Plot Synopsis

Created by robotics engineer Jorge Cham and physicist Daniel Whiteson, ELINOR WONDERS WHY is an animated series that encourages children to follow their curiosity, ask questions, figure out the answers, and learn about the natural world around them using their science inquiry skills. Developed for children ages 3-5, ELINOR WONDERS WHY centers on the adventures of Elinor and her pals, Ari, a funny and imaginative bat; and Olive, a perceptive and warm elephant. As young viewers explore Animal Town along with Elinor, Ari and Olive, they will meet all kinds of interesting, funny, and quirky characters, each with a lesson to share about respecting others, the importance of diversity, caring for the environment and working together to solve problems. Elinor models the foundational practices of science inquiry and engineering design in each episode, using her amazing powers of observation and willingness to ask questions. When she encounters something she doesn't understand, like why birds have feathers or how tiny ants build massive anthills, she perseveres until she figures it out. In discovering the answers, Elinor often learns something about nature's ingenious inventions and how they can relate to aspects of our designed world, as well as what it takes to live in a community. Each half-hour episode of ELINOR WONDERS WHY includes two 11-minute stories with accompanying interstitial content. In the season opener, Elinor, the most curious and observant bunny rabbit in Animal Town, plays hide-and-go-seek with her friends and finds out how animals hide in nature; investigates a strange nighttime sound made by an owl and realizes many fascinating creatures are doing interesting things at night; makes "Backyard Soup" with vegetables from her family's garden; and sells lots of cupcakes by learning how flowers attract bees, through color and smell, and applying those concepts to baking. ELINOR WONDERS WHY premieres with a one-hour episode on Monday, September 7, 2020 on PBS (check local listings), kicking off a week of new episodes each day.