Carl the Collector is a new PBS KIDS animated series targeting ages 4-8. The series spotlights little Carl, a caring raccoon on the autism spectrum.
Through interactions with his friends and family, viewers see and understand how different disabilities affect others, and how those affected are not to be ridiculed or feared, but they should be embraced, as they have much to offer.
Carl’s family
Carl’s parents are divorced. He lives with his mother and spends weekends with his father. Carl’s parents are good friends, and both care equally about their son.
Unfortunately, this is a common situation for a lot of kids today. But, the fact that the mom and dad could not maintain their marriage does not come into play, nor does it depicted to affect their son. Carl feels unconditional love from both his parents.
Carl’s friends
Carl’s Fuzzytown friends do not care he is a little different. As a matter of fact, Sheldon is an empathetic little beaver; Lotta is a confident autistic fox; Forrest is an impulsive little squirrel (with a tree-nut allergy); and Nico and Arugula are identical twin bunnies, who could not be more opposite from each other.
This group combines to look after each other, help each other, and are always there for each other. In a world where differences are too often disrupting friendships, Carl and his pals find a way to make it work.
For example, there's ...
Carl’s love of collecting
For Carl, having things is important. And keeping them together is even more important.
Among Carl's favorite collections are his bouncy balls and his stuffed animals. But, when the balls get loose and bounce all over the neighborhood, and the stuffies begin to take over his room, Carl's friends are an integral part of the solutions for both.
So, Carl's love of collecting is not seen as strange but accepted, and he also learns when it's good to let go (a valuable lesson for any ardent collector).
PBS brings diverse kids to the screen
“Carl the Collector values inclusion and empathy, while modeling relationship-building and social skill development, wrapped up in humor, heart, and incredible visual design,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS, at the recent Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California.
She continues, “We are excited for children to get to know Carl and his group of friends, who believe that the best experiences occur when we honor the things that make each of us unique.”
"My hope for Carl and his diverse group of Fuzzytown friends," said creator/executive producer Zachariah Ohora, "is that they will inspire neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike to foster a world in which neurodiversity is not only recognized as a benefit to society, but is celebrated as exemplifying the full spectrum of what it means to be human."
Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D. added, “Carl and his Fuzzytown friends take viewers on fun and humorous adventures that will help them understand and empathize with the characters, and ultimately, extend that understanding and compassion for others.”
Final thoughts
Carl the Collector is a fun show for all young viewers, whether they have any disability or not. By bringing this diverse group of characters together, young viewers see differences and similarities with all kinds of people, or in this case, animals.
Carl the Collector is now available on PBS KIDS.
Image: PBS KIDS
Francine Brokaw is a longtime journalist, covering entertainment, product reviews and travel, and is the host of Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television and YouTube.
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