Describing. George, Zippy and Bungle ask for some "crunchy things", "long stringy things", and "red stuff in a jar". Are they being specific enough? Meanwhile, Geoffrey comes back from the shop and can't find his wallet anywhere. This episode was originally broadcast on Friday, 9th October, 1987.

The key lesson here, of course, is about making yourself understood and not being vague "I'm not a mindreader," as every parent ever has said at some point. The guest star is Sue Devaney, who we know from Johnny Briggs and Spatz, but maybe Dinnerladies is what she's most recognised for. Sue plays Maggie from the local shop, and she reads the story Zoe's Zoo for us. Needless to say, Rod, Jane and Freddy also pop in for the traditional musical interlude.

I'm not ashamed to admit that Zippy's telephone voice at 3:25 had me in absolute stitches (did anyone else's grandparents also use to get instantly posher while on the phone?), but don't look too hard at the bottom left around 2:45 if you don't want the magic to be spoiled a little.

Stay tuned at the end for a brief promo for some Rainbow "Science Is Fun" books. Look at the state of George, Zippy and Bungle in those illustrations!

Many thanks to Lee for providing this recording.

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