Ep 2. Imogen's Antlers

Imogen's Antlers is the second episode of season three of Reading Rainbow, Vol. 1. In this episode, host LeVar Burton takes the viewers on an adventure through the world of books with the acclaimed children's book Imogen's Antlers by David Small.

The episode begins with LeVar introducing the book and its author. He then goes on to tell the audience about the central character of the story, Imogen, a young girl who wakes up one morning to find that she has grown a pair of antlers. The story follows Imogen as she tries to come to terms with her new appendages and deal with the reactions of those around her.

Throughout the episode, LeVar encourages viewers to use their imagination and think about how they would react if they were in Imogen's shoes. He also touches on the themes of self-acceptance, being unique and different, and embracing one's individuality.

To help illustrate the story and bring it to life, there are several segments of live-action where LeVar visits a farm and a petting zoo to show viewers real-life examples of antlers and explain how they grow and fall off. He also makes a stop at a taxidermist's studio to show viewers what happens to antlers when they are removed from an animal's head.

In addition to the live-action segments, there are also animated segments that depict scenes from the book. The animation style is colorful and whimsical, perfectly capturing the story's magical and fantastical elements.

One of the standout moments of the episode is when LeVar sits down with a group of children to discuss the book and their reactions to it. The children are enthusiastic and engaged, sharing their own thoughts and feelings about what it would be like to have antlers or some other unusual physical attribute.

Overall, Imogen's Antlers is a charming and heartwarming episode that encourages children to embrace their individuality and appreciate the things that make them unique. With its engaging mix of live-action and animation, as well as its thought-provoking themes, it's a wonderful episode for children of all ages.