If you’ve ever wondered, “What animal is Arthur?” you’re not alone! Arthur, the lovable character from the popular kids’ show Arthur, has been a part of many childhoods, but not everyone knows what kind of animal he is. In this article, we will dive into the world of Arthur and answer this question while exploring the different characters in his universe.

Introduction to Arthur’s World

Arthur Read, the main character in the Arthur series, is known for his large glasses and signature yellow sweater. But many people have asked, “What animal is Arthur?” The answer is simple: Arthur is an aardvark. Yes, an aardvark!

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with what an aardvark is, don’t worry. An aardvark is a type of mammal native to Africa, known for its long nose and love for eating ants and termites. However, the Arthur we know looks quite different from a real aardvark, and that’s what makes the show so unique and fun.

Arthur’s Appearance

Unlike real aardvarks that have long snouts and a more animal-like appearance, Arthur is portrayed as a human-like creature with rounded features. He wears clothes, goes to school, and lives a life that most kids can relate to. You might notice that Arthur doesn’t have a long snout like a typical aardvark, and that’s because the creators of the show wanted to make him more relatable to kids.

So while Arthur is technically an aardvark, he has been given human characteristics that make him seem like just another kid in your classroom. This is one of the reasons why it might not be immediately obvious what animal Arthur is when you first watch the show.

The Show’s Concept

The Arthur series is based on the book series by Marc Brown. The books and the show focus on Arthur’s adventures as he navigates school, friendships, family life, and other relatable experiences. The idea behind making Arthur an aardvark, along with other animal characters, was to create a fun and imaginative world for kids to explore.

The fact that the animals in Arthur don’t look exactly like their real-life counterparts adds to the charm. This mix of reality and fantasy is part of why Arthur has been so successful and beloved for many years.

Other Animal Characters in Arthur’s World

Arthur isn’t the only character whose animal species may be a little hard to guess. Let’s take a look at some of his friends and what animals they are supposed to be.

• D.W. Read: Arthur’s younger sister, D.W., is also an aardvark, just like Arthur. She’s a bit more outspoken and sassy, but just like Arthur, she doesn’t have the typical look of an aardvark.
• Buster Baxter: Buster is one of Arthur’s best friends, and he is a rabbit. His long ears give it away, making him one of the easier animals to recognize in the show.
• Francine Frensky: Francine is a monkey. You can tell by her round face and playful nature. Francine is one of Arthur’s closest friends and is known for being a bit of a tomboy.
• Muffy Crosswire: Muffy is a monkey as well, though she’s very different from Francine in personality. Muffy is more of a socialite and loves fashion.
• Brain (Alan Powers): Brain is a bear, though his intelligence and calm demeanor are his standout traits more than his animal appearance.

These characters, along with many others, make Arthur’s world diverse and fun. Even though they are all animals, their personalities are relatable to people, and that’s why kids love watching the show.

Why Did They Choose an Aardvark?

You might wonder why the creators chose an aardvark for Arthur’s character. After all, aardvarks aren’t the first animal you think of when you’re trying to create a popular children’s character. But this unique choice is part of what makes Arthur special.

Marc Brown, the author of the Arthur book series, has said that he chose an aardvark because it was a little-known animal, and he thought it would be interesting for children. Since aardvarks are not as popular as animals like dogs or cats, Arthur’s character stood out from the crowd.

Plus, by choosing a less common animal, the creators were able to design Arthur in a way that suited the story without being restricted by what people expect an aardvark to look like.

How Arthur Teaches Important Lessons

One of the reasons that Arthur has been so successful over the years is that it tackles important lessons in a way that is easy for children to understand. The show covers topics like friendship, honesty, kindness, and even more complex issues like bullying and anxiety.

By using animals like Arthur and his friends, the show creates a fun and engaging world where kids can learn without feeling like they are being taught a lesson. This approach makes the show entertaining while still being educational.

Arthur’s Impact on Pop Culture

Since its debut in 1996, Arthur has had a significant impact on pop culture. The show has been praised for its educational content, diverse cast, and ability to tackle real-life issues that kids face.

Arthur’s character, in particular, has become iconic, not just because of the question, “What animal is Arthur?” but because of his relatable personality. Whether he’s dealing with a problem at school or figuring out how to deal with his little sister, Arthur represents the everyday struggles and joys of growing up.

Arthur’s popularity has led to numerous memes, references in other TV shows, and even appearances by celebrities on the show. Despite being a children’s show, Arthur has managed to remain relevant to audiences of all ages.

Conclusion: What Animal is Arthur?

So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What animal is Arthur?” now you know that Arthur is an aardvark, but he’s not your typical aardvark. The creators of the show have made Arthur more relatable by giving him human traits and making his appearance more friendly and appealing to kids.

Whether you recognized Arthur as an aardvark right away or not, his character and the world of Arthur have become a beloved part of many childhoods. Through the adventures of Arthur and his friends, the show has taught valuable lessons while still being entertaining.

And that’s the magic of Arthur—it’s not just about what animal he is, but about the world he lives in and the lessons he shares with viewers of all ages.