The “ARTHUR/All Kids Can Character Search” invites children ages 6-12 to send in their ideas for a new character for Arthur. And not just any character—one who can show that having a unique ability, character trait, or disability might make life a little bit different, but not any less fun. Kids need to mail in their entries, and include a drawing of their character and a description of what makes them special, by March 31, 2009. The child with the selected idea, along with their character, will be featured in a live-action segment on the ARTHUR show. In addition, he or she will receive a visit from ARTHUR creator and author Marc Brown at the child’s school, local library, or PBS member station.

The character search is designed to educate children about the importance of inclusion and how children of all abilities can play together. It also encourages parents and children to think about what life is like for someone they know who has a disability.

“We’re looking for an exciting new character, who can show the gang in Elwood City that children come in all shapes, sizes and abilities,” said ARTHUR Senior Producer Jacqui Deegan. “Over the years, ARTHUR has helped children to embrace other kids’ unique characteristics as well as their own, and this new character will continue that tradition.”

To enter go to PBSKidsgo.org. Entries must be received by March 31st.

The week of February 9 will premiere five episodes that provide a basic introduction to physical science and engineering featuring simple machines, like levers, wheels and pulleys.  The five episodes debuting the week of February 16 will explore backyard science, giving kids a chance to take a closer look at the nature all around them, including dogs, birds, bugs, leaves and nests.  This week will also introduce Sid’s newest friend, Philbert, a dog Sid’s Grandma adopts who will help Sid investigate animal communication.

Check your local listings to find when the shows will air in your area.

The new series embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills as the audience learns about natural science, natural history and paleontology. It’s the type of show that PBS Kids has been embracing with many of their newer shows focusing on typical school subjects (Super Why, Word World, It’s a Big Big World).

The series is a second partnership The Jim Henson Company as it joins SID THE SCIENCE KID, which premiered in fall 2008.

DINOSAUR TRAIN is seen through the eyes of Buddy, a preschool-aged Tyrannosaurus Rex.  Buddy and his adoptive family of Pteranodons go for adventures on the Dinosaur Train to meet all kinds of dinosaurs in different eras and learn fascinating new facts about these incredible creatures.

• Noggin’s Warm and Fuzzy marathons
• Sprout’s Christmas Eve Snooz-a-thon
• Sprout: Preschool Musical on a Stick
• PBS Kids: New Episodes
• Nick Jr. Frosty Friday’s
• Playhouse Disney Snow Day Saturday

If you’re interested in getting reminders for new episodes and specials, follow TV for Tots on Twitter @TVforTots

Super Why -

PBS Kids has announced new episodes of Super Why! and WordWorld for the holiday season. They will also be airing holiday themed episodes of Caillou, Arthur, and others. Episode descriptions are below.

SUPER WHY!

’Twas the Night Before Christmas
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through Storybrook Village, not a creature was stirring…except for Whyatt, who has an important question for Santa! The Super Readers catch up with Santa and his reindeer as they gallop from rooftop to rooftop and unravel the mystery of Santa’s childhood, discovering along the way how to help spread the magic of the holiday.

WORDWORLD

The Christmas Star / A Christmas Present for Dog
“The Christmas Star”
It’s the night before Christmas and Frog needs a star to hang on his Christmas tree. Duck thinks this will be the perfect present for Frog, and tries to lasso one out of the sky for him. Try as he might, Duck is unable to catch a star for Frog, and cries himself to sleep. But while he sleeps, someone leaves him a wonderful present: the letters S-T-A-R…

“A Christmas Present for Dog”
It’s Christmas morning, and all the WordFriends are excited by the presents Santa has brought for them! Pig has a sled, Bear has a doll and Ant has a cookie. But not all the letters for Dog’s present came down his chimney. All he has is a B-A-L. Bear gets filled with the Christmas spirit and makes a sacrifice to ensure Dog’s Christmas will be merry!

Air dates and times vary by market so you’ll need to check your local listings.

AWN Headline News

New Blocks for PBS KIDS Sprout | Animation Magazine

PBS Kids will air a new show in fall 2008 called What’s the Big Idea?. The show’s educational goal is science readiness and it will be produced by The Jim Henson Company.

In a sketch-comedy format, What’s the Big Idea? focuses on an inquisitive youngster named Josh who explores everyday questions that preschoolers find fascinating. The 40×30-minute series will be created using the Henson Digital Performance Studio, which is a proprietary technology that allows puppeteers to perform digital characters in real time to create a more spontaneous result.

World Screen – Home

“This show is designed to be education, whereas some shows use research more for appeal,” explains Freeman. “Appeal is also part of our goal; but it’s there to help them learn.”

Taking Reading to New Heights

The kids on the show are inspired from famous fairy tales and include:

• Whyatt Beanstalk (Jack’s younger brother)
• Red of “Little Red Riding Hood” fame
• Littlest Pig from “The Three Little Pigs”
• Princess Pea of the classic “The Princess and The Pea.”

As soon as a problem arises, Whyatt calls his friends to the Book Club, where they transform into reading-powered superheroes: Alpha Pig with Alphabet Power, Wonder Red with Word Power, Princess Presto with Spelling Power, Super Why with the Power to Read and Super YOU with the Power to Help. Together, they are the “Super Readers,” jumping into books (literally) to find answers to everyday preschool challenges.

In the premiere episode Jill keeps knocking down Pig’s tower and he wants her to stop! The Super Readers fly into the Three Little Pigs story and come face to face with the big bad wolf himself. Along the way viewers learn about friendship, opposite words, and words ending with ALL (small, tall, etc.). Both my 4 year old and 6 year old enjoyed it, and especially my younger daughter who is looking to be able to read like her big brother can.

The story moves along at a nice pace, and the characters are likable. Plus kids probably will learn key elements of reading, without feeling like they’re learning something.

PBS Kids has made a huge commitment to this show, with an initial agreement for 65 episodes. The first season which debuted on September 3rd appears to have 20 episodes.

For more see Children’s Media Consultant’s review of the bevy of literacy focused TV shows debuting this fall.