ONTD Political

In an effort to help soothe children scared or confused by Hurricane Sandy, Elmo appeared on New York’s WNYC radio stations this morning. [actually last week] Elmo spoke with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, along with Sesame Street education representative Rosemarie Truglio, about how he was coping with the storm.

Lehrer, who has been a trusted source for New Yorkers throughout the storm, didn’t go easy on Elmo with his questions. Early on he asked Elmo, “Elmo, were you scared last night?” And Elmo said he was. Elmo didn’t know whether the winds would ever stop blowing. But Elmo still got to bed on time.

This wasn’t the first time Elmo and his friends have served to comfort children in emergencies. A hurricane struck Sesame Street itself in a 2001 episode—which the show has made available on YouTube—and the Muppets, along with Al Roker, helped teach children how to prepare for a storm.

Perhaps the toughest question of all, however, came from one young listener who Lehrer said “might be the youngest caller ever in the history of the show.” The young girl, who sounded only barely old enough to go to school herself, wondered whether she would be able to school on Thursday. Elmo wasn’t sure (no decision had been announced), but he did have one last comforting message for his young fan: “Elmo loves you.”

Slate has recording of Elmo


On Friday, we’ll be airing a very special episode of Sesame Street.

A hurricane has swept through Sesame Street and everyone is working together to clean up the neighborhood. When Big Bird checks on his home, he is heartbroken to find that the storm has destroyed his nest. Big Bird’s friends and neighbors gather to show their support and let him know they can fix his home, but it will take time. While everyone on Sesame Street spends the next few days cleaning up and making repairs, Big Bird still has moments where he is sad, angry, and confused. His friends help him cope with his emotions by talking about what happened, drawing pictures together, and giving him lots of hugs. They also comfort Big Bird by offering him temporary places he can eat, sleep, and play. Big Bird remembers all the good times he had at his nest and realizes that once it is rebuilt, there are more good times and memories to come. Finally the day has come where most of the repairs to Big Bird’s home are done and his nest is complete. As he is about to try it out, though, the city nest inspector says it not safe, yet, because the mud isn’t dry. Big Bird is sad that he has to wait another day, but Snuffy comes to the rescue and blows the nest dry and he passes the test! Big Bird thanks everyone for being his friend and helping to rebuild his nest and his home.

from Sesame Street's official tumblr