♪ Every day when you're walking down the street ♪ ♪ Everybody that you meet has an original point of view ♪ (laughing) ♪ And I say hey ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ ♪ If we could learn to work and play ♪ ♪ And get along with each other ♪ ♪ You got to listen to your heart, listen to the beat ♪ ♪ Listen to the rhythm, the rhythm of the street ♪ ♪ Open up your eyes, open up your ears ♪ ♪ Get together and make things better ♪ ♪ By working together ♪ ♪ It's a simple message, and it comes from the heart ♪ ♪ Believe in yourself, for that's the place to start ♪ ♪ And I say hey ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ ♪ If we could learn to work and play ♪ ♪ And get along with each other ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ Hey!

♪ What a wonderful kind of day ♪ Hey!

Hey, D.W.!

Hey!

Whoa... (crash) Carl is a great kid, but he's very particular.

If things aren't a certain way, he can get really upset.

Like with food...

I can't eat this.

Why not?

I thought you liked chicken.

The peas are touching the potatoes.

Peas are green, potatoes are white.

That's better.

Or putting toys away... No, no!

That box is only for square pieces!

Oops, sorry, I forgot.

GEORGE: And he likes to have a very structured routine.

I knew I shouldn't have touched it, but I did, and the whole toothpick Ferris wheel came crashing down.

(beeping) Hey, where are you going?

It's 3:52.

Extreme Kite Flying with Tex Buttery is on in eight minutes.

Carl has autism, and I really don't mind following his rules.

But I think bringing him here might have been a terrible idea.

(doorbell rings) Hey, George, come on in.

D.W.: You didn't spin the goose!

You just moved it!

BUD: Well, that's how I spin things!

D.W.: Well, you're a terrible spinner!

Thanks for lending me the math assignment.

I'll bring it right down.

It's not "Donna Winiferd," it's Dora Winifred.

And I told you never to call me that!

Well, I did call you that.

And I'm not taking it back either.

Hey!

What's all the ruckus?

Sweet Johnny cakes!

It's a miniature giraffe with four bow ties!

That's just Wally, George's dummy.

I prefer the term "ventriloquist's puppet."

Wait, you're making him talk?

But you hardly moved your mouth.

Thank goodness!

Nothing interesting comes out of his mouth.

That's amazing!

Hey, you should perform at our school's BAYFAF day.

BAYFAF day?

I'm not sure what it stands for, but it's going to be a lot of fun.

That's a great idea.

You'd be much better than that sneezing clown we had last year.

Please, please, please!

Um... We'll do it!

Wally!

What?

You never take me anywhere.

Here you go.

George, that was really nice of you to agree to perform at D.W.'s school for BAYFAF.

Oh, well, it's just a little show.

I thought it would be fun.

Um, it's not so little.

BAYFAF stands for "Bring All Your Friends And Family."

It does?

Yeah, my whole family is going, and Molly will be there, and I think Ladonna even invited Mr. Ratburn.

RATBURN: Okay, class.

Open your books to chapter ten.

I can't wait to see what you do!

I had no idea this was going to be such a big deal.

Whatever we do has to be really good.

How about Hamlet?

You can't go wrong with Shakespeare.

It has to be something little kids would like.

I was thinking of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Oh, goody!

I've always wanted to be a blond.

Can we make it a musical?

No, we can't make it a musical.

Where am I going to find someone who... (accordion playing) Huh?

WALLY: Be not afeard!

The woods are full of noises, sounds and sweet airs.

Hello, George.

Would you like to join our picnic?

Hey, Carl.

Since when do you play the accordion?

Since I got it for my sixth birthday two years ago from my Uncle Cal.

I know 18 songs.

You're really good!

Yes, I know.

Oh, sorry.

It's okay.

I'm no longer afraid of puppets.

My therapist uses them to coach me on my social skills.

How... are you today, George?

Um, good.

Actually, that's not true.

I'm doing this puppet show, but it's a bigger audience than I thought, and... Hey, you wouldn't want to play for it, would you?

I really want there to be music in it.

Okay.

You don't have to if you don't want to.

I know.

That's... that's great!

This is going to make it so much better.

Thanks, Carl.

GEORGE: Okay, you guys are the three bears.

Binky, you're Papa Bear.

Let's hear you roar.

(roars) Good.

Rattles, show me Mama Bear.

(roaring softly) Nice.

And Buster?

(roaring strongly) A little more baby-like.

(roaring in baby voice) Great!

Okay, when the show opens, Wallilocks will be skipping through the woods.

Carl, could you play some happy, skippy music?

(playing a tune) La, la, la, la!

Here I am, skipping through the woods.

Hello, birch.

Hello, elm.

Hello, poison oak.

Keep your distance.

(accordion music stops) The music stopped.

Should I keep skipping, or take five?

Um, Carl?

Why did you stop?

I don't like this room.

It's very messy.

It is?

I think we should rehearse outside.

Outside?

But we can't...

It is pretty stuffy in here.

And it's a gorgeous day out.

I could use a little Vitamin D. (sighs) Okay, let's take it from where we left off.

Wallilocks is skipping through the woods, while... (watch beeping) Carl?

What are you doing?

Putting my accordion away.

I know, but why?

We have to rehearse now.

It's 12:15, so it's time for lunch.

Well, can we have lunch a little later?

It's 12:15.

It's time for lunch.

Okay, everyone, let's break for lunch.

(snoring) Someone's been sleeping in my bed, and they're still there.

Ah!

It's a long-necked alien from the planet Gamma-Magga!

Easy on the ad-libs.

Okay, Carl, that's your cue.

(accordion plays same phrase three times) That's great, but I think we only need you to play it once.

It's out of tune.

That's okay.

It still works.

(notes off tune) It doesn't sound good.

I have to replace one of the reeds.

They're at home.

What?

No, you can't leave now.

Do you have an accordion reed here?

No, but... Then I have to go home.

(groans) Oh, what a beautiful day to be skipping through the woods!

I'm so happy.

(Carl playing dark, ominous tune) I said "happy," not filled with doom.

(continues playing dark tune) It's supposed to be a fairy tale, not a scary tale.

Even though this is free, I demand my money back!

(continues playing) (crowd jeering) It's not my fault.

I tried to tell Carl what to play, but he wouldn't listen.

George, as a member of the Puppeteer's Guild, I hereby revoke your Dummy Operator's License.

I'm afraid I have to confiscate Wally as well.

No!

No!

Never!

(gasps) BINKY: Well, if you won't leave, then I'll have to... Um... invite you to live with us.

Yay!

And Wallilocks moved in with the bears and lived rent-free forever and ever!

The end.

Carl, that's your cue to play the final tune.

I know.

Well, can we hear it?

The show is tomorrow.

I don't feel like playing it right now.

But I've been practicing it.

It'll be good.

See you tomorrow.

Binky, I'm worried about Carl.

Why?

He's a really good musician.

I know, but what if it's too noisy in the room, or he just doesn't feel like playing?

Could you bring your clarinet tomorrow?

You want me to replace him?

Who will play Papa Bear?

RATTLES: I will!

I can use both hands.

To be honest, I don't find Mama Bear that challenging.

She's very passive.

Okay, it's your show.

But you better tell him.

Well?

What are you waiting for?

The phone can't call itself.

I know, I know.

I'm just... thinking about what I'll say.

(phone ringing) Good evening.

Gould residence.

Hello?

Hello?

(groans) That went well.

Carl!

Hello, George.

I meant to call you last night, but I was kind of busy... What did you want to talk to me about?

Oh, I just wanted to say that you don't have to play today.

I mean, if you don't want to.

There will be a lot of kids in there, and you might get nervous.

I don't feel nervous.

I've practiced a lot.

Yeah, I know, it's just that...

It's just that what?

Nothing.

Forget it.

Aw, man!

Hey, boys and girls!

It's me, Wallilocks!

Get a load of these golden curls.

(laughing) ...moved in with the bears and lived rent-free forever and ever.

(playing upbeat tune) (applause and cheers) You were really great, Carl!

I know.

(watch beeping) It's time for a snack.

See you later.

And now a word from us kids.

(plucking notes) Hi, I'm Selena, and I'm in the El Sistema music program in Somerville.

We take music lessons every day after school.

(music continues) This is Miss Klein, and she's our music teacher.

You did it!

You got it!

Carl and George were rehearsing for their puppet show, and we're rehearsing for our concert.

(practicing notes) Rehearsing is when you practice something over and over again and you learn it.

And... (all playing tune) Rehearsing is good because when you start the song, you don't know it yet, and it sounds awful.

(kids all playing different notes) MISS KLEIN: Well, I think it's been awhile.

We're gonna help you guys learn this part, and the way we're gonna do that is by having a buddy.

STUDENT: We have to work together as a team.

D!

(plays D note) D, A, A, A, D, A... STUDENT: We practiced and practiced until we got it.

One, two, ready and... (kids playing same notes) Much better-- nice job, guys.

When we were finished practicing, we were ready for our concert.

(everyone playing together) (audience cheering) The more you practice, the better you play.

(playing tune) And now back to Arthur!

(barking happily) ARTHUR: Pal loves playing "stick."

I think it's his favorite thing in the world.

But what if he did it every single day?

ROBOTIC VOICE: Fetch... How about D.W.?

She loves watching Mary Moo Cow.

But would she still love it if she watched it all day long?

14 hours straight.

That must be a new record.

Should I turn it off now?

Moo... Is that a yes or a no?

Moo... Um, hello?

Moo... And what about Mr. Ratburn?

He loves giving quizzes, but I bet he wouldn't if he did it all the time.

(doorbell rings) Quickly!

What's the capital of Papua New Guinea?

Um... Papua?

Wrong!

Port Moresby!

You get an F. (sighs happily) What a glorious day.

ARTHUR: Okay, maybe that was a bad example.

But I do wonder, if you have too much of a good thing...

Fetch... ...does it make it a bad thing?

(whimpers) (birds chirping) Ah!

Rise and shine!

What are you doing here?

Your mom let me in.

Come on, we have to get going.

I laid your clothes out for you.

Today, I thought you'd wear a white shirt, a yellow V-neck sweater, and blue jeans.

Is that good?

Yeah, I guess.

Where are we going?

Arthur, it's April 22nd.

So?

April 22nd is when the Kit scouts start selling cookies.

I've saved up enough money for the family-sized box of Tuvalunas!

Are those the coconut ones?

They're not just coconut.

They're coconut-laced cashew clusters dipped in Oaxacan chocolate and drizzled with artisanal caramel.

It's poetry in baking.

(sighs) Okay, I guess I'll get some too.

(piggy bank rattling) Or not.

Don't sweat it.

You can have some of mine.

Ha!

I'll be lucky if I can get one.

What do you mean by that?

Every year, you buy a box and gobble up the whole thing in minutes.

Then you feel sick.

I don't do that.

Yes, you do.

I think I have a photo somewhere.

(sighs) Here we go.

This is you when you just got the cookies last year.

And here's you 13 minutes later.

Oh, yeah.

Well, this time, things are going to be different.

Your largest box of Tuvalunas, please!

Thanks.

How will things be different?

Here, have one.

I'm going to exercise will power.

But you don't have any will power.

What are you talking about?

I've got tons of will power.

I just... forget to use it.

Buster, you've just eaten three cookies in under 30 seconds while talking about will power.

(gulps) You're right.

Take these away.

From now on, only let me have one per day.

Uh-uh.

If I take them, you'll pester me every five minutes.

I won't!

I swear!

Yes, you will.

And then I'll just wind up giving in.

Well, there must be someone who can hold onto them for me.

Hmm...

I think I've thought of the perfect person.

Can I have one more?

No!

So let me get this straight.

You want me to hold on to these cookies and only give you one a day no matter how much you beg and plead?

That's right.

Will you be doing a lot of begging and pleading?

Probably.

Well, that does make it more interesting.

He'll also give you a cut of the cookies.

I will?

Buster, this is for your own good.

Okay.

You can have... One?

How's ten?

No way!

Ten, or no deal.

(groans) Okay.

I'll just take one more before... Nope.

The deal starts now.

You get your next cookie tomorrow.

After school.

At the Tower of Pain.

(gulps) RATBURN: The formula for the area of a circle is pi R squared.

So if we know that the radius is six inches and pi equals 3.14, then all we have to do is multiply six times... Hi, Buster!

Hi, Tuvaluna.

I miss you.

I miss you, too.

When are you coming to see me?

Not for another... five hours!

Five hours?

I can't wait that long!

I have to see you now!

RATBURN: Well, Buster?

What's the answer?

(in a daze): Coo...kie... No, "cookie" is incorrect.

The answer is 113.1 inches squared.

Let's try to focus, shall we?

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Can I help you?

I have to see Binky.

He's got my Tuvalunas.

And you are...?

Who am I?!

You know who I am, Rattles!

(sighs) Buster Baxter.

You're not on the list.

Wait here.

(groans) Okay, Binky will see you.

Oh, hey, Buster.

What's up?

You know what's up.

I want my Tuvaluna.

Oh, that.

Okay.

New rule: you have to eat it here.

Okay, okay!

Just give me my cookie!

Mmm... Sweet relief!

Come on, come on, eat up.

I haven't got all day.

A pleasure doing business with you.

See you tomorrow.

(bell rings) Buster, Buster... Could you spell that, please?

(sighs) B-U-S-T... Could I have some of that milk, please?

Ah!

Sorry.

All gone.

Coconut-laced cashew clusters... (spitting) (gasps) Tuvalunas?!

I'll buy them from you!

It's empty.

Empty?

You're trying to taunt me, aren't you?

You're a cruel moose, George Lundgren.

No, I just really love the design.

I'm going to use it as wallpaper for Wally's house.

Although I only really have enough for his bedroom.

Oh, sorry.

I thought Binky might have put you up to it.

You could have my box, but Binky has it.

Why?

I gave it to him so I could enjoy my Tuvalunas for longer.

But now I'm not really enjoying them at all.

It's complicated.

Why don't you just take them back?

I mean, they're yours, right?

You're right!

They are mine.

But Binky won't just hand them over.

Unless... George, if I give you the box, will you help me rescue my Tuvalunas?

Um...

Okay.

(camera shutter clicks) (bell rings) BUSTER: Our timing will have to be perfect.

You'll have two, maybe three minutes tops.

What about Molly and Binky?

What if they see me?

I'll take care of them.

You just focus on switching those boxes.

Ready?

Ready.

(bell ringing) Hey, everyone!

The ice cream truck is here.

Ice cream!

Ice cream!

Didn't you hear the bell?

The ice cream truck is here.

I'm lactose intolerant.

Well...

They also have sorbet.

What flavors?

Every flavor.

Do they have peach?

Yes, peach.

They have peach.

I bet it isn't fresh.

It's not peach season.

Although they may be importing them from Ecuador.

The Ecuadorian peach is pretty succulent.

Eh, I guess it's worth a shot.

My cookie, please.

Oh, no!

I dropped my Tuvaluna!

Can I please have another one?

No way.

Well, at least help me look for it.

Oh, never mind.

I see it.

Bye!

(gasps) My Tuvalunas!

Such a beautiful box!

Every year, you buy a box and gobble up the whole thing in minutes.

Then you feel sick.

You have no will power.

Arthur, would you please go away?

I tried.

BINKY: What are you waiting for?

Eat up.

Binky!

How did you...?

George let me in on his way out.

That was a pretty sneaky plan you two cooked up.

I'm impressed.

I can't eat these.

They've got nuts in them.

I was going to give them to you at the end of our deal, sort of like a prize for having self-control.

But there's no point now.

Well, enjoy.

(sighs) You're just... giving them to me?

No strings attached?

Uh-huh.

I ate a few and they were great, but I don't want any more.

And thanks for helping me.

Actually, could I just take one more?

There!

Welcome to your new home.

Mmm.

BUSTER: To watch more Arthur and play games with all the Elwood City friends, visit pbskids.org.

You can find Arthur books and lots of other books too at your local library.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org