HBO Storybook Musicals
The world's most famous children's books come to life in 'HBO Storybook Musicals,' the heartwarming animated musical specials from top-name creative talents. The musical series combines animation that is true to the original story's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters. 'HBO Storybook Musicals' is an adorable show for the whole family. Classic children's books that are featured include: 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' by Judith Viorst; 'A Child's Garden of Verses' by Robert Louis Stevenson; 'Ira Sleeps Over' by Bernard Waber; 'Lyle, Lyle Crocodile' by Bernard Waber; 'Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel' by Virginia Lee Burton; and others.
- 1987-1992
- 1 season
- HBO
- Animation, Family, Music
- TV-Y
The world's most famous children's books come to life in 'HBO Storybook Musicals,' the heartwarming animated musical specials from top-name creative talents. The musical series combines animation that is true to the original story's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters. 'HBO Storybook Musicals' is an adorable show for the whole family. Classic children's books that are featured include: 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' by Judith Viorst; 'A Child's Garden of Verses' by Robert Louis Stevenson; 'Ira Sleeps Over' by Bernard Waber; 'Lyle, Lyle Crocodile' by Bernard Waber; 'Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel' by Virginia Lee Burton; and others.
Season 1 Episode Guide
7 Episodes 1987 - 1992
Episode 1
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The Musical 'The House on East 88th Street'
Wed, Nov 18, 1987 25 mins
What's that green thing in the bathtub? When the Primm family moves into their new house, they discover Lyle, a friendly crocodile left behind by his former owner. Lyle and his new family have a splendid time--until his rightful owner comes to claim him.
Episode 4
Earthday Birthday
Sun, Apr 22, 1990 29 mins
The Planet Earth is having a birthday--and you're invited to the party! This delightful animated musical features the 'Zwibble Dibbles,' a magical, irresistible bunch of baby dinosaurs who want to help save the planet from the ravages of pollution.
Episode 5
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Mon, Sep 10, 1990 26 mins
After many years of working together, Mike and Mary Anne face competition from modern, electric, gasoline diesel shovels. Looking for work in the newspaper one day, Mike finds a small town that is about to build a new town hall. The town select-men react with disbelief when Mike makes the claim that he and his steam shovel Mary Anne can dig the cellar in a single day; they protest that it would take a hundred men a week. Mike insists that Mary Anne can indeed finish the job in one day, though he has some private doubts. At sunup the next day, Mike and Mary Anne start work and just manage to complete the task before sundown. However, he neglects to provide a way out of the cellar. A young boy who has been watching makes the suggestion that Mike take the job of janitor for the town hall, and that Mary Anne should become the boiler for the town hall's heating system. The town select-men agree and the new town hall is completed before winter. Now the little boy visits every day with a lady who brings hot apple pies.
Episode 6
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tue, Oct 2, 1990 30 mins
What a day Alexander is having! He's got gum stuck in his hair, he trips on his skateboard and he can't find his favorite glow-in-the-dark yo-yo. Things go from bad to worse in this charming animated musical based on the book by Judith Viorst.
Episode 9
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Tue, Jun 11, 1991 28 mins
Peter Rabbit's mother told him to stay out of Farmer McGregor's garden, but Peter couldn't resist...and almost ended up in a rabbit pie! Beatrix Potter's charming story of the mischievous rabbit comes to life with spectacular animation and music.
Episode 12
Ira Sleeps Over
Wed, Nov 6, 1991 25 mins
Ira's been invited to sleep over at his best friend's house. But can he leave his beloved teddy bear Tah Tah behind? His dilemma is charmingly portrayed in this delightful animated musical based on the popular children's story by Bernard Waber.
Episode 17
A Child's Garden of Verses
Fri, Apr 3, 1992 26 mins
A young boy, confined to his bed, uses his imagination to find the fun and excitement he can't experience in real life. Tony Award-winning actor Jonathan Pryce (Miss Saigon) lends his voice to this animated musical.