A Public Letter of Gratitude for Arthur Read of PBS

Dear Arthur,

My name is Kaylie. I’m 29 years old. I’ve watched you since age 4. You’ve remained 8 for most of these last 25 years, occasionally dipping into flashbacks, and a couple times dreaming of the future. You went off the air this Monday, February 21, and while I still haven’t seen your last episode, I am so grateful for you. In honor of your 25 years, in tandem with my routine of writing a gratitude letter every Friday in 2022, this one’s for you, your creator Marc Brown, and public broadcasting.

Arthur, you showed me it’s okay to be “average.”

I remember when your friends chose players for the “Confuse the Goose” computer game. While everyone chose a character based off of archetype or aesthetic, you were left with the bespectacled goose. And you were, frankly, disappointed. Why couldn’t you have Sporty Goose like Francine or Stylish Goose like Muffy? But together, you all won, by “putting your whole self in” by doing the Hokey Pokey. And you know what? You were never average, Arthur.

You taught me about agreeableness so we can all “get along with each other.”

There is so much potential to have a “wonderful kind of day” when you surround yourself with amazing people. Each of your peers, including you, had an arc, feelings with dimension, and a story or 3 to share. As a child, I resonated with Binky: he was perceived one way (at first, a bully) but was in reality a kid with a peanut allergy (same), a ballet dancer (same), and an older sibling, protecting the underdog (same). As an adolescent, I resonated with Fern: quiet, save for her written words. And now as an adult, I see myself in you, Arthur. You helped me believe in myself, just as the opening theme, usually by one Ziggy Marley, reminded me every episode.

You were a self-advocate, Arthur.

Like you, I received a second set of eyes early. Somehow, you’re one of the few folks of Elwood City who wear glasses. While I was not ridiculed for my glasses, you taught me the value of self-esteem when other issues, like my walking problem, undermined my confidence. By you also wearing glasses from an early age, I was not alone. You also were unafraid to show off your passion for reading, just like another one of my literary heroes, Matilda Wormwood. Having fun is certainly not hard with a library card.

You showed me ALL emotions are okay, even anger.

2 younger sisters and your dog, Pal, begged for your attention. As a fellow older sibling, family is important. While you were often agreeable, from trying recipes despite not knowing what “lubs” were, to making a perfect Christmas for your whole family, you still got angry. In fact, because of the one time you hit your sister, you are still facing the consequences today, with memes everywhere. While I too am learning that justified anger is NOT a bad emotion, you taught me that mistakes make us human (er, aardvark). You helped show me ALL feelings are important, and it’s good to feel the feelings.

You taught me “associates” aren’t always “friends”, and vice versa.

You came from a time where both Mr. Rogers and Alex Trebek were still around. I’ll always have some nostalgia for these older episodes, like when Art Garfunkel came to town, singing his bunny blues (is that why your name is Arthur?). While some of your newer animations aged poorly, it’s cool to learn that Matt Damon designed the intro to your show. In addition, even though I was musically Team NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys were just a little cooler for being on your show. Besides these celeb associates, you taught me that friendships can change while still having a special space, like Buster’s attempt at his own show when he tried traveling with his dad. Likewise, my best friend from Kindergarten moved away, but just like you and your bestie Buster, we’re still friends, even as life continues to change.

Arthur, you taught me the value of agility.

You came from creator Marc Brown’s heart, then his books were adapted into a hit TV show, spanning many years and changes in technology, from the 90s – 2022. As the show transitions once more to different content outside of TV, you will still be shared and loved by so many. Many 90s kids who watched you are now parents themselves, and I’m sure they’ll continue to share the books and show with their kids. It is because of your beloved PBS show that I studied film and media in college. Arthur is also the reason I’m considering a long-term career goal of working at PBS (but I have to say, my current role as a marketing manager for a school feels pretty close sometimes!).

Arthur, you lifted audiences up, while still being characteristically yourself.

You were unafraid to discuss “real life” issues, presented in a way that all audiences could understand and appreciate, including children, parents, caregivers, and educators. Certainly, this content served informative and inspirational purposes, but you were never heavy-handed, opting for subtle nods, fun, and caring. You contextualized 9/11 with “April 9th”, Grandpa Dave’s memory problems and death were given time and care from the whole family, and Mr. Ratburn met the love of his life (not simply cake but an aardvark named Patrick!) and finally got married. All of these moments, and much more, were given air time.

Arthur, you did not have hidden agendas.

You simply showed up, every day, before and after elementary school (and sometimes even making an appearance in college, when cable was available regularly, for the first time in my life). And so, in gratitude, I share this letter at 7am central, in honor of a time when I’d prop up the bunny ears and start many wonderful kind of days with you. Thank you.

Here’s to you, Arthur: the best A-A-R-D-V-A-R-K around.
Kaylie