A new PBS KIDS animated series is out, and it’s breaking ground as the first PBS KIDS show to feature central characters on the autism spectrum.
Carl the Collector follows Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who loves collecting things. Carl’s attention to detail, a distinctive way of looking at the world, and extensive collections help him solve problems around Fuzzytown with his friends, Sheldon, Lotta, Nico, Arugula and Forrest.
On November 15, VPM’s Education team partnered with the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMOR) for a screening at their Sensory Friendly Nights and welcomed 80 children and their parents to watch Carl the Collector and enjoy accompanying activities. VPM will partner with CMOR to host another screening on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the museum’s downtown location. Sensory Friendly Nights are free and provide an accessible and inclusive environment with adapted materials, reduced noise, lower lighting, and a reduced number of visitors.
“At VPM, we believe that every child should see themselves reflected in their early learning experiences,” said VPM’s Director of Early Childhood Care and Education, Mary Jo Grieve. VPM will partnering with organizations across the community to showcase how Carl the Collector celebrates our differences, shares our similarities, and emphasizes that we all have something special to give.
“We can’t wait to return to the Children’s Museum of Richmond in February since it was obvious that Carl the Collector connected with families at the November Sensory Friendly Night,” she explained.
You can watch episodes of Carl the Collector here.
More About Carl the Collector
Carl’s best friend Sheldon is a beaver with a knack for looking out for the underdog. Lotta the fox is a quiet, self-assured musician who, like Carl, is autistic. Nico and Arugula are twin bunny sisters with opposite approaches to obstacles and opportunities. And Forrest, a hyperactive squirrel with a tree nut allergy, is always up for an adventure.
In each episode, Carl and his friends work and play together, and in the process, find out what makes each of them who they are. As a perfectionist, when Carl does something, he wants to do it well. He sometimes struggles with anxiety in new situations and has difficulty when things don’t go according to plan.
The series is available in both English and Spanish.
More About CMOR Sensory Friendly Nights
Sensory Friendly Nights at the Children’s Museum of Richmond are designed to provide opportunities for playing and learning for children with disabilities and their families. This accessible and inclusive environment includes adapted materials, reduced noise, lower lighting, and a reduced number of visitors.
Admission for families of children with disabilities is FREE and additional sensory activities and cool down areas/tools are provided.
Sensory Friendly Nights take place on the third Friday of every month from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, alternating between the Downtown and Chesterfield CMOR locations. Please check the online calendar for each month's event and to reserve your free spot.
