In this highly-acclaimed early episode, Mister Rogers sensitively addresses children’s understanding of death and the feelings around it. Mister Rogers finds a dead fish in his aquarium, buries it, and talks about his boyhood feelings when his dog died. He helps children know the heavy sadness they might first feel when a pet or a loved one dies doesn’t last forever. In his closing song Mister Rogers lets children know that some things, like death, are hard even for grownups to understand. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Trolley appears to have died; Dr. Bill Platypus discovers that it has just come off its tracks.
Mister Rogers goes outside to visit the grave for the fish he buried the previous day. He talks about the death of a fish and his old dog, Mitzi. He sees the Tamburitzans perform at Negri’s Music Shop. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Elaine wants the Platypus egg to hatch so Elsie Jean can “get back to work at the restaurant.” When Lady Elaine learns that Elsie Jean will not be able to work at the restaurant right way after her egg hatches, she relocates the restaurant to her Museum-Go-Round.
Mister Rogers shows a block of wood which he cuts into 6 pieces. The blocks are counted and used to illustrate arithmetic problems. Betty Aberlin visits with a kitten named Daniel. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin finds nobody at home in the neighborhood. Lady Elaine is moving her restaurant. Lady Aberlin finds all the neighbors waiting for the platypus egg to hatch. Daniel and Lady Aberlin talk about waiting.
Mister Rogers arrives walking with a cane and explains about the use of a cane and his bandage. Mister Rogers shows different ways to write his name on Picture-Picture. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mime Walker visits with King Friday. Mrs. Saunders and Dr. Bill sing to Elsie Jean who is waiting for the arrival of her baby. Mime Walker visits Dr. Bill and then tells Daniel of the arrival of the baby girl platypus. Donkey Hodie and Mime Walker celebrate.
Mister Rogers shows his bandaged ankle and talks about tying shoes. Johnny Costa plays his accordion while Mister Rogers paints a picture. Mr. McFeely delivers a telegram. In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri, the king, and the queen have presents to welcome the new baby. Dr. Bill tells the neighbors the new baby’s name. They all practice saying it and then sing a song of her name.