‘The Day You Begin’ From PBS Kids Encourages Children to Celebrate What Makes Them Different [Exclusive Clip]

The Amimated Special Based On The Award-Winning Book Will Be Released On August 7th, 2026.

PBS KIDS is helping families prepare for the new school year with The Day You Begin, a new one-hour animated special premiering on August 7. Adapted from Jacqueline Woodson’s bestselling picture book of the same name, the special follows four children as they navigate the excitement—and anxiety—of starting a new school year. PBS Kids has provided Parenting Patch with an Exclusive clip from the special.

Written by Jacqueline Woodson and Dana Chan, with Woodson also serving as an executive producer, the special introduces viewers to Angelina, Rigoberto, Minjin, and Andre. As the children struggle with feeling different from their classmates, a caring teacher encourages them to embrace their unique stories, leading to new friendships and greater self-confidence.

A Beloved Book About Finding the Courage to Be Yourself

The animated special is based on Woodson’s acclaimed children’s book, illustrated by Rafael López, which has become a favorite among families and educators for its heartfelt message about inclusion and belonging. The story explores the uncomfortable feeling of walking into a room where nobody seems quite like you, whether because of your background, appearance, language, traditions, or experiences.

Rather than hiding those differences, the book and special both encourage children to find the courage to share who they are. As each child opens up, they discover that everyone has moments of feeling like an outsider—and that genuine friendships often begin when people are willing to tell their own stories and listen to others. The book’s uplifting message has resonated with readers around the world and is also available in Spanish as El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres!

About Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is one of America’s most celebrated authors of children’s, young adult, and adult literature. She is the National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming and has also earned numerous honors for books including After Tupac and D Foster, Feathers, Show Way, The Day You Begin, and The Year We Learned to Fly.

Throughout her career, Woodson has been recognized for creating stories that celebrate identity, empathy, family, and resilience. She served as the Young People’s Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017, was named the Library of Congress’ National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 2020, and was later honored as a MacArthur Fellow. Her work continues to inspire young readers to embrace their individuality while finding common ground with others.

The Day You Begin is available on PBS Kids starting August 7th, 2026.