8 Things You Didn't Know About Arthur
Pop the sparkling grape juice, because Arthur is 30! The beloved aardvark and his cast of characters came to life from page to screen 30 years ago today, on October 7, 1996.
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, Arthur books seemed to be everywhere, from my dentist’s office waiting room to my teacher’s classroom, so it was no surprise to see the series was adapted for television in 1996. I was 10 years old, and as a library kid, I was very much a PBS Kids kid. In fact, while writing this, it dawned on me that I never really outgrew Arthur. I started babysitting my neighbors when I was 13, and the girls were BIG Arthur fans. It quickly became our after-school ritual to grab a snack and settle in. The series re-entered my life in 2007 and 2013 when I had my children, and I was once again reminded of the comforting feeling we all get when that theme song kicks in.
It’s pretty great to know that Arthur has become a favorite across multiple generations. And while the series ended in 2022, Arthur is still very much here to stay, reminding us that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card.
Have wiser words ever been said? We think not.
Here are 10 things that may surprise you about this anthropomorphic bipedal aardvark (yes, that is how he’s described).
Arthur is well known (and loved) around the world.
Based on the popular books by author and illustrator Marc Brown, the television series premiered on PBS in 1996 and became one of PBS Kids’ highest-rated programs. At one point Arthur averaged nearly 10 million viewers per week in the U.S.. It has aired in more than 80 countries worldwide and was the longest-running children's animated series in the United States until it was surpassed by SpongeBob SquarePants in 2024. It is the fifth-longest-running American animated television series, behind The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Marc Brown credits creative women for his career.
Brown’s grandmother encouraged his interest in art, while his high school art teacher suggested he apply to the Cleveland Institute of Art. He submitted his portfolio and received a full scholarship and went onto grad school in Boston. Shoutout to Cleveland, also home of the Libby App!
Arthur began as a bedtime story.
Brown created the character of 8-year-old Arthur the Aardvark as part of a bedtime story for his son, Tolon. Arthur eventually became the central character in Brown’s book series and, later, the television show.
Arthur is full of nods to the author's personal life.
Mr. Ratburn was based on Brown’s seventh-grade algebra teacher, Gary Rathbun, while Buster was inspired by Brown’s best friend, Terry Johnson. His children, Tolon, Eliza and Tucker, are referenced in both the books and television series often. For example, the fictional town includes Tolon Moving, while “Eliza” appears on various everyday objects throughout the show. The fictional town of Elwood City draws from Brown’s experiences growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, as well as his adult life in Boston and other cities throughout Massasschusetts. Some locations in the books and show were real places like the famous mall Arthur and his pals frequented, Mill Creek Mall, inspired by a local mall outside Erie, also Millcreek Mall.
Brown was skeptical about Arthur coming to screens.
When WGBH (Boston's PBS member station) approached Brown about turning Arthur into a television series, he was concerned about the adaptation. He agreed after being assured that the show would encourage children to read and visit libraries (wholesome). Brown then became an executive producer and remained involved in the creative process as the show evolved. He credits Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood:"I don't think Arthur would have ever been a TV star if it weren't for my friend Fred Rogers. He really set the standard for how to use television in ways that were helpful to kids and families. What a wonderful role model for us all."
Arthur received a lot of fan mail.
In a 2001 interview, Brown said he and PBS received approximately 100,000 letters from fans each year. He also said that occasionally children called his home asking for Arthur and his wife would tell them that Arthur was “at the library.” So adorable.
That's Ziggy Marley singing the theme song.
The show's reggae-influenced theme song, “Believe in Yourself,” was performed by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. I can't always remember why I walked into a room, but I can recall this iconic theme song word by word. The theme song has almost 12 million plays on YouTube.
Arthur didn't shy away from hard things.
Most importantly, Marc Brown and the creators of Arthur used the series as a way to talk about some pretty big things that children were dealing with in their own lives. The books and series tackled topics like divorce, cancer, autism, dementia, racism, bullying and more, giving kids a chance to see their own experiences reflected in the stories they were reading and watching. Marc Brown has said the goal was to address issues that mattered to children and families without talking down to young viewers.With more than 160 Arthur books, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find something in the series that feels familiar, whether you’re 8, 80, or somewhere in between. Here are a handful of favorites from the series, plus a few more Marc Brown titles and a little look at what inspired him along the way.
Happy 30th, uh, 50th, uh, perpetually 8th birthday, Arthur! You keep having fun with that library card. I hear you can even check out cake pans.
Arthur Recommends:
Arthur's Audio Favorites, Volume 1
by Marc Brown
Featuring 5 classic Arthur tales, this collection is narrated by the author himself. There are several accompanying audio favorites, too!
Mary McScary
by R. L. Stine
Chances are if you liked the Goosebumps series, you know R.L. Stine.. Stine and Brown have collaborated on several books, with Stine writing and Brown illustrating. R.L. Stine was once a celebrity guest on Arthur, lending his voice to Buster's uncle, Bob.
Mister Rogers Neighborhood
by Mark Collins
A little Mr. Rogers reading feels appropriate here. His approach to talking to children with kindness, honesty, and respect had a lasting influence on Marc Brown, so it’s easy to see some of that same spirit in Arthur.
Arthur Makes a Comic (A Graphic Novel)
by Marc Brown
It was news to me that Arthur ventured into graphic novels! This one is about Arthur creating his own comic book about how he adopted his puppy, Pal.
In New York
by Marc Brown
This is a personal story from the beloved creator of Arthur, a useful primer for first-time travelers on what to see and do with kids in the Big Apple, and a perfect keepsake after a visit. It's also a great gift for anyone who loves New York, the Crossroads of the World. New York! New York! It's a heckuva town!
ZooZical
by Judy Sierra
I hate to even think about it, but winter is coming and this is a great one to read to littles during the colder months. Young readers and listeners will be amazed and delighted at how the animals chase the winter doldrums by getting along as friends, pooling their talents, and pushing themselves to new heights.
Hop Helps Out
by Marc Brown
Brown's love for writing and illustration was passed onto his son Tolon, who has pursued a career in the same fields. The book was even adapted for television and aired on HBO Max in 2024.
Marc Brown's Arthur Anniversary Collection
by Marc Brown
With it being a big anniversary for this beloved icon, I had to recommend Arthur's anniversary collection. You can find more collections like this in Libby.
Hopefully you learned a thing or two about Arthur along the way. Now go find your nearest library card and put it to work. Arthur would be proud.
Published Oct 07, 2026
Amanda Patton
Amanda is a creative marketing professional with 18 years of experience creating content across social media, print and digital marketing. She aims to create content that brings attention to public libraries and the important work they do through trending topics, nostalgia, humor, and more. Outside of work, you can find her behind her camera, thrifting, playing the piano, or stopping whatever she’s doing to pet a dog.