Arthur (TV series) PBS Schedule December 2003

In the first story, will Buster's friends ever treat him the same after they learn he has asthma? Maybe the answer will be found on a guided tour through Buster's lungs?! In the second story, prankster poltergeists have arrived in Elwood City -- and just in time for the 'Scare Your Pants Off' costume party! It's boys versus girls in what becomes a great big battle of the pranks, until the kids learn a lesson about practical jokes from a spooky source
In part one, what would happen if Arthur and his friends entered a contest to write story ideas for their favorite television show? Holly Holland of Canadian, Oklahoma, winner of TV Guide's 'Create Your Own Arthur Episode!,' answers just that question. The kids realize that winning would be great but that writing and sharing is the best part. In part two, look out world, D.W. has discovered science! But D.W.'s new-found passion proves that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Can Arthur get D.W. to the Exploratorium before she convinces all the kids that the sky is blue because brown and green were already taken?
In the first story, a big blizzard comes to Elwood City, taking out the electricity (and -- gasp -- television!) and sending residents scrambling for supermarket supplies. Can neighbors find ways to help each other survive through the storm? In the second story, the unthinkable is happening ... Arthur's teacher is moving in! After his roof collapses, Mr. Ratburn stays with the Reads in order to teach and grade Arthur every second of the day! Or so Arthur fears.
In part one, what happens when you combine Greek mythology with D.W.'s imagination? When Grandma Thora shows D.W. how to be an author of great stories without even knowing how to write, D.W. tells a fantastic tale (with a little help from Homer) that impresses even Arthur. In part two, getting two Polly Locket dolls almost ruins Prunella's birthday party. That, and Francine's bad mood -- why, she wouldn't even sing the Happy Birthday song! Wait ... is there a connection? The Ghost of Presents Past appears to Prunella and shows her a thing or two about friendship and gratitude.

'My Music Rules'/'That's a Baby Show!'--In part one, it's the duel of the century as cellist Yo-Yo Ma faces jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman in the toughest gig of their careers in the Elwood City Library! Whose music will rule after the greats duke it out in the battle of classical versus jazz? In part two, will Arthur be exposed as a baby show lover? When he gets hooked on Love Ducks, Arthur tries to hide it from his friends -- not an easy feat since it's on at the same time as the new Bionic-Bunny spin-off everyone's talking about!
Cast Away: Arthur is thrilled when Dad invites him to go fly fishing for the weekend. Finally ó an escape from D.W.! But when a change in plans forces them to include her, Arthur's had enough. Does D.W. always have to get her own way? The Great Sock Mystery: Ever wonder where all those missing socks go? One minute they're in the laundry basket, and the next Ö poof! Ö they've vanished! Find out once and for all when Baby Kate and Pal ó and some of their furry friends óteam up to solve the great sock mystery.
Francine's Split Decision: Lakewood Elementary is sure to win the big bowling tournament on Saturday, with Francine leading the team. So what if Francine's cousin is having his Bar Mitzvah at exactly that same time? The amazing Francine can be in both places ó or at least seem to beó and no one will be the wiser. Or so she thinksÖ Muffy Goes Metropolitan: Muffy happily accepts Sue Ellen's invitation to spend the weekend in the bustling metropolis, Crown City. At last! Her big chance to revel in an unending parade of glamorous fashions, high culture, and fine cuisine! But can Muffy accept city realities that are quite different Ö yet perhaps more interesting Ö than her fantasies?
Ants in Arthur's Pants: To excel in science, Mr. Ratburn's class has to prove that they have P.A.N.T.S.óthe ability to be patient, attentive, nosy, thoughtful, and systematic. And Arthur's certain he's got ëem to ace his ant project Ö until the crawly creatures end up everywhere but in their ant-farm! Can Arthur's P.A.N.T.S. save his project ó and save the ants from the exterminator? Don't Ask Muffy: Muffy starts an advice column in the school newspaper to launch her career as a rich and famous talk-show host. There's only one problem ó the kids are ignoring her, and flocking to a mystery advice-giver instead! If Muffy wants to be as popular as Hoprah Linseed, she'll have to learn a few lessons about competition and what really makes a good listener Ö
To Tibble the Truth: When the Tibble Twins' constant lying lands them in constant trouble, they promise to tell only the truth. But is telling every truth any better? Tommy and Timmy try to be honest Tibbles before they lose all their friends ó and each other. Waiting to Go: Binky and Brain collide on the soccer field, breaking Brain's new watch and nearly breaking their friendship. Could things get any worse? Well, yes ó the other kids' rides have come and gone, leaving Binky and Brain behind. Will they spend the next 50 years sitting in the parking lot, waiting to go?

Elwood City Turns 100! (Parts I and II) Arthur and his friends commemorate their 100th episode in show-stopping style! Mr. Ratburn's class is chosen to stage a musical tribute to Elwood City for its centennial celebration Ö which quickly becomes a drama of missed cues, inflated egos, and alien invasions. And that's just behind the curtain! Stay tuned to see the real, human Larry King interviewing the animated Elwood City gang between parts I and IIÖ
Pick a Car, Any Car: The Read family car is broken, and so is Arthur's heart. How can Mom and Dad even think of replacing it? 'Car Talk' hosts Click and Clack the Tappet brothers (otherwise known as Tom and Ray Magliozzi) lend some much-needed advice as Arthur desperately tries to save the beloved vehicle. Jenna's Bedtime Blues: Muffy's annual slumber party is the envy of Lakewood Elementary. This year Jenna is finally invited and she's absolutely Ö horrified! What if the other girls discover that she's an occasional bed-wetter? She'll be the lonely laughingstock of Elwood City! Can Jenna make it though the night with her sheets dry ó and her secret safe?
D.W.'s Time Trouble: D.W. is sick and tired of being bossed around all the time and demands to know why she couldn't have been born before Arthur! So she goes on a magical trip through time to see what life would be like with Arthur as her little brother. Surely D.W. would be much happier if she were in charge Ö wouldn't she? Buster's Amish Mismatch: During a field trip to Amish country, Buster becomes enamored with the simple lifestyle and vows to forgo all modern conveniences back home. But this is easier said than done ó living without TV or car rides is a bumpy road, and far worse, a lonely one. Will Buster find anyone to join him in his quest for a simple life?
The World of Tomorrow: Since Binky's repeating third grade, he's totally dreading Mr. Ratburn's annual class sleepover at the Science Museum. After all, he remembers how boring it was last year Ö wouldn't the second time around be twice as dull? But an enticing new exhibit ó on visions of the future! ó shows Binky that science knowledge can really come in handy. Is There a Doctor in the House?: Arthur and D.W. face the ultimate challenge when Mom gets a bad cold and then Ö (gulp!) Ö gives it to Dad! What if Arthur has to take over Dad's catering business? And how will they raise Baby Kate all by themselves?
Prunella Sees the Light: To make everything perfect for her sleepover with Marina, Prunella happily styles her room to resemble a 'Henry Skreever' book. But then she panics ó since Marina is blind, will decorations she can't even see offend her Ö or worse, make her trip? Or will Prunella discover that her worries about protecting Marina ó and their friendship ó are more about Prunella's own perceptions rather than Marina's actual capabilities? Return of the Snowball: For six months, two weeks and four days, D.W. has been trying to solve the mystery of her snowball's disappearance. So when it re-appears in the freezer, she's ecstatic!! But wait ó if it was taken once, how can she stop it from being stolen again? Can D.W. keep the snowball safe from plotting thieves Ö or even from melting?

April 9th (Parts I and II) April 9th begins like any normal day Ö until a fire destroys the teacher's lounge and forces Lakewood Elementary to close. This unexpected event finds the children dealing with a wide range of emotional reactions: Sue Ellen is devastated when her diary is ruined. Binky sees the frightening flames up close but tries to act cool. Mr. Read escapes a school catering job unhurt ó but now Arthur is constantly worried about his dad's safety. And Buster feels totally left out because he overslept and completely missed the disaster! As Arthur and his friends struggle with their feelings about the fire, they wonder if life will ever return to normal. But with the support of parents, teachers, and community members, they discover that by reaching out and working together, they can help each other through the most difficult of times.
Postcards from Buster, Part I Buster's going to New York City to meet his dad, Bo, and the Reads are coming with him! He's thrilled Ö but won't his mom cry day and night, missing him? Luckily, Bitzi gives Buster a special present at the airport that will let him share his exciting trip with her - a video camera!! Postcards from Buster, Part II In this special episode combining live-action and animation, the gang goes on a whirlwind tour of New York. As D.W. enjoys Central Park, a Broadway show, and daydreams of living in the glamorous Metropole Hotel, Bo leads Arthur and Buster on a journey through the neighborhoods of Chinatown, El Barrio, and Ö wait, they're lost! Will they find their way? Will Buster ever get to take a bite out of the Big Apple? One thing's for sure, he'll capture the adventure on his new video camera!
Desk Wars It's the hottest school day of the year and tempers are even hotter. To keep the peace, Mr. Ratburn moves Brain and Arthur away from their usual desks Ö and sets off a chain reaction resulting in the most explosive desk war in third grade history! Desperately Seeking Stanley On his third birthday, Arthur's favorite present was Stanley, his teddy bear. Stanley protected Arthur when he was afraid of the dark Ö and even when his new baby sister D.W. arrived! But Arthur is 8-years old now - he doesn't need his furry friend anymore Ö right?
Muffy's Art Attack Arthur Ganson, real-life kinetic sculptor, guest stars in this episode about art appreciation. When Muffy sees Ganson's machines, she brags that she can make even better ones Ö until the artist himself shows her that art is beautiful when created out of self-expression, not competition. Tales from the Crib Vicita is upset at having to trade in her cherished crib for a big-girl bed, so D.W. shares her story of that same rite of passage. D.W. was also reluctant to make the transition to a bed without bars, but then discovered the joys - and responsibilities - of her new-found freedom.
Flea to Be You and Me Pal is itching like crazy and the culprit is Pepe, an Italian circus flea. To save himself from being "squeeshed," Pepe enthralls Kate, Pal, and Amigo with the story of his heartbreaking separation from brother Sale - followed by an incredible journey across four continents! Kiss and Tell Emily returns from her summer in Paris with the amazing news that she's been kissed .Ö by a boy! Just like in a fairy tale! Now D.W. wants a kiss so that she can be a princess too. But where can she find her Prince Charming?

Big Horns George Koko Taylor and Taj Mahal guest-star in this episode celebrating "The Year of The Blues." George is inspired to write and perform his own blues song when he's introduced to the music of Koko Taylor. But stage fright and self-doubt overwhelm him Ö until Koko and Taj encourage George to keep singing those blues! Bleep D.W. overhears a mysterious word and immediately embarks on a quest to discover its meaning. This word must be very powerful - after all, a boy said it and his mom nearly fainted! Can D.W. risk the consequences of blurting out <"BLEEP!"> to her parents?
Dear Adil Arthur's worried that his letters to his new Turkish pen pal, Adil, will be boring. After all, how can Elwood City compare to Arthur's fantastical ideas about Turkey, where he imagines Adil riding a camel to school Ö and eating lambs-eyes! But are Arthur's notions about Adil's life even close to the truth? Bitzi's Break-Up Bitzi's breaking up with her boyfriend and Buster is really sad. Harry is his favorite baseball buddy! Can Buster get them back together in time for the next game? And, more importantly, will Buster and Harry be able to stay friends?
Fernfern and the Secret of Moose Mountain Fern can't wait to climb Moose Mountain so that she can have exciting adventures like Zutzut, the famous comic-book hero! But Francine is assigned to be her hiking buddy and the two girls fight all the way up the trail. Will Fern and Francine be able to work together and weather some unexpected challenges? Thanks a Lot, Binky Binky decides to become "No More Mr. Nice Guy" after not getting thanked for saving Rattles from a dangerous stunt. After all, if he's not going to be appreciated, why bother doing any good deeds? But then one day he's shown what life would be like without any acts of kindness Ö

Arthur's Snow Biz Winter hits Elwood City and Arthur sees dollar signs! His snow shoveling business is booming - that is, until Buster decides to get in on the action. As the temperature drops, the competition heats up … and the boys battle to be the best on the block. Bugged Sure, Brain can be a know-it-all and sometimes he really bugs people. But when Brain wakes up one morning to discover that he's a cockroach, he can't believe it! Is this a dream … or has he finally become a real pest?!
Fernkenstein's Monster Inspired by Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," Fern tells a tale so scary that Arthur and the gang become afraid of her! Can Fern prove her skills as a writer and create a different story that's fun instead of frightening? D.W., Dancing Queen Binky decides to teach D.W. to dance, but she just doesn't seem to get the moves. Is D.W. a no-talent klutz? Or is it Binky's teaching that needs practice?

Vomitrocious! It's just a regular day until Francine starts to feel queasy … and then throws up in the cafeteria!! Now Francine is afraid to go back to school. Won't the kids all laugh and call her - ugh! - "Barfine"? Sue Ellen Chickens Out Sue Ellen learns that a fast-food chain is taking over the beloved Sugarbowl, so she rallies the gang to stage a protest. But when the kids confess that they actually like the food at Chickin Lickin, Sue Ellen worries - will she have to fight the mighty empire of Beaurigaard Poulet all by herself?