster loves weird and wacky food. (Remember his cabinet of curiosities?) Challenge your kids to see who can make the strangest Buster-inspired sandwich with ingredients you have on-hand.
• Draw Arthur. Channel your inner Marc Brown and use this step-by-step printable guide to help you draw your very own Arthur. What stories would you write for him?
• Walk a dog. The Read’s family dog Pal is a beloved character on the show. Volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog together, or volunteer at a pet shelter in honor of Pal.
• Act it out. Print out these "Arthur" masks and act out your own stories together. They’re great for photo ops, too!
• Explore the city. Download this PBS KIDS app to join Arthur, Buster, Francine, and Muffy in a series of mini-games set all around Elwood City!
• Create a time capsule. Remember when Mr. Ratburn showed his Lakewood Elementary students a time capsule from 1910? Grab a shoebox and collect items that reflect this year, seal it up, and don’t forget to come back to it a few years later!

Sometimes I wonder what to do in these overwhelming parenting times. When I’m stuck, maybe the best thing to do is go back to the “Arthur” theme song: “Believe yourself, ’cause that’s the place to start.”