Reading Rainbow

This episode of READING RAINBOW, "Piggy in the Puddle," features a look at the art of claymation and the joys of mud. Claymation artists Becky and Cody introduce host LeVar Burton to the art of claymation and create a claymation interpretation of Charlotte Pomerantz's PIGGIE IN THE PUDDLE. This program also features kids creating their own clay figures and a trip to a mud racing show. Kids review THIS HOUSE IS MADE OF MUD, THE HIPPOPOTAMUS SONG, and OINK.

In this episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar shows the kids the different sights and sounds of Summer. The different wildlife of Summer, and how they live. Also, there are segments on the different seasons and how they effect different parts of the country. The featured book is "Summers" written by Ron Hirschi, and read by Ossie Davis. Finally the kids review the books NATURE ALL YEAR LONG, TURTLE IN JULY and CHANGES.

LeVar's presence looms over New York once again, this time literally. He's taken to the roof of one of the nondescript skyscrapers, very close to the bridge mentioned in the featured book, Tar Beach.

In this episode of "Reading Rainbow," Levar takes a wonderful and fascinating look at the Watts Towers, a landmark in southern California. He goes into the neighborhood and talks to the residents about what the city means to them and how it can be improved. The book "Wonderful Towers of Watts," written by Patricia Zelver and read by Angela Bassett, tells the story about how the towers were built. Finally, Levar talks to some children from Watts and there comments on living in the community. The kids review the books "Night on Neighborhood Street" and "The Car Washing Street."

LeVar visits a pig farm in Hawaii to find out why pigs are so popular. He also interviews Kermit the Frog to ask him about his famous girlfriend, Miss Piggy.James Coco reads the story of Perfect the Pig, about a little runt pig who makes a wish to have wings in order to be special, and how he found a special person to be his friend and companion.