[into music]

(Describer) Books and instruments rest on shelves as Dusty plays with Alphabott.

Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!

Oh! [squealing]

You beat me again!

[Alphabott squeals] Hey, you two.

Playing "rock, paper, scissors"? Yep, we're playing "rock, paper, scissors," and Alphabott keeps beating me. She's good. I mean really good! Okay, okay. One more, A.B. Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!

Oh! [Alphabott squeals]

(Describer) Alphabott's scissor-shaped hands beat Dusty's paper.

You win again! How does she do it! Hey, A.B., can I play?

[squeals]

Ha ha ha! Good luck, Dott! She's unbeatable. Okay! Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!

(Describer) Dott chooses rock and wins.

Oh, my gosh! You won! How did you do that? Well, I just had a feeling A.B. was going to choose scissors.

[comedic sting]

Dott, we've gotta get you a lottery ticket.

[instrumental theme song]

(Describer) A title appears: 'The Reading League's Reading Buddies.'

♪

(Describer) A dog puppet in an orange bandana learns and talks: 'With Dusty.'

(Describer) A woman in a polka dot dress draws letters and plays the ukulele: 'And Dott.'

(Describer) A robot with an expressive face screen shows colors and letters: 'And Alphabott.' The trio play and laugh, and the episode title appears: 'nananabooboo.'

You're here! You made it! Dott is so good at "rock paper scissors." You should go to the Olympics, Dott! Oh, I don't know if the Olympics have a "rock paper scissors" competition yet, Dusty. Well, that's a big mistake. Huge. Besides, I'd rather stay here and play games with all of you! Aw, that's a great idea! Let's get started!

[tinkling music]

(Dusty) "I Hear with my Little Ear." We're all going to listen for some sounds in some words. Oh! What sound are we listening for today, Dott? Well, you know, I'm going to mix it up today, so listen carefully. I'll ask for a beginning, middle, or an end sound. Oh boy! This is a challenge! Hey, be sure to listen for which sound we need to find. Okay, the first word is "sit." Okay! [grunts] Dusty, we're listening for sounds! Oh, right! That one gets me every time! Okay, the word is "sit." Now what sound do you hear at the end of sit? Okay, the end of sit-- sit. Sit. Tt, tt! I hear the "tt" sound at the end! Yes, that's right, "tt" like turtle. Good work. Okay, the next word is "set." What sound is in the middle of set? In the middle? You know what that means-- it's time for a roller coaster! Okay, set, set. Ss, eh, tt. Ss, eh, tt. It's "eh, eh," like edge. Ding ding ding! That's correct, good work! Okay, the next word is "dim." What sound is in the beginning of dim? In the beginning? Okay, dim. Dim. Duh, dim. It's "duh," like dog! That's right! "Duh" is in the beginning of dim. Our last word is "well." Well! What sound is in the beginning of well? What sound do you hear in the beginning of well? Well, well, well. Wuh, wuh. It begins with "wuh," like wet! Great work, Dusty, that's right! Hey! Thanks, Dott! Whoo! I'm getting a little tired, though. Do you think we can take a brain break and draw with Alphabott for a little while? I think that is a wonderful idea. Let's see what she's up to! Great!

(Dott) "Dot to Dot with Alphabott!"

[Alphabott squeals]

(Describer) A drawing:

Oh, now this is a great drawing, A.B.! It's a tree, and that looks like some sort of little elf next to it.

[Alphabott squeals]

Does the elf live in the tree?

[happy squealing]

How does he get into the tree?

[uncertain squealing]

(Dott) Oh, I see.

[Alphabott squeals]

A.B. needs to draw a way for the elf to get into the tree. Any ideas? Oh, that's perfect! Hey A.B., our friends think you should draw a door!

(Dusty) A door? That's just crazy enough to work! Now, doors come in all shapes and sizes, but I think this door is going to have a little curve on the top, so watch carefully. We're going to make a curve like a rainbow. We'll start at the bottom, and we'll draw our curve up...

(Dusty) Whoa! ...and over. Ha ha! There's our door! Uh, knock knock! Who's there? Justin. Justin who? Justin the neighborhood! I thought I'd come by.

[laughing] Haha! Okay!

Well, you can only stay for 30 seconds! Ooh, 30 seconds on the clock! Make it speedy!

[ticking]

Once... upon...

(both) a time! So we were inside a house... that was inside a tree... There was an elf, and the elf baked cookies all day. Inside a tree? Mm-hm. Seems like a fire hazard. Yep, but the cookies were delicious! Okay! And everybody loved them! Yeah, yeah! Even Grumpy Joe! Oh! When all of a sudden, a squirrel came in and said... [squeaking like squirrel] But we didn't speak squirrel, so who knows what that squirrel said! But he stayed and ate a cookie, oatmeal raisin!

(both) The end!

(announcer) "It's Rhyme Time!" that's right, it's "Rhyme Time!" The game where we give you three words. Two of them rhyme, one of them doesn't. We have to try to find the word that doesn't rhyme. It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. Let the rhyming games begin! Your words are-- cab, gab, fun. Hm. Cab, gab, fun. Which one doesn't rhyme? Cab, gab, fun. Yeah, ha! Fun doesn't rhyme! That's right! All right, try this-- men, sat, hen. Hm. Men, sat, hen. Which one doesn't rhyme? Men, sat, hen. Yeah, sat doesn't rhyme! Excellent work, Reading Buddies! Pad, sub, tub. Hm. Pad, sub, tub. Which one doesn't rhyme? Pad, sub, tub. Ha ha! Pad doesn't rhyme. Hey, I've never had that before. Is it good? Pad sub tub? Yeah, the dish with the yummy noodles. Dusty, you're thinking of pad see ew, and yes, it's delicious. Hey, let's order some for dinner, Dott. And now a poem! What? Oh no, I've got to get ready!

[panting]

So is that a yes on the Thai food, or...? You know what? We'll talk about it later, okay?

[panting]

Got him.

(Describer) Dusty wears a beret.

[drumbeat]

My favorite nuts are peanuts. They're tasty and nutritious. A peanut-butter sandwich is also quite delicious! Add some mallow to that mouthful and you'll quickly see that a fluffernutter sandwich is yummy as can be!

[drumbeat]

Thank you, thank you. [squealing]

(Describer) Dott snaps for him, and a title appears with four items: 'What's Missing?'

Hm? Oh.

(Dott) What do you see?

(Dusty) Nurse, nectarine, ninja, nest.

(Dott) Let's say them out loud together!

(both) Nurse, nectarine, ninja, nest.

(Dott) Now I'm going to take one away! Look, think, remember. What's missing?

(Dusty) The ninja!

(Dott) That's right! You have a good memory! Let's try another.

(Describer) Now, nectarine, ninja, and nest.

Look, think, remember. What's missing?

(Dusty) The ninja! Oh wait, they're still there. Ohhh, what was missing?

(Dott) I'll give you a hint-- they take care of you if you are sick.

(Dusty) The nurse! Oh, I am so thankful for them.

(Dott) Ding ding ding! Okay, let's say them all again just for our memories. Nurse, nectarine, ninja, nest.

(Describer) Now, a nurse, ninja, and nest.

Look, think, remember. What's missing?

(Dusty) The nectarine! That looks yummy. I wish I could eat it. Is it snack time yet? Dott? Please?

(Describer) Dusty and Dott sway back and forth.

[bass beat]

Ready, Dust? Oh, yeah. Say "race." Race. Say it again, but don't say "ace." "Rr." Right, good dog. Say "foil." Foil. Say it again, but don't say "oil." Hm, "ff." Fantastic! Say rice. Rice! Say it again but don't say "ice." Hm, "rr." Rrrright again! Say "mall." Mall! Say it again, but don't say "all." Hm, "mm!" Marvelous. Say "same." Same. Say it again, but don't say "ame." Hm, "ss." Sensational! Good dog! Good teacher! Aw, thanks! Really good. Me or the treat? Both!

I'll take it. [chuckles]

(Describer) A title in paper letters reads: 'alpha shorts.' Paper stars twinkle around it. A letter n appears, followed by a peanut.

[soft music]

(Dott) N, nut, nn. N, nut, nn. N, nut, nn.

(Describer) The n cracks the nut! Now, Alphabott shows a mouth.

(Alphabott) Nn, nn, nn, nn, nn...

[humming] Oh!

Ha! I love that song, A.B.!

♪ Na na na, na na... ♪

Dusty, Dusty! My sweet dopey dog, A.B. is not singing; she's trying to teach you the new sound. Ha! Uh, I knew that. What's the new sound, Dott? The new sound is "nn" like nut. Now we're talking! Bring on the food! Nice try, Dusty. Let's explore this sound first! It is pretty fun. Okay, when I make the "nn" sound, the tip of my tongue is touching the roof of mouth, and my mouth has to open just a little bit. My tongue's blocking the air, so the sound gets pushed through my nose. Ha ha! The nose? Oh, I should be good at this one, Dott! My nose is huge! I think it's a very cute nose. Now, let's try and hold out that "nn" sound as long as we can. Okay? Ready, set, go! Nnnnnnnn! Ha ha! Wow! I can hold out that "nn" sound out for a while, Dott. I can also feel that buzzing in my voice box. Yes! That's right! Nnn. Nnn. Hey, let's do something silly. Let's try to hold out the "nn" sound again, but this time, plug up your nose with your hand. Okay? Okay, okay, watch-- here I go! Ahem.

[stifled sound]

[exhales] Ha ha ha!

Woah! That's impossible! I felt like I was going to explode. Hey, you do need your nose for this one. Is that why when I have a stuffy nose I sound a little funny? Yep, that's exactly why! Now, do you want to know the symbol that makes the "nn" sound? Yeah! Yeah! I'd like to draw it with my invisible paintbrush!

Shwoop! Ha ha! [tinkling]

The symbol that makes the "nn" sound is called the letter N. And it almost looks like that door we drew on the elf tree earlier. How do we start? Well, with your invisible paintbrush, make a small vertical line straight down. Then we'll retrace that line until we get near the top, and make a hill to the right, just like our door! Wow! So that makes the "nn" sound. Exactly! Do you think you could find the "nn" sound if we hid it in some words? No problemo! Ha ha! Let's go, A.B.!

[Alphabott squeals]

[plucky music]

(Describer) A title cracks out of question boxes:

(both) "Where Is It?" A.B. and I have hidden the "nn" sound behind one of these three squares. Your job is to find it! Now remember, it could be behind any of these three squares! Oh oh! And remember, "nn"-- that's the sound we're listening for. That's right. The first word is "nut." Nn, uh, tt.

(both) Nn, uh, tt. Where do you hear the "nn" sound in nut? Hm. Nn, uh, tt. Oh! I hear it in the beginning! In the beginning.

Yes, excellent! [tinkling]

Let's try the word "tin." Tt, ih, nn.

(both) Tt, ih, nn. Dusty, what do you think? Hm. Tt, ih, nn. Oh! I hear it at the end!

That's right. [tinkling]

Let's try the word "fun." Fun. Ff, uh, nn.

(both) Ff, uh, nn. Dusty? Okay, ff, uh, nn. Oh, I heard it at the end. At the end, all right, let me see.

[tinkling] Yes, that's right!

Okay, let's try the word "ant."

(both) Ah, nn, tt. Ah, nn, tt. What do you think? Where do you hear the "nn" sound in ant? Hm. Ah, nn, tt. Oh, I heard it in the middle. In the middle, that's right!

[tinkling] Oh!

Mm. I'm hungry. Is it din-din time yet? That's what I call dinner because I'm adorable! Not yet, Dusty! Though I really like the way you call dinner "din din." It makes me laugh. Hey, let me put it down here. Oh, okay! I'll use the word "din." D, I, N. Now, what letter would I change if I wanted to make this word "did"? Hmm. Um, what do you think? You think the last one? Yeah! Me too. Okay, I'll tell Dott. The last one! Okay, Reading Buddies, good work! So, I change the "nn" out for "duh." Another D. Now I have "duh, ih, duh." Now what letter would I change if I wanted to make this word "hid"? Hm. Huh, ih, duh. Huh, ih, duh. Oh! The first one! Yes, that's right! So I take that, I change it out for my H, and look. Now I have the word "hid." I can turn this into "lid" if I change what letter? Can you tell me? Okay, hid to lid. Huh, ih, duh. Ll, ih, duh. The first one there! Yes, that's right. But what letter makes the "ll" sound? Oh, brother. You are really putting me on the spot today. Okay, hmm. Ll-- lizard, L! Yes! It's L. There you go, Dusty! You are such a smart dog. Okay, so now I have lid! We are getting so good at making things! Yeah, we are! Yeah! Like words and drawings and messes! Uh, I wouldn't say messes is a positive attribute. I don't know what that word means. But you're right probably. I mean, who makes messes anymore? Messes are so last year. Um, I actually made a huge mess in my room before you came over! Could you help me clean it up? Thank you! Race you to the doghouse! Ready, set, go!

[panting] Wrong way, wrong way!

(Describer) Dusty trips through his dog house door: 'Dusty's Doghouse.' He appears in a cartoon bedroom with a pile of stuff.

[funky music]

Whoa!

(singer) ♪ Dog dog doggy dog ♪

♪ Doggy dog dog doghouse ♪

[panting]

Noooo! You beat me again. All right, no more Mr. Nice Dog. I begin training tomorrow! Or the day after! Or maybe next week. You know what? Never mind! It sounds like too much work. Now is the time to clean, anyway! Okay, hm, that "nn" sound is really bringing me joy, so let's only keep the objects that have the "nn" sound somewhere in their name. Remember-- "nn." Ha ha! Here we go. Dive! Dive! Dive!

[crunching] Nachos!

Ah-ah! Not-yo nachos! Does nachos have an "nn" sound? Ha ha! Yeah, they do! You can have some nachos. All right, what else is in here?

[grunting]

One of these! Whaa! Puzzle! Does puzzle have the "nn" sound? Nnn. There is no "nn" sound in that puzzle. All right, see you, puzzle.

[grunting]

Woah! Necklace! Now we're talking. Does necklace have the "nn" sound? Ha ha! Yeah! Dott's been looking for this for ages! She's going to be so happy that I found it! I gave it to her for her birthday. Notebook. Does notebook have the "nn" sound? Ha ha! Yeah! Perfect! I like to keep that by my bed in case I get any good ideas in the middle of the night.

[grunting]

Worm! Does worm have the "nn" sound? Ha ha! Nope, sorry worm! No "nn!" you have to go back outside!

[grunting]

Nickel! [jangling]

Does nickel have the "nn" sound? Ha ha! It does!

♪ We're in the money! We're in the money! ♪

♪ We got that nickel! ♪

Hm, thanks for all of your help! Look at this place! It's spotless! I think I'll donate this nickel to a dog shelter. They need it more than I do. Hey, let's go see what's going on

(Describer) Dott chats with Alphabott.

in the reading room.

[howling]

[Alphabott squeals] [Dott laughing]

You heard him the other day, too? Ha! He kills me. Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha! What's so funny? It's nothing, it's just an inside joke, Dusty. Really, it's nothing. Ah. I'm pretty jealous! I want to know what they are laughing about. What was that, Dusty? Oh, nothing. I didn't say anything. Did you finish cleaning up your room? Yeah, just... [sighs] trying to find something to do. Well, do you want to join us? Oh, I mean, I don't want to interrupt. You two clearly have a flow going on here. You're laughing, having a good time. No. No, Dusty, it's okay. The more the merrier! Really? Of course! Here, let me share my supplies with you. Oh! Okay! Yeah. Oh, wow. That's really pretty, A.B.!

[Alphabott squeals]

A.B. and I are making decorations for the party this weekend. I counted 12 streamers-- yeah, 12. So if I make this fair, we each get four. So there's yours, and A.B., these are yours. Hey, A.B. has one more than me!

[squealing] Yes, you do, A.B.!

No, no, we each have four. That way it's fair. Yeah, okay, that makes sense. Hey, Dust, are you okay? One, two... Yeah, I'm okay. Did I do something to upset you? I mean, I don't know. You and A.B. have all these "inside jokes" now. I didn't know if you wanted me to hang out with you. Did we make you feel that way? Dusty, I am so sorry. Oh, I love you and A.B. both! At the same time. It doesn't have to be you or her. But, I didn't know what you were laughing about. That? Oh, it wasn't even that funny. A.B. and I, we listen to Mr. Ray, from next door, and he sings while he's cooking. That's it? That's it. I do do a mean Mr. Ray impression. Want to hear it? Yeah! Okay, hmm.

♪ Fiiigaroo! Figarro! ♪

♪ Lasagne! ♪

That's it! [Alphabott squeals]

Why does he always say what he's cooking? He's always singing when he's cooking! It's so funny! Have you heard his meatball song?

♪ Meatball, meatball... ♪ It's hilarious, right?

(Describer) A title:

[upbeat music]

(both) "Squat with Dott!"

(Describer) Dusty stretches.

Get ready to "Squat with Dott!" I gotta get my steps in. Hey, do you want to join me? It'll be fun, I promise! So stand up, and follow along. Today's workout is all about the number nine! Like we have to do everything nine times? That's right! Let's start by nodding our head, nine times. Are you ready, Dusty? Yeah, I'm ready! Here we go! One, two, three, four... Four, five,

(Both) six, seven, eight, nine. Woof. My neck is numb! Well, we gotta get you nimble! Tell me about it. Try this one! It's called the nuzzle. You wrap your arms around, and you roll your shoulders. Oh, yeah! Ready? Here we go.

(both) One, two, three, four, five, five, six, seven, eight, nine. Nice! I liked that one! Hey, Dott, what about this one? I call it the "Hey, Neighbor!"

(Describer) He waves.

Oh, is that it? Yeah, that's it! Am I doing it right? Yeah, yeah, you're getting there. Well! Last move-- I call this one the no-no.

(Describer) She wags her finger and shakes her hips.

Whoa! See what I'm doing? No no. Okay, let's do it nine times together!

(both) One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. And pose! Nice pose! Thanks, Dott, you too!

(Describer) They drink water.

Good workout, Dott! Nourishing, really.

(Describer) In a bubble bath, Dusty uses a loofah brush to clean himself.

[upbeat music]

[humming]

Oh! Hi! Welcome to bath time! Look at all these bubbles! Ha ha! Are you ready to pop some bubbles? Ha ha! Let's go!

(Describer) Three bubbles appear:

(Dott) Buh, ih, guh.

(Describer) Three more:

Big. Buh, ah, guh. Bag. Ha ha! This is my special hat! It protects me from I don't know!

(Dott) Buh, rr, ah, tt. Brat.

(Describer) Five bubbles:

Buh, rr, ah, tt, ss. Brats.

[drain glugging]

Gotta get dry!

(Describer) Dusty shakes.

Gyaaah! Woop, did I get you wet?

(Describer) Dott checks the mail.

Sorry!

[plucky music]

Hey, Dust, you got another letter from your friend Otto. Will you read it to us, Dott? Hey, let's keep our ears tuned into that "nn" sound during Otto's letter. You ready? Yeah!

(Describer) N's light up in the letter.

[piano chord]

(Dott) "Dear Dusty, "Did you see the news at noon? "My neighbor Nancy was on it! "I call her Nutty Nancy. "It's a nickname. "Anyway, she wrote a novel "and people think it's pretty noteworthy! "That means it's good. "Between you and me? "I think she's a natural. "Should we start a book club? Otto."

[piano chord]

Ha ha! A book club! That sounds like fun! But, I still don't really know how to read all that well yet. But you are learning! And because of the work you've done, you can read a whole bunch of words! It doesn't feel like work when I'm with you! Mua! [chuckles] Or you! Mua! Ha ha! Thanks for coming over today! And for being my Reading Buddy! Pretty soon, I'll be able to read Otto's letters all by myself! Little by little! Letter by letter!

[music]

(both) ♪ Reading Buddies ♪

♪ You did great work today ♪

♪ Reading Buddies ♪

♪ I really, really, really wish you could stay! ♪

♪ So we'll see you soon ♪

♪ From this same spot ♪

♪ With Dusty ♪ ♪ And Dott ♪

♪ And Alphabott ♪

♪ With your ♪

♪ Reading Buddies ♪

♪ You'll never read alone! ♪

(Describer) They wave, and Alphabott dances as credits appear.

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

(Describer) Created, Written, Directed, and Produced by Brendan Malafronte and Andrea Dotto.

[Alphabott hums, theme music]

(Describer) Produced by The Reading League, Incorporated. President and CEO, Maria S. Murray Ph.D. VP of Marketing and Development, Toni Ann Walsh. Curriculum Supervisor, Kelli Johnson, Kristin Spaulding, and Katie Sojewicz.

♪

(Describer) More credits appear. Copyright 2021 The Reading League, All Rights Reserved. The characters of Dusty and Dott have been licensed for use in this program. The Reading League and Reading Buddies are trademarks of the Reading League.

(Describer) Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.