Lyla in the Loop

“Lyla in the Loop” is a children’s animated series that premiered on February 5, 2024, on PBS Kids. Created by Dave Peth, the show features a 7-year-old girl named Lyla Loops, an African-American/Jamaican child, who embarks on various adventures with her fuzzy blue sidekick, Stu, a hyrax-like creature. The series is designed for children aged 4-8 and aims to promote creative problem-solving and computational thinking skills through engaging storytelling and humor.
The narrative centers around Lyla and her family, which includes her younger brother Luke, her twin sisters Liana and Louisa, and their parents, Lydia and Louis. Together, they navigate everyday challenges in their community, often leading to comedic situations that require innovative solutions. Each episode introduces foundational concepts of computational thinking, emphasizing teamwork and creativity in overcoming obstacles. For instance, they might tackle tasks like building a train set or preparing a special meal for their family restaurant, Loops Lunch.
The series is built around the message that everyone can be a creative problem-solver. It encourages children to explore their innate abilities and to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. The show’s creator emphasizes the importance of representation, showcasing a young girl of color in a lead role, which aims to inspire viewers, particularly young girls of color, to engage with fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that are often underrepresented.
“Lyla in the Loop” was developed with support from a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, as part of the Ready to Learn Initiative, which funds educational media for preschoolers. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios and features a diverse cast, including voice talents from various backgrounds, enhancing its relatability and appeal.