When a trickster Coyote employs logical fallacies to manipulate a young Squirrel and Mouse, a Wise Old Owl must step up to explain the errors of his ways.

 [This is a vertical micro-drama. Email me for the Part One script of 13 Episodes]

SYNOPSIS:

"The Trickster Coyote Fables" is an animated vertical series aimed at teaching critical thinking and logical reasoning to children aged 4-12.

Core Characters

• Coyote: A trickster who employs logical fallacies to manipulate others.
• Squirrel: A trusting young male who learns to question deceptive arguments.
• Mouse: A perceptive female who quickly identifies Coyote's tricks.
• Wise Old Owl: A knowledgeable teacher who explains logical fallacies and critical thinking concepts.

Series Format & Structure

• Episode Framework: Short, vertical videos (1-3 minutes) focusing on a single logical fallacy or concept. Each episode features Coyote's trick, Mouse's skepticism, Squirrel's uncertainty, and Wise Old Owl's explanation.
• Educational Goals: Promote evidence-based thinking, identify logical fallacies, encourage skepticism, and build critical reasoning skills.

Key Episodes in Part One: Logical Fallacies

• Personal Attack: Coyote learns not to insult those offering help.
• Red Herring: Coyote distracts from theft accusations by changing the subject.
• False Choice: Coyote presents limited options for activities.
• Hasty Generalization: Coyote judges all unemployed individuals based on one encounter.

Advanced Reasoning Concepts

• Strawman Trick, Slippery Slope, and Causal Fallacy, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

The Scientific Method

• Squirrel and Mouse demonstrate the scientific method through observation and testing, discovering the taste differences between acorns.

Signature Episode: "The Earth is Flat"

• Coyote falsely claims the Earth is flat using a carpenter's level. Mouse points out the curvature due to gravity, leading to a lesson on scientific facts.

Visual Style & Tone

• The animation features detailed character designs appealing to preteens, balancing humor with educational content. Wise Old Owl directly addresses viewers to reinforce lessons.

Many Future Episodes are in the works.