Ep 9. The Upside Down Smile

Word Party season 4 episode 9, titled "The Upside Down Smile," follows the endlessly adorable baby animals from Jim Henson's creative mind as they learn new words and concepts in a fun and interactive way.

In this episode, the Word Party gang learns about emotions and facial expressions, specifically focusing on the concept of a smile. Lulu, Bailey, Kip, and Franny are all excited to learn about different ways to show happiness, but they quickly find out that not all smiles are created equal.

When Kip shows the group a drawing of a smile that is upside down, the gang is confused. They've always associated smiles with happiness, so how could one be upside down? The group takes a trip to the library and reads books about emotions to try and understand the concept of a frown. They learn that sometimes people smile to hide their true feelings, or because they don't want to upset others, which can make them feel even worse inside.

As they continue their search for understanding, the animals encounter a new friend, a sad sloth. The gang quickly tries to cheer up the forlorn creature with their jubilant personalities and infectious energy, but they soon realize that their approach may not be the most effective.

As the episode unfolds, the Word Party animals not only gain a deeper understanding of emotions, but also of empathy and the importance of putting themselves in someone else's shoes. They learn that sometimes simply being there to support someone who is having a tough time can make all the difference in the world.

Overall, Word Party season 4 episode 9 is a heartwarming and educational offering that teaches children about emotions in a fun and engaging way. The addition of a new character, the sad sloth, adds a layer of depth and relatability to the show while the playful and upbeat nature of the animal characters keeps it accessible and entertaining for young viewers.