Pencil Box facts for kids
Pencil Box was a fun and creative children's television programme that aired on CBC Television. It was broadcast from 1976 to 1979, bringing unique stories to young viewers across Canada.
Contents
What Was Pencil Box About?
The show was special because it featured stories written by students, mostly between 8 and 12 years old, from Ottawa. Imagine seeing your own story come to life on TV! Pencil Box used many different ways to tell these stories, making each episode exciting and fresh.
How Were the Stories Told?
The creators of Pencil Box used a mix of interesting techniques to bring the children's stories to the screen. These included:
- Mime: Actors used body movements and expressions without words to tell parts of the story.
- Puppets: Characters were brought to life using puppets, which are often a favorite for kids' shows.
- Masks: Performers wore special masks to become different characters.
- Animation: Drawings and illustrations were made to move, adding a magical touch to the tales.
Special Effects Used in Pencil Box
To make the show even more visually appealing, Pencil Box used a technique called colour-separation overlay. This allowed live actors to appear as if they were inside cutout sets, creating a unique and imaginative world for each story. It was a clever way to blend real people with artistic backgrounds.
Who Were the Main Characters?
While the show featured many different stories, some characters appeared more often. These recurring friends helped tie the show together and became familiar faces for young viewers. They included:
- Bolo Bat
- Stubby Pencil
- Miffy Skunk
- Clara Cactus
Awards and Recognition
Pencil Box was not only popular with kids but also recognized for its quality. The show won an ACTRA Award for Best Children's Television Show. This award highlighted its success in creating engaging and educational content for young audiences.
