Wilbur is a Canadian live-action/puppet animated children's television series that premiered in the Kids' CBC block of CBC Television on October 30, 2006. In the United States, it first aired on the Ready Set Learn! block on Discovery Kids on April 16, 2007,[2] later moving to TLC starting on April 23, 2007, airing until March 21, 2008.[3]
Produced by Mercury Filmworks in association with Chilco Productions, EKA Distribution and Egmont Imagination, it focuses on an anthropomorphic calf and his friends as they solve problems by reading books with each other. 26 episodes (52 segments) were produced.
Wilbur has an episode with a basic formula: at first, Wilbur and his friends would encounter a problem. After this, Wilbur gets a wiggling sensation which prompts him to read a book that guides the group in solving their problem. The book in question is usually an animated original story or retelling for the purposes of the show, told in rhyme, and often features Wilbur and his friends in various roles.
After the story is read, the group discusses their problem and a possible idea which usually fails. Thinking that the solution is still inside the book, they decide to read through a second time, this time, with clips showing children reciting the line "Once upon a time" at the beginning, retelling the story in their own words, and finishing by saying "The end". Afterwards, Wilbur and his friends try again, this time, with an idea that works. They reflect on how the story inspired their solution, to which Wilbur ends the episode by saying his catchphrase, “Books are Moooo-velous!”.
"Sensational Wilbur": Wilbur is having trouble catching his friends in a game of Blind Man's Bluff until he reads a book called, "Finding Home", and learns to use his other senses to help play a 'sensational' game.
"A Swingin' Time": Dasha is having a great time on the tire swing, too great to give anyone else a turn. Wilbur's storybook about magic shoes shows her how to share the fun with friends.
"Wilbur's Wobbly Bed": Wilbur just loves his comfy old bed except it has developed a serious wobble and clunk. A storybook gives Wilbur a great idea.
"Mysterious Sound": There's a really mysterious sound keeping the buddies awake! Ray jumps to the wrong conclusion until Wilbur's book shows them that it's a good idea to check the facts.
"Dasha's New Friend": Dasha is upset because her caterpillar friend Carly has disappeared. Dasha and Wilbur learn from a storybook that Carly isn't gone, she's just changed into a beautiful butterfly.
"Wish You Were Here": Ray wishes he could have fun at a Mexican fiesta, but he can't go to Mexico. With the help of Wilbur's storybook, his friends bring the fiesta to him.
"Can't Wait": Ray is bringing a surprise and Libby can't wait! Wilbur's book shows them that finding something fun to do while waiting will make the waiting easier.
"Rhyme Time": Dasha wants to play a rhyming game but is having trouble until Wilbur's book helps by showing her how to rhyme, then nothing can stop her.
"Rain Dance": It's raining and Ray is not happy. Wilbur's storybook about dancing cowboys turns Ray into a disco king, as he learns he can even enjoy a rainy day.
"Libby's Picnic": Libby has never been on a picnic and refuses to go until she learns from a storybook about a Princess' picnic, just how much fun they can be.
"Libby's Bubbles": Libby blows the biggest bubble ever, but then it pops. Wilbur's book helps to make her feel better by showing that while some things that you make won't last, you can always make another one.
"Scarecrow": Something has scared Libby, and the buddies see that it is just the scarecrow. Wilbur's storybook helps Libby see for herself that a scarecrow isn't scary, except to crows.
"Hay Day": It's a sack race and everyone is having fun except Dasha, she wants to win the race every time. Wilbur's storybook shows that having fun is the best part.
"Getting into Shapes": Wilbur and Ray set up the Great Shapes Game and invite Libby to play. She needs some help and help comes from Wilbur's book.
"Ray's Socks": Ray can't play tag without his pink polka dot socks. A story called 'Same Way Rene' shows Ray that trying new ways can be fun.
"Leaf It to Dasha": Dasha is upset when the leaves start changing color-it means her favorite season of summer is over.
"Wilbur's Nap": Wilbur is sleepy and needs a nap but his buddies keep making so much noise he can't sleep.
"Two Reds Are Better Than One": The buddies are playing Little Red Riding Hood and Wilbur is the wolf, Dasha is Red and Libby is Red.
"Funny Dress-Up Night": Costumes abound but Dasha hasn't found one and the party is about to start! A story about silly hats shows Dasha that she can use her imagination to make up a costume.
"Snowflake Festival": Dasha can't wait to get presents, it's the best part of the Festival. Wilbur suggests that giving is also fun.
"Friendship Day": The buddies are making friendship day cards and Libby wants to sign her name but can't.
"Sheep Need Sleep": Libby is having so much fun, she wants to stay up and play all night.
"The Fence": The buddies each want to paint a fence their favorite color. They make a mess until Wilbur's story about sky painters shows them how they make a rainbow using their favorite colors.
"Libby's Apples": Libby wants to bring three apples for she, Wilbur and Dasha, but she doesn't know what three means.
"Spring Egg Hunt": Wilbur has hidden an egg for each of his friends while Libby has trouble finding hers.
"Wilbur's Birthday": It's Wilbur's birthday and Wilbur is very excited except he can't find his friends. He decides to have his birthday by himself.
The franchise existed as a series of videotapes produced in 1997. A pilot for Wilbur was produced by Cuppa Coffee Studios in 2001.