Sesame Street Characters: Long and Short is part of a series of books designed to introduce children to music concepts. Other books in the series include All About Music: Scheherryzade and the Arabian Nights and Meet Big Bird's Orchestra.

In the story, Bert, Ernie, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, and Sherlock Hemlock are planning a surprise party for Big Bird's birthday. When Big Bird comes, Ernie will ring three short and one long ring on the doorbell and everyone will jump out and yell surprise. Each time they hear a sound, someone thinks it's the doorbell until they discuss the different combinations of long and short sounds.