Billy Jo Jive Super Private Eye

Billy Jo Jive began as an acclaimed children's book series created by photographer John Shearer and illustrated by his father, celebrated cartoonist Ted Shearer. Introduced in 1976, the young detective and his partner, Smart Susie Sunset, quickly captured readers' imaginations with neighborhood mysteries that celebrated curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The books' popularity led to an animated adaptation for Sesame Street, where Billy Jo and Susie solved everyday mysteries in short, engaging episodes that aired for many years. Produced by Shearer Visuals, the series brought positive, intelligent Black characters to one of television's most influential children's programs, extending the Shearer family's creative legacy to a new generation.