(Describer) In the Reading Room, Dusty tries on red sunglasses with Dott.

[soft intro music]

How--how do they look? Oh, Dusty, you look amazing. Yeah? Yeah, you really look good.

Wait-- (children) Hi! Oh! You're here! You made it! You're the first to arrive! I'm Dott, like the polka dot, and this is my dog, Dusty. Like the dust! Hey, Dott, what badge am I going to get today? Today's Alphabadge is called...

(Describer) Dott bumps Dusty.

Oooh! [children laughing]

The "b-d" trick badge. Eeew, look at all the birdies! Haha!

Haaa. [horn toots]

Hey! The Alphabotteers are here! Let's go outside and say hello!

[upbeat music] Ha ha!

(Describer) A diverse group of kids rush into the yard. They grin and wear backpacks.

(all) ♪ We use our eyes ♪

(Describer) They dance.

♪ We use each ear ♪

♪ The letters show ♪

♪ The sounds we hear ♪

(Describer) They lean as they cup one ear.

♪ Reading together will help us grow ♪

♪ These badges show you all we know ♪

♪ We get a new one every time ♪

♪ And with your help, we'll take that climb ♪

♪ Let's go! On a letter adventure ♪

♪ Let's go, learning's better together! ♪

♪ We're the Alphabotteers! ♪

[children laughing]

(Describer) They all pose.

All right, everybody! Drop your backpacks off inside. We'll be right in. You heard her! Backpacks inside! We've got a lot of work to do today. Ah, Dust? Hm? That means you too. Ah! Heh heh! Right. All right, come on, feet!

(Describer) To us.

And you. Come on.

(Describer) In the garden, two colorful puppets stand.

[upbeat music]

Hello, Reading Buddies! My name is Marty, the garden gnome. And this is Mary. Say "hello," Mary. "Hello, Mary." We're here to give you...

[together, with children] The "Fancy Schmancy

Word of the Day!" We're going to give you a fancy word and tell you what it means. Marty? Marty? Where'd you go? I'm here! But Jampa's blocks are between us. Ooh, that reminds me of our Word of the Day! Drumroll, please. Yabba, dabba, yabba... Today's word is... "Barrier." Let's try to say it together. "Barrier" on three! One, two, three!

(all) Barrier! A barrier is something that blocks the way, like a fence or a wall. Oh, we'll figure out how to move this barrier. You go have fun! Yeah. Our friend Jampa is coming! See you later, alligator! In a while, crocodile! Freeze!

(Describer) Jampa strolls past the garden, examining the frozen gnomes through a magnifying glass.

[banjo strumming]

(Describer) In the Reading Room.

[Alphabott makes "fanfare"]

You know what that means-- it's time for Alphabott's sound of the day! What's the new sound, A.B.? "buh, buh, buh, duh, duh, duh." Wait! Those are two different sounds, A.B.! That's right, Dusty. Today's all about the letters that represent those two sounds-- "b" and "d." Does that mean I get two badges? No! But you'll get a super special badge-- the "b-d" trick badge.

[magical tinkling] (children) Oooh!

The "b-d" trick badge! Are you tricking me or something? Nope, we call it that because of a handy trick you can use when writing or reading the letters "b" and "d." So, what's the trick? Well, when we make the "buh" sound, first we press our lips together, making a straight line. Like a stick! Then, when the air pushes out, our mouth makes a circle-- "buh." Like my ball! So, the trick is, the stick comes first, then the ball. This happens when we're speaking it, and this helps us remember how to write and read the letter "b." What about the letter "d"? When we make the "duh" sound, our lips are open a little bit, like a ball. "Duh." See that? Yeah, you're right. Your mouth makes the circle like a ball! And that's why when we write or read the letter "d," we notice the circle first. Well, now you know the trick. Thanks, A.B.

[squeals]

(Describer) Alphabott leaves.

I'm gonna get that "b-d" trick badge! Maybe you will! Especially with your help! Phew! All that hearing made me hungry! Mmm! I think ham will do the trick. Yes, an entire ham! You can have your treats after you clean your doghouse, Dust. Oh, that's done! But I have to go to my room for, um, something completely unrelated!

(Describer) To us.

I have to clean my room! That pile of junk is a terrible roommate. And it hogs the blankets! Will you help me clean my doghouse?

(children) Yes! Hot dog! Race you there! Ready, set, go!

(Describer) Dusty hurries to his doghouse door in the middle of a bookcase. He ducks inside the yellow curtain.

[panting] [funky music playing]

Hmm? Goh!

(singer) ♪ Dog dog, doggy dog ♪

♪ Doggy dog dog doghouse ♪

Hey, Buddies! You beat me again. Okay, let's sort out this pile of junk. Today, let's set aside the things with the "buh" sound. Remember, "buh, buh" as in bear.

(junk pile) Boo! Uh, ho ho! You can't scare us, junk. We're too "brave"! Dive, dive, dive!

[grunts] Whoa, whoa, whoa!

(Describer) Dusty leaps into the pile. He struggles to pull an item out.

Gaaaah! Whoa! Doorknob. Doorknob. Does doorknob have the "buh" sound in it?

(children) Yes! Yes! Hey, it's at the very end. Haha! I didn't know doors had knobs. Oh, well!

(Describer) Dusty pulls another item out.

[grunting]

Beard. Buh, eer, duh. Does beard have the "buh" sound?

(child) Yes! Yes. It's the first sound. I wonder what Alphabott would look like with a beard.

[laughs]

[grunting]

(Describer) Dusty pulls another item out.

[dings] Bike!

Buh, ay, kk. Does bike have a "buh" sound? Yeah! It's the very first sound. Wear a helmet! Safety P.S.A.!

[dings] (junk pile) Nooooo!

(Describer) The junk pile quivers and sinks down out of sight.

See ya tomorrow, Dusty. See ya tomorrow, Junk!

[sniffing] Whoa! Now I'm really hungry.

[sniffing] Let's get back to the reading room!

[sniffs] Mmm!

(Describer) In the Reading Room, Maya sits with dog treats.

[dog howls]

Hey, Dusty, do you know what time it is? Let me see! [slurps] Hmm, ah, yes!

(both) It's "Snack Time!" I'm teaching Dusty some new tricks. Do you want to help?

(children) Yes! Great! Here we go, Dusty. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

[metronome ticking]

Say "wood." Wood. Say it again, but don't say "wuh." Ood? Good dog.

[slurps]

Say "good." Good. Say it again, but don't say "guh." Ood! Correct.

[slurps]

Say "tab." Tab. Say it again, but don't say "tt." Ab! Great!

[slurps]

Say "cab." Cab. Say it again, but don't say "kk." Ab! Great!

[slurps]

Notice anything special about today's words? All I know is... they all tasted delicious!

[children laugh]

(Describer) In the garden.

[upbeat music] Oh! Hi, Reading Buddies!

We're trying to take down this "barrier" that's blocking us from seeing each other. Show 'em your muscles, Marty! Try to push down the barrier. Of course! I'm like really super strong. I can't push this barrier down in no time. Easy peasy... [grunting]

(Describer) The block tower doesn't move.

lemon squeezy. [grunts]

When was the last time you went to the gym, Marty? The barrier is just too strong for me to push by myself. Can I help, Marty? Best idea you ever had. Reading Buddies, let's tear down this barrier.

[both grunting]

(Describer) Mary and Marty push together.

Oooh!

Great job, Reading Buddies! [children cheer]

The barrier is gone! Now I can see my Marty.

[grunting]

Oooh! [whistling]

(Describer) Marty sinks down.

You look tired, Marty.

(Describer) Mary shakes her head.

[whirring, beeping]

(Describer) Dusty looks out the window and spots Alphabott.

Oh! I see Alphabott's in art mode! Hey, Dott! Let's see what they're up to!

[French music playing]

(Describer) Ziggy paints on Alphabott.

Every day's a great day when you're drawing. Right, Alphabott?

[positive squealing]

Hi, A.B. Hi, Ziggy. What are you drawing today? My bedroom! See here? We already drew the window and the rug. Ooh, can we help you draw the bed? Wouldn't be much of a bedroom without that. I was hoping you would. Can you help finish the bed?

(child) Yes! Great! Now, follow along. First, we'll draw a vertical line from top to bottom, then retrace up on the same line, and draw a clockwise circle that connects. That's the headboard. Now for the footboard. We draw a circle counterclockwise, then pull all the way up to the top, and back down to the bottom. That's it! Makes you want to take a nap, doesn't it?

(Describer) Ziggy yawns.

My favorite one yet.

[snorts] You say that about all your paintings!

I mean it every time. I have to rinse out my brushes. See you later, painter!

(all) Bye! That bed made me think of the symbols that are in the word "bed"-- "b," "d."

[gasps] Like my new trick badge!

That's exactly right, Dust. Let's look a little bit closer at some of those letters, okay? Alphabott, switch into learning mode, please.

[whirring]

(Describer) Alphabott shakes and slides in their arms.

[upbeat music]

[whistles]

(Describer) Their head spins.

All right, Reading Buddies, time to take out your magic paintbrush. Now, I know I put mine around here somewhere. Oh, haha! I remember now!

(Describer) Dott pulls an imaginary paintbrush from her hair.

Beeoop! Now, that's a good hiding place! What letters are we going to make today? Let's start with the letter "b"-- "buh." Remember our trick? When I start the sound, is my mouth making a shape like a stick or a circle? Buh! A stick! Right! So the stick comes first. We need a straight line down. What comes next? "Buh." My mouth bursts open! Like the ball! Yep, so we add a circle to the right. Voila! The letter "b." Next up, let's draw the letter "d"-- "duh." Is my mouth making a shape like a stick or a ball? "Duh." A ball! Right. And what does that tell you, Dust? Uh, that you start with a circle. That's it. Start between the dotted line and the bottom line. Draw a circle to the left, and to keep the ball in the yard, let's draw a long line down to the right. Now we have the letter "d." They do look alike! They're just facing a different direction.

(Describer) Alphabott.

(Alphabott) b, bear, buh. d, dog, duh.

[gasps] Did you hear that?

Hahah! Well, that's a magic paintbrush for you! Let's put those things away before they do something "buh, ah, duh!" Good idea! Want to go inside and play with these sounds a bit more?

(children) Yes! Okay! Meet you in the reading room!

[funky music]

(Describer) On Alphabott's screen, animated paper letters spell "Alpha Shorts".

(Describer) A blue B floats above a blue bear. Beside them, a blue D floats above a brown dog.

(Dott) b, bear, buh. d, dog, duh. b, bear, buh. d, dog, duh.

(Describer) The letters and animals slide away.

[ticking]

(Describer) On the screen, two blocks break apart with the words "Where is it?" Dott wears a red jacket and eyeglasses and Dusty wears a name tag.

[game-show music playing]

[children cheering]

♪

Welcome back to...

(all) "Where Is It?" The game show where you have to listen for a sound in a word. You all know the reigning champion, Dusty! Hi, Mom! I'm on TV! Today, you're listening for the "buh" sound. It will be in the first, second, or even a third square. Here we go. The first word is: "bed." Bed. Buh, eh, duh. Which square has the "buh" sound? Buh, eh, duh.

(child) First square! Oh! Okay! I'll choose the first one, Dott. All right.

(Describer) She taps it.

[dinging]

Great job! Now it's time to change things us. Let's listen for the "duh" sound, like dog! Your next word is: "bird." Bird. Buh, err, duh. Which square has the "duh" sound? Buh, err, duh.

(children) Third square! Yeah! Let's go with the third square, Dott!

[dinging]

(Describer) Dott taps it.

Yes! The third square has the "duh" sound. It's time for a surprise round! Alphabott, add a fourth square, please. The last word is: "braid." Braid. Buh, err, ai, duh. Which square has the "duh" sound? Buh, err, ai, duh.

(children) Fourth square! Are you sure? Okay, this one's for all the cheddar. The fourth square, Dott. Oh, boy!

(Describer) Dott taps it.

[dinging]

[all cheering] Yes!

Way to go! You won! Haha! Okay! I'd like to thank my Reading Buddies and, of course, the "buh" and "duh" sounds. Join us next time where we'll find a whole new sound!

[sad wheezing]

Uh-oh. [squeals]

Alphabott's battery's running out of juice. Hey, Dusty, could you take her to Reggie for a quick charge? Oh, sure! Reggie's great with repairs! Will you come with me? We could use your help!

(children) Yeah! Let's go! Oh, great! Let's do it!

(Describer) Outside.

Hey, Reggie! Hey, you two! Hey, Reading Buddies! Oh, were you working on the Happy Camper? Is the exhaust exhausted? Dusty, Dusty, Dusty. That's my name! Don't wear it out!

[chastising squeal]

Sorry, Alphabott! Dusty, let's take a look under the hood.

(Describer) Reggie puts on goggles. He takes off an instrument panel and hands it to Dusty.

[whirring, steam hissing]

Wowee zowwee! Her battery's drained. Hey, will you help us charge Alphabott's batteries?

(all) Yes! We can do it! Okay, for every sound we hear in a word, we have to press a button. After a few rounds, Alphabott will be fully charged. Let's get to work!

(Describer) A battery and four buttons appear.

[beeping, whirring]

(Dusty) Bud. The word is "bud." How many sounds do you hear in: buh, uh, duh?

(child) Three! Three? Buh, uh, duh. Bud!

[whirring]

(Reggie) Great job, Buddies!

(Describer) One bar on the battery turns green.

[beeping]

(Dusty) Bend. The word is "bend." How many sounds are in: buh, eh, nn, duh?

(all) Four!

(Dusty) Four! Buh, eh, nn, duh. Bend!

(Describer) Two of the four bars on the battery are green.

[whirring, beeping]

Dad. The word is "dad." How many sounds are in: duh, ah, duh?

(child) Three!

(Dusty) Three! Duh, ah, duh. Dad!

[whirring, beeping]

(Describer) One more bar to go.

Bread. The word is "bread." How many sounds are in the word: buh, err, eh, duh?

(child) Four!

(Dusty) Four? Let's see. Buh, err, eh, duh. Bread!

[whirring, beeping]

(Describer) The battery turns green.

[fanfare, upbeat music]

(Reggie) She's fully charged!

[children cheering]

Great work, Reading Buddies. That'll be ten cents, Dusty. Ten cents towards the "Get Reggie to Space Camp" fund!

[happy squealing]

Thanks, Reggie. Aw, thanks, Dust.

[chuckles]

(Describer) Reggie adds the dime to his piggy bank. In the Reading Room.

[coin rattles]

[panting]

Hey, Dott, Alphabott's fully charged and ready to rumble!

(Describer) Alphabott and Dusty join Dott at the desk.

[Alphabott whirring]

Great to have you back, A.B.

[curious squealing]

Okay. Alphabott wants to transform some words that have the "buh" and the "duh" sound in them. I'm so close to earning that "b-d" badge, I can taste it. It's delectable. Dusty? Promise me you won't eat your "b-d" badge.

Uh... [children laugh]

Are we going to transform some words or not? Okay, okay. Let's take this word here.

(Describer) 'B'.

Mm-hmm. buh, ah, buh--

(Describer) 'O'.

(Describer) 'B'.

bob. What letters do you see? b-o-b! Haha! Yep! What sound is in the middle of "bob"? Buh, ah, buh. "Ah," like octopus! Oh, very good. Now, what do I change if I wanted to turn this word into "bib"?

[gasps] "ih" needs to be there now!

We need an "i," not an "o"! That's right, Dust. Yeah. So now we have "bib." What do I need to change if I wanted to make "bib" into "dib"? What letter do I need? Hmm. "Duh." My mouth is open a little, so it can't be a "b." It's gotta be a "d"! Yes! We change "b" out for "d," and now we have "dib." Now, let's change "dib" into "did." What do I need to change? It was "duh, ih, buh." Now we want "duh, ih, duh." Now the last sound is a "duh" too! Very good, Dusty! You transformed all of those words, and they can be tricky with the "b"s and the "d"s. Mm-hmm! My brain is full! Can we go outside? Sure, Dust! We can get some fresh air in while we exercise. You want to come outside with us?

(children) Yes, yeah!! Great! Let's get to it. Thanks, A.B.

[squeals] [upbeat music]

(Describer) In the yard, Dusty lifts a heavy weight.

[grunting]

Are you ready to "Squat with Dott"?

Whoa! Whoo! Haha! [children laugh]

(Describer) He drops the weight.

It's the time of the day! You want to stand up and join us? Yeah, join us. Moving our body is always better when we have a buddy. What's up first, Dott? The bend and dip! We bend our knees and then we dip to the side. All together! We bend and dip. Bend and dip!

(Describer) They bend, step to the side, and straighten up.

Bend and dip. Great work! What about this, Dott? I call it "the Bad Birdie"! Oh, I see! You wag your finger at the sky. Let's give it a go. The Bad Birdie!

(Describer) Kitt and Cosmo wiggle their fingers high, changing hands on the beat.

The Bad Birdie! The Bad Birdie! Last time! The Bad Birdie! And stop!

(Dusty) Caw caw! Caw caw! Dusty, I didn't know you spoke bird! I dabble. Good workout, folks. Boisterous, really! Caw caw, caw caw! Caw caw!

(Describer) Dusty in the bathtub.

[soft music playing]

Haha! That workout made me sweat. Woah, look at all the bubbles. Let's get popping.

(Describer) Two bubbles.

(Dott) Birth, day. Ooh! Birthday. Day, break. Daybreak.

(Describer) Letter bubbles.

Buh, eh, duh.

(Describer) B-E-D.

Bed.

[scatting] Haha!

(Describer) Dusty walks across the bathroom. Next, in the yard.

[banjo strums]

Oh! Hi, Jampa! Hi, Dusty. Hey, is that a new picture for your scrapbook? Yeah. Great! What is that a picture of? Bandages! Bandages! Wow! Do bandages fly? No, Dusty. Oh, no, they don't. You use them when you get a boo-boo, right? Right. Does anything not need a bandage? I know! What? A lizard. A lizard? So, their special power is to grow things back. Hey, if you had a special power, what would it be? Super power speed. You're really fast. I've seen you run. You're so fast. Really? You're way faster than me. Jampa? What? Thank you for sharing your scrapbook with me. Bye, Dusty. Bye, Jampa!

(Describer) In the Reading Room.

[banjo strumming]

[Dusty and Alphabott laughing]

Dusty, do you know what happened to the dog biscuits I baked?

[suspenseful sting] Uh...

(Describer) Dusty brushes crumbs from his mouth and space helmet.

I do not know this Dusty of--ahem-- which you speak! Oh, really? What about you, Alphabott?

[squealing "I don't know"]

Oh ho ho! You must be confused, Dott! This is Dr. BetaBott! Well, could you keep an eye out for Dusty? I have a very important question for him. Oh, sure, doll. Uh, what does he look like?

[curious squeal]

Well, he's about this tall... Uh, I see. I see! You know, he's about this brown.

[interested squealing]

(Describer) Dott points at Dusty's fur.

And he loves my homemade dog biscuits. Uh, you don't say!

[affirmative squealing]

Yes, you're right, Dr. BetaBott. She did say. Well, if you find him, tell him I'm looking for him and that I'm baking a fresh batch. But he can only have some if he helps.

(Describer) Dusty grins and removes his space helmet.

[gasps]

Hey, Dott! I heard you were looking for me! Oh, you did? From who? Captain Fleabag! He's kind of a big deal. Come on.

(Describer) In the garden, butterflies sing for the gnomes.

[music concludes]

(butterflies) ♪ barrier, barrier, barrier! ♪

♪ Barrier! barrier! ♪

"Something that blocks the way." I liked it! That's our time, Reading Buddies! Say goodbye, Mary. "Goodbye, Mary!"

(both) Goodbye, Jampa!

(Describer) The gnomes freeze. Jampa appears.

[banjo strumming]

[sighs] Bye, gnomes!

(Describer) In the yard.

And you, Dusty, you've earned your new Alphabadge, the "b-d" trick badge!

Wear it with pride. [fanfare]

Shucks, folks, I'm speechless! Hey, everybody, look! I got a trick badge!

(Describer) He joins the kids.

Little by little.

(all) Letter by letter!

[bus horn beeps] Oh, time to go home!

Give your vests to A.B. I'll see you tomorrow. I'm very proud of you!

(Describer) The kids hang their yellow vests on Alphabott's arms. They give hugs and high fives to Dott.

[closing theme song plays]

(all) ♪ Reading Buddies ♪

♪ You did great work today! ♪

♪ Reading Buddies ♪

♪ I really wish you could stay ♪

♪ 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) Everyone waves.

(all) Goodbye! See you soon! Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

(Describer) Credits. Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

[upbeat music]

♪