Trama

JOT was a bouncing dot that was sensitive to the inner thoughts and feelings of a child, and changed it's shape and color as it depicted the struggles represented by a child's conscience, such as joy and sadness. When it realigned itself with its inner standards, the dot reverted back to its perfect round shape. It also had a very expressive face which displayed emotion as well as moral turmoil.—Charles Brubaker

"Jot" was an animated children's show created in 1964, and was originally seen in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on Channel 5's long-running "The Children's Hour" hosted by Bill Kelly each Sunday morning. (The Lutheran Church's animated "Davey and Goliath" also aired regularly during this show.) Approximately 30 episodes of "Jot" were produced sporadically from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. Each episode was less than five minutes in length, and presented young viewers with simple Christian-based values and lessons. The show was designed by Ruth Byers and Ted Perry for the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission. The title character--and all the characters in the show--were drawn simply, and consisted of a single ball that functioned as both a body and a face. The character usually had arms and legs, but the limbs (and face) would often disappear if the character were running or walking--no doubt conceived as a way to minimize animation time. JOT's shape and color would sometimes change to reflect his emotional state.—Tim Hatcher <timothy_57@hotmail.com>