Ep 5. Two Old Potatoes and Me

In the episode Two Old Potatoes and Me from season 20 of Reading Rainbow, the host LeVar Burton discovers the many creative uses of potatoes with actress and author John Lithgow. The episode begins with Lithgow reading his own book, Two Old Potatoes and Me, which describes the story of a young girl who brings home two old potatoes to use for art projects and grows surprised when they start to sprout. LeVar is enchanted by the tale and determines to learn more about potatoes and their contributions to daily life.

With Lithgow’s help, LeVar visits a potato field where he discovers the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing potatoes for distribution to markets across the world. The pair then travel to a factory that specializes in producing potato chips, where they observe how potatoes are sliced, fried, and seasoned before packaging. By the end of the tour, both LeVar and Lithgow are impressed by the hardworking employees and the smart machinery involved in the production process.

Next, LeVar meets with a chef who specializes in creating new and exciting potato recipes. The two cooks work together to make a savory potato salad that includes a blend of unique flavors and ingredients. LeVar is ecstatic to try the dish and learns about the versatility of potatoes in cooking techniques.

Finally, LeVar heads to a performance space where he and Lithgow participate in a potato art contest. They create a variety of sculptures, including a potato superhero and a potato animal, and showcase the many diverse ways that potatoes can be used creatively. The episode concludes with a reminder that potatoes are a staple vegetable that is found in every corner of the world and a celebration of their many uses.

Overall, Two Old Potatoes and Me is an engaging and informative episode that introduces viewers to the world of potatoes. With LeVar’s infectious enthusiasm and Lithgow’s delightful storytelling skills, the episode is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. The focus on creativity and innovation with potatoes also offers an excellent opportunity to expand children’s imaginations and encourage them to discover new ways to approach familiar objects. After watching the episode, viewers will undoubtedly have a greater appreciation for potatoes and the many roles they play in our lives.