McGraw Hill wanted to help elementary and middle school students grasp core literacy skills like finding the main idea, making inferences and analyzing evidence. But textbooks alone can feel abstract and flat. They needed a way to turn reading strategies into something kids could see, feel and remember — not just memorize.

We created a series of five animated shorts under the banner Comprehension Skills and Strategies. Each video followed Amelia, a relatable ten-year-old guide, as she explored real-world scenarios — from reading a historical diary to welcoming a pet hamster. Amelia wasn’t just a character; she became the learning companion, walking students through concepts like summarizing, spotting claims and evidence and identifying an author’s intent. The animation style was warm, approachable and full of energy — with bounce and flow that kept young audiences engaged while modeling critical thinking.

At the heart of the series were Amelia and her younger brother Charlie. Both were designed to feel fun, happy and approachable — positive characters kids would want to spend time with. Bright, inviting colors made them pop while clean, simple designs kept them easy to read on screen. Subtle depth and expression gave them personality beyond the surface, turning them into characters kids could instantly trust and relate to.

We leaned into a 2D style that was simple but smart — full of vibrant colors, smooth transitions and a visual flow that always felt lively. The look had warmth and charm without ever feeling “kiddy” or dumbed down. Each scene was designed to be fun to watch, but also structured to highlight the educational points. The result was content that felt just as engaging on YouTube as it did in the classroom.

To bring Amelia and Charlie to life, we built custom puppets in Adobe Character Animator. This gave them the flexibility to walk, talk and interact naturally with their environments instead of sitting static on screen. Every video was full of action and movement, helping kids stay engaged while reinforcing the lesson. The ability to animate quickly without losing depth made Character Animator the perfect tool for the project.

The series gave teachers a powerful classroom tool: lessons that were clear, memorable and fun. Students weren’t just told how to analyze text — they watched it come to life in stories they could connect with. The animations became a bridge between curriculum and comprehension, turning strategies into skills kids could actually use. For McGraw Hill, it was proof that education doesn’t have to feel like homework — it can feel like discovery.

Watch the full episodes below.