For immediate release | January 27, 2025

Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures wins Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award for ‘Carl the Collector’

PHOENIX – Producer Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures is the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award for “Carl the Collector.” The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during the ALA’s LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24 – 27 in Phoenix.

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to the producer of the most distinguished digital media for an early learning audience produced in the United States during the preceding year. Award and honor media recipients will receive their awards in Philadelphia, during the ALA Annual Conference in June.

Carl is a thoughtful raccoon with autism, whose unique collections and tight-knit group of friends help him explore his world and navigate everyday challenges. This relatable PBS series, created by author-illustrator Zachariah OHora and neurodiverse artists and performers, offers authentic social-emotional learning that will resonate with all young viewers.

“The committee was impressed with the show’s refreshing celebration of our differences and commonalities through an intentional neurodiverse lens,” said Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee Co-Chair Emily Haage.

Two Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Honor titles were named:

“Lyla in the Loop” produced by Mighty Picnic and Pipeline Studios, airing on PBS.

“The Plate Show” produced by The WNET Group and PRX.

The members of the 2025 Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee are Co-Chair Emily Haage, Scott County Library System, Eldridge, Iowa; Co-Chair Deanna Mae Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, Utah; Lauren Brandstetter, Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger, Kentucky; Julie Ralston, Kent District Library, Grandville, Michigan; Darla R. Salva Cruz, Northport-East Northport Public Library, New York; Gabrielle Stoller, Meridian Library District, Idaho; Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library; and Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library - North Branch, Connecticut.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc.

For more information on the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

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Contact:

Communications, Marketing, & Media Relations Office

American Library Association

cmomedia@ala.org