Atomic Cartoons Special ‘The Day You Begin’ Coming to PBS KIDS

Bringing Jacqueline Woodson's Beloved Story to Life: "The Day You Begin" Animated Special Heads to PBS KIDS

In a groundbreaking move, Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc. has announced the development of a brand-new animated original special, "The Day You Begin," based on the New York Times bestselling picture book by acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson. The special, produced by Atomic Cartoons, is set to premiere on PBS KIDS, providing a platform for this heartwarming tale to reach an even wider audience.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom

Exploring the First-Day Jitters

The 45-minute special follows the journeys of four kindergartners – Angelina, Rigoberto, Oni, and Andre – as they navigate their first day of school. Through the unique perspectives of each child, the narrative weaves a tapestry of shared experiences and individual differences, capturing the universal emotions and challenges that come with this milestone event. By delving into the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of these young characters, the special aims to demystify the first-day experience for children, fostering a sense of understanding and empowerment.

Embracing Uniqueness and Connectedness

At the heart of "The Day You Begin" lies the message of celebrating one's individuality and finding common ground with others. As the children encounter the unfamiliar environment of the classroom, they each grapple with feelings of uncertainty and self-consciousness. However, through the course of the day, they learn to embrace what makes them unique and discover the connections that bind them together as a community. With a blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, the special strives to inspire its young viewers to celebrate their differences and recognize the strength in diversity.

Bringing the Book to Life

Jacqueline Woodson, the acclaimed author behind the original picture book, has expressed her excitement about seeing her work come to life on the screen. "The Day You Begin has been so beloved by so many kids in this country and around the world," she said. "I'm excited to see it come to animated life on screen, where even more young people can see — through the characters in this story — reflections of their own beauty and brilliance."

A Collaborative Effort

The development of "The Day You Begin" has been a collaborative endeavor, with Atomic Cartoons and PBS KIDS joining forces to bring this special to life. Kristin Cummings, the SVP of Originals at Atomic Cartoons, praised the book's ability to capture the essence of a child's first day of school, stating, "We can think of no better broadcast partner than PBS KIDS for this project that aims to help kids with school readiness while thoroughly entertaining them."

A Perfect Fit for PBS KIDS

Adriano Schmid, the VP of PBS KIDS Content, echoed the sentiment, expressing the network's enthusiasm for the project. "The magic and excitement of the first day of school and how children start to define themselves within a community is the perfect topic for a family special on PBS KIDS," he said. "We're such fans of Jacqueline Woodson and The Day You Begin book, and we're thrilled to embark on this production with our partners at Atomic."

Global Reach and Distribution

Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc., the parent company of Atomic Cartoons, will manage and control the global media distribution rights to the special. The company plans to debut the special to prospective international buyers at MIPjunior/MIPCOM, the renowned media and entertainment market, taking place in Cannes, France, from October 19 to 24.With its heartwarming narrative, diverse cast of characters, and collaborative production, "The Day You Begin" promises to captivate audiences and inspire children around the world to embrace their individuality and find strength in their connections with others.