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.

Some quick searching takes you of course to wubbzy.com where you can find links to games as well as several videos. Speaking of videos, there is the Wubbcast which is billed as the first video podcast for preschoolers and now boasts 72 episodes.

Interested in the words to the theme song and other tunes from the show? They’re all here at a blog devoted to Wubbzy Song Lyrics.

Those lyrics will probably be handy as you follow along to the 8 minute compilation of Wubbzy videos below:

Want to know how those songs came together? Check out Wow Wow Wubbzy Songs as the creators go through the process.

The Wubblog continues to update with information about fans of the show. There are pictures of Wubbzy appearances and Wubbzy birthday cakes and the like.

In the social media realm there is a Wubbzy fan Facebook page with 250 members. And look at how many fans are Twittering about Wubbzy. In fact, you can chat with someone from the show on Twitter, @wubbzyjen.

You can get your basic Wubbzy information from Wikipedia, including an episode guide.

And of course you need the gear. Thankfully there is Amazon’s Wubbzy Store which features the Wubbzy DVD, Disco Dancing Wubbzy, Wubbzy Beanine Babies, and more.

“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

Season 1 – 2007 – 10 Episodes

1. Blue’s Farm Playdate: Blue and Sprinkles help Old McDonald by taking care of his farm animals while he’s away.
2. Shape Detectives: Blue, Sprinkles, and Joe are play detective to help Roar E. Saurus find the shapes from his painting
3. Masterpiece Museum: The playroom transforms into an art museum to house the works of Polka Dot’s friends.
4. Away Great Playdate: Blue and Sprinkles learn about transportation when they return a hat to a friend.
5. Music Stars: Blue and Sprinkles create a music act.
6. Sprinkles Sleepover: It’s bedtime and Sprinkles can’t fall asleep.
7. Little Red Riding Blue: The wolf (Joe) is trying to get Blue and Sprinkles’ banana bread in this variation of Little Red Riding Hood
8. Knight of the Snack Table: King Joe has 4 missing dragons so Blue and Sprinkles go on a quest to help him, and earn a coat of arms.
9. Mathstronauts: It’s time to blast off, but blue and Sprinklkes need to find the missing countdown numbers.
10. World Travelers: Sprinkles needs to travel the world to find 3 keys to open an amazing suitcase.

When executed successfully, the meter and rhymes inherent in songs can grab the attention of young viewers and encourage them to participate with what is occurring on screen. Refrains give further chances for viewers to grasp educational messaging. All of this is not only present in Hi-5 but an integral part of its storyline and structure.

While I’m not a big fan of the show myself, my kids get their days started watching. And if it comes down to Hi-5 or the Wiggles, I’d just assume it be Hi-5.

The episode follows the same format as the first season. Jack and Mary are already for a Hawaiian Beach Party. Only Mel’s sand machine breaks and instead the clubhouse is filled with snow. Even when Mel gets the machine ot stop making snow, the gang need the help of Prudence (who you’ll remember as the Music Genie from season 1) to get rid of the snow by way of song.

The episode features 2 music videos. One a gentle Hawaiian tune called Mahalo from Laurie Berkner and the other is The Polar Bear by The Quiet Two. The second of which was particularly catchy with clever lyrics.

And of course there was a visit from The Schwartzman Quartet.

In all a very enjoyable episode that had my kids singing Prudence’s song the rest of the afternoon.

The following is a list of performers and special guests who will be showing up in Season 2:

Performers

Laurie Berkner
Steven Drozd (The Flaming Lips) & Steve Burns (Steve from Blue’s Clues)
Lisa Loeb
Angelique Kidjo
Justin Roberts
Nuttin’ But Stringz
AudaRox
Leon Thomas
The Quiet Two
Dirty Sock Fun Time Band
J. Walter Hawkes
Music For Aardvarks and Other Mammals
Comic Book Heroes
The Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players
Rebekah Jordan
The Mighty Weaklings
Andrew bird
Anne Harris (Prudence)
Libya Pugh

Special Guests

Cheryl Hines
Jon Steward

Cathy Richardson who was a frequent guest in season 1 wasn’t listed among the performers for season 2, though she still does voice Jack’s mom.

Doing more episodes “is a big question for us,” says Dundas. “We’re really not kid’s entertainers and the last thing I want is to be boxed into any particular area. There are enough Wiggles out there.”

The article goes on to say that Nickelodeon will make a final decision in February about the show’s future.
Upside Down Show

A new episode, titled Great Jaguar Rescue will premiere Monday, January 15 at 9:30am with a repeat showing at 11:30am. The premiere of the show will also mark the release of the DVD by the same name featuring that episode and 3 others.

And for even more Great Jaguar Rescue stuff, beginning January 5th there will be a new Go Diego Go game on NickJr.com.

All of this is leading up to the launch of Go, Diego, Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue . The national tour kicks off February 1st in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Children tend to center on one thing, so if he’s wearing the yellow skivvy [shirt], he’s got black hair — he’s pretty much Greg,” Cook said.

The episode titled Meet Blue’s Baby Brother will premiere on Sunday August 6th at 8:00pm. It will be replayed the following day at 10:00am on Nick Jr. and 2:00pm on Noggin.

The episode features everything that parents and kids have come to expect from Blue’s Clues. The show begins at a party in Blue’s Room. The party is to celebrate the arrival of Blue’s new baby brother. But to find the new dog, Joe and Blue skidoo to Puppyville. While there they befriend a shy puppy named Sprinkles and they go on a hunt for special Gold Clues that will help Blue find her brother. Along the way Sprinkles (and viewers) learn about letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. After each lesson sprinkles earns more spots and the audience learns more clues. By the end, not only has Sprinkles learned a ton, he also has more confidence. He can do anything, that he wants to do.

During a time when new preschool shows are being debuted all the time, Blue’s Clues has remained a constant for a decade. Researchers have found that Blue’s Clues vieweers were more adept at concepts such as sequencing, matching and numerous other skills. Viewers also demonstrated abilities to apply problem solving strategies from the show to similar tasks later on.

In addition to the hour long episode, Nickelodeon is celebrating in other ways. A documentary Behind the Clues: 10 Years with Blue debuted on July 27th and will be shown on August 6th preceding the prime time special. It is also available at NickJr.com. Also, the first season of Blue’s Clues is available for download from iTunes.