Author: Brooke Wehrle

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the much-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has secured a $3 million, multi- year funding grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for Donkey Hodie. The highly anticipated, multiplatform puppet series for preschoolers, which is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures (Nature Cat), launches May 3, 2021 on PBS KIDS. The broad-based new funding agreement covers series production, digital content, station engagement, and promotional activities.

CPB has been a long-term partner of Fred Rogers Productions, providing funding for three of the company’s popular series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat. CPB also supported the pilot year of “Be My Neighbor Days,” community-based events hosted by local PBS stations designed to bring together children and families in volunteer service to their neighborhoods.

“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been an invaluable partner in helping us fulfill our mission of bringing exceptional children’s programming to kids and families across the country every day, and we’re excited to expand our relationship to include Donkey Hodie,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “We are grateful to CPB for their support, and we look forward to continuing our meaningful collaboration for many years to come.”

“Fred Rogers was a pioneer in using public television to educate young children and help them understand and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and develop a positive attitude. Donkey Hodie is a wonderful continuation of his legacy,” said Debra Sanchez, CPB Senior Vice President of Education and Children’s Content. “We’re proud to support Fred Rogers Productions and Donkey Hodie in continuing this important work for a new generation.”

Inspired by the funny, quirky side of children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else. The imaginative puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic, “can-do” yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend who wears his big heart on his sleeve; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young mallard who loves to figure things out; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine who is always ready to boogie to music or fetch a ball.

Donkey Hodie is the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (now reimagined as “Grampy Hodie”), who appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved classic children’s series. The new social-emotional series is designed to empower children ages 3-5 to dream big and overcome obstacles in their own lives, to work hard and persevere in the face of failure, to be resourceful and discover they can solve problems on their own—and to laugh themselves silly along the way.

The series will feature new music, along with reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ songs, that reinforce the stories’ positive messages and fun adventures. Each episode of Donkey Hodie will include two 11-minute, character-driven stories. The series is currently in production on 40 half-hour episodes.

Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman, co-founders of Spiffy Pictures, and developed by Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer of Fred Rogers Productions. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman, and David Rudman.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org and follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe for email updates.

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

# # #

Press contacts:

Grand Communications (for Fred Rogers Productions)
Alison Grand
212-584-1133; Alison@grandcommunications.com

Laura Liebeck
845-440-7974; Laura@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows as a career.

I have worked in film and television production in Canada for 30 years as an Assistant Director. I began as a Production Assistant on sets in the AD department, then graduated to Fourth, Third, and Second Assistant Director over the first 12 years of my career. For 18 years now, I have worked solely as a First Assistant Director, and one of my first shows in that position was on a terrific children’s puppet show called The Mighty Jungle. I loved the innocence, education, and fun in those scripts, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I began working on kids shows regularly with Sinking Ship Entertainment.

Prior to my film career, I had worked with young kids in different areas: first as a choir director (especially for Christmas Masses each year!), as a catechist (at the local school, teaching religion to first grade children), and, finally, after university, I worked as a nanny for two years in London. I have always loved kids and continue to enjoy playing my guitar and singing with them. Whenever we have completed filming on Odd Squad close to Christmas, I have been very happy to organize a little Christmas choir with the kids working on the show!

What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?

Although I didn’t spend a lot of time watching TV growing up--we spent as much time as we could running around outside back then--I do remember watching and loving Sesame Street with my youngest sister. I loved the puppets, the humor, and especially the music as I was singing and playing instruments from a very young age!

What are the steps that go into your role for an episode of Odd Squad?

In my job as a first assistant director, I begin with an analysis and breakdown of the scripts to create what we call the shooting schedule. Basically, I put all the scenes of a script into a different order, which we will then film each day. I have to identify all the individual elements and production needs in each scene. For example, I determine which actors are in each scene, how many background performers will be needed, the props, stunts, locations, camera, special equipment, and art department requirements.

I do this work in consultation with the producers, director, production designer, and locations manager, but other department heads have to be consulted as well along the way. Once we have all settled on a workable shooting schedule and pre-production is concluded, we begin to film each day of the schedule. I am the person on the film set managing the movement and timing of the day and yelling, “quiet please,” and, “roll sound!”

My assistants take care of getting the actors ready for filming through the hair/makeup and costume departments and getting them to me on set for a pre-planned time. My second AD produces the call sheet every day, which is a film crew’s most important working document. It includes our call times, pickup times, scenes to be shot, elements needed for each scene for example, and most importantly, the locations and addresses of where everyone needs to report each day to film--maps included. It would be a disaster if people showed up to the wrong place!

What is your favorite episode of Odd Squad?

I’m afraid I can’t come up with a favorite Odd Squad episode. I really, truly loved all the scripts and the kids!

What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?

When I am not working on a show, I love to golf, sail, and go for long walks with my husband. We also love to travel and spend time in our other home in Nova Scotia right by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. I do still love to play the guitar and sing as well!

We Oddballs have loved following the adventures and antics of the Odd Squad Mobile Unit throughout the season! What was it like filming on-location in Australia?

Filming in Australia was a tremendous experience, and everything about it was special! I have never flown that far away, so I was a little nervous. However, we had a fantastic time from the moment we landed. We were able to visit and film at a wildlife reserve where kangaroos, koalas, and emus were roaming around on their own. We filmed a day at an amazing 1920s-style amusement park in Sydney called Luna Park. The Sand Queen villain filmed with us that day, and she and the kids and many of the crew were able to go down the old-fashioned but VERY steep slides.

We also filmed a day right in front of the famous and stunning Sydney Opera House. The actors, their parents, and various members of the crew spent our one day off walking Bondi Beach and enjoying Sydney’s downtown Sunday market. It was all just amazing, and the whole experience really is a highlight of my many years in television!

Watch Odd Squad weekdays on PBS KIDS.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Donkey Hodie, a whimsical, new PBS KIDS puppet series produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, will encourage preschoolers to aim high, embrace challenges and work hard to achieve their goals when it premieres on May 3, 2021. The colorful multi-platform show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (now known as “Grampy Hodie”). The original puppet appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved children’s series. Inspired by the quirky, funny side of Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie furthers the children’s TV pioneer’s mission of helping young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. The series features original new music along with reimagined versions of Rogers’ songs.

“We’re thrilled to bring Donkey Hodie’s engaging, character-driven stories full of adventure, imagination and music to PBS KIDS,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. “As kids laugh and sing along with Donkey Hodie and her friends, they will learn important life lessons about teamwork, empathy and resilience to help them see a world full of possibilities.”

“Perseverance is a skill that’s of extra importance for children right now,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions, and Executive Producer of Donkey Hodie. “We hope Donkey and her pals will inspire kids to keep trying even when tasks get hard and to face challenges with an ‘I can do this’ attitude. The show will also help parents guide their children in becoming strong critical thinkers and problem solvers.”

“We are excited to introduce young viewers to Donkey Hodie and the world of Someplace Else,” said Adam Rudman and David Rudman, co-founders of Spiffy Pictures and Executive Producers of Donkey Hodie. “We hope Donkey’s inherent positivity combined with the fun and inviting nature of the puppets will charm kids everywhere.”

Set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, created by Rogers on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the imaginative social-emotional series for children ages 3-5 centers on the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic, “can-do” yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend who wears his big heart on his sleeve; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young mallard who loves to figure things out; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine who is always ready to boogie to music or fetch a ball. In Someplace Else, everyone’s big dreams are possible—whether it’s Purple Panda finding the end of the Golden Rainbow, Duck Duck planning a Book-A-Palooza Festival or Bob Dog playing the largest kickball game in history. Episodes include catchy songs that reinforce the stories’ positive messages and fun adventures.

Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman and developed by Ellen Doherty. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman and David Rudman. Adam and David Rudman have produced, created, written and performed on a number of other celebrated children’s series, including Nature Cat, Jack’s Big Music Show and Bunnytown.

Digital content for kids, parents, and teachers will launch in tandem with the series. Games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. Parent resources such as tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.

Donkey Hodie is made possible with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS’ large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning, anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Spiffy Pictures
Founded in 2003 by brothers David Rudman and Adam Rudman, Spiffy Pictures is a creative development and production company specializing in family entertainment. The Emmy Award-winning creative team has created, produced, written and directed live-action and animated projects for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, Comedy Central, Sesame Street and Warner Brothers. Their projects include the Emmy-nominated hit animated series Nature Cat for PBS KIDS, the Emmy and Prix Jeunesse- nominated Jack’s Big Music Show for Nick Jr, the Emmy-nominated Bunnytown for Disney and Nick Jr.’s Parents’ Choice Award-winning Curious Buddies brand of home videos. The team also produced Scooby- Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map for Warner Brothers and most recently created Frankie and Frank for Nick Worldwide. For more information, visit www.spiffypictures.com.

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much- loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Contacts:

Lubna Abuulbah, PBS KIDS; 703-739-8463; labuulbah@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Gabrielle Torello, Grand Communications; 917-312-2832; gab@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is thrilled to announce that Olubunmi Mia Olufemi has joined the company as Supervising Producer for Alma's Way, the new PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions, set to debut in Fall 2021. Mia is responsible for overseeing all phases of production, serving as the company’s liaison with the animation studio and broadcaster. Additionally, she coordinates the creation of series assets for marketing and licensing efforts, among other duties.

Alma's Way is created by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who positively impacted the lives of generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, breaking new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national television, for which she received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Alma's Way gives children ages 4-6 the power to find their own answers to their problems, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

Mia started her career in children’s television at WGBH (now known as GBH) Educational Foundation, where she worked on acclaimed children’s properties including Arthur, Curious George, Martha Speaks, and Design Squad Global. Most recently, she was the producer of Molly of Denali, the Peabody Award-winning PBS KIDS show.

Her work is devoted to building inclusive productions, on screen and behind the scenes, that authentically celebrate and highlight under-represented populations, particularly minorities and immigrant cultures. For Alma’s Way, she has worked to create spaces to uplift these new voices in children’s media. Mia received her M.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers. The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions.

Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and what led you to work on children’s television shows.

I have always wanted to work in the business of storytelling. As a kid, I couldn’t devour enough books, and spent countless summers on a picnic blanket in my front yard absorbed in reading, writing, and illustrating my own stories. And after many more years of picnic-blanket reading, I earned a B.A. in Fiction Writing, a minor in Studio Arts, and a concentration in Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, and turned my sights to carving out a career in a creative field.

When a former professor notified me of a job opening in production at Fred Rogers Productions, the position was exactly what I was looking for. Children’s television production felt like such a natural fit given my love of storytelling and visual art, and I was thrilled to join a company known for creating such positive content for children. Since first starting at FRP as Production Coordinator, I’ve worked on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Donkey Hodie, and am now Assistant Producer on both Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and our newly announced show, Alma’s Way.

What was your favorite television show when you were growing up?

The PBS KIDS shows Dragon Tales and Zoboomafoo were childhood staples for me. Who doesn’t love a talking lemur? To this day, I’m still a shameless consumer of kids’ and teen media (Avatar the Last Airbender and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, anyone?) and am lucky enough to have a friend group that shares that love. Forever a kid at heart!

What goes into your role for an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

I assist in coordinating various deliveries and providing feedback on all assets. I see episodes from start to finish through the production, beginning with attending the start-of-season story brainstorm with the larger FRP and 9 Story teams, to seeing the script through all iterations of writing and into animation and music, and then to final delivery. It’s a whirlwind process, but so satisfying to see the small seed of an idea bloom into a full-fledged episode that families and children love.

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood that you’ve worked on?

I’m a big fan of “The Family Campout” episode, where Katerina and her mom go camping. The strategy, “Families are different and that’s ok,” is simple and sweet, but also has a strong meaning about celebrating family in all the shapes and sizes that families come in. I have a lot more favorites in what we’re working on now, and can’t wait for viewers to watch!

What do you like to do when you’re not working on the show?

Plants are my current obsession, and I find it tough to resist a purchase if I spot a leafy-green beauty for sale. There’s something about the small joy that a healthy plant brings to the home. I also love to paint, and have been recently spending time listening to music and painting terracotta pots for the plants inside my house, which is a nice way to disengage from screens and let myself get a little messy.

Since we are in the midst of the holiday season, what is your favorite holiday tradition?

The holiday this year is a little bit different for me as I won’t be house-hopping to the many homes of my extended family like usual, but I’m keeping bits of my family with me in some of the traditions here in Pittsburgh. My mom always breaks out a gorgeous vintage tablecloth and her fancy china for Christmas dinner, so I’ve been doing my best to curate some fancy vintage items of my own to carry on that mealtime tradition. My dad keeps the Yule log up on the TV, so I plan on cueing up that crackling fire and playing some old-timey Christmas tunes for the day.

Watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS and Odd Squad weekdays on PBS KIDS. Donkey Hodie and Alma's Way are coming to PBS KIDS in 2021.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Kidscreen announced that Fred Rogers Productions is #2 in the Production category of their annual Hot 50 honors. The Hot 50 rankings are the results of votes from our peers in the children's media industry.

The writers specifically lauded greenlights of forthcoming PBS KIDS series Alma's Way and Donkey Hodie, new seasons of Odd Squad and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, a sing-along special of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood created to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a social media partnership with the US Census Bureau and their "Count All Kids" 2020 campaign.

Kidscreen magazine is one of the premiere trades that covers children's media. The organization also holds an annual summit that brings together peers from across the childrens media industry.

We are grateful to share these kudos with our production partners, many of whom are fellow honorees.

Read more to see the full line-up on Kidscreen's website.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Sinking Ship Entertainment is thrilled to announce it has acquired global distribution rights outside the U.S. to Alma’s Way, the groundbreaking new animated series produced by Fred Rogers Productions. The series was created for PBS KIDS by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who impacted the lives of generations of children as “Maria” on Sesame Street. Aimed at viewers ages 4-6, Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members. Each episode models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions.

“We are delighted to be the international distribution partner on this series, and to be once again working with the Fred Rogers Productions team,” said Kate Sanagan, Head of Sales and Distribution, Sinking Ship Entertainment. “From the first time we saw the materials for this show, we fell in love with Alma, her sense of confidence and optimism. We are looking forward to bringing this beautiful new series about decision-making and problem-solving to our global buyers.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with Sinking Ship to bring Alma’s Way to audiences all around the world,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “While the series is set in New York City, its focus on the importance of family, culture, and community will resonate with young viewers no matter where they live.”

Currently in production are 40 half-hour episodes showcasing different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more. Alma’s Way is slated to debut fall 2021 in the U.S. on PBS KIDS and will be available to international buyers soon after.

Alma’s Way is created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program and extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated children’s series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods, have earned 28 Emmy Awards among other important honors. Launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS are Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Alma’s Way, an animated series created by Sonia Manzano, known to generations of children and adults as “Maria” on Sesame Street. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Sinking Ship Entertainment
Sinking Ship Entertainment is an award-winning production, distribution and interactive company specializing in family and kids’ live action and CGI blended content. Since opening its doors in 2004, Sinking Ship has produced over 500 hours of content, and through their globally recognized in-house distribution division, has sold to over 200 countries internationally. The company has rapidly earned a global reputation for high quality, groundbreaking original series and companion interactive experiences. Overall, Sinking Ship has won 21 Daytime Emmy® Awards and a variety of other international awards including Canadian Screen Awards, Youth Media Alliance Awards, Fan Chile Awards, Parents’ Choice Awards, the Shaw Rocket Prize, and the Prix Jeunesse International. In addition to production, Sinking Ship operates a cutting edge VFX and Interactive Studio, creating multi-platform digital experiences and interactive content for audiences around the world. The Toronto-based company is home to over 175 shipmates.

For more information, please contact Sarah Tung at sarahtung@sinkingship.ca.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

PBS KIDS today announced ALMA’S WAY, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions. The series is created by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who positively impacted the lives of generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, breaking new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national television, for which she received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. ALMA’S WAY gives children ages 4-6 the power to find their own answers to their problems, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others. It is slated to debut nationwide on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and PBS KIDS digital platforms in fall 2021.

“I am thrilled to return to public television and to work with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions on this project inspired by my own childhood,” said Sonia Manzano. “Alma's way is to think things through, and I hope by animating the thought process, kids will be inspired and excited about what goes on in their own minds. I want them to know we all have the power to think regardless of who we are.”

“Sonia has been an important part of the PBS KIDS family for decades and we are so excited to be working with her on ALMA’S WAY,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content.

“Sonia is naturally funny and perceptive, and she has created in Alma a heroine who is similarly able to confront challenges with humor and thoughtful intention. As kids join Alma, her family, and friends on their adventures, we hope they’ll also see themselves reflected in these characters and learn new things about one of the many beautifully diverse communities that exists across the country.”

The engaging modern-day series stars 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members. In each 11-minute story, Alma speaks directly to young viewers, sharing her observations and feelings, working through challenges, and offering them a window into her everyday life.

“We can’t wait for kids to meet Alma. She’s an optimistic and confident Puerto Rican girl who models for viewers how to think their way through any dilemma,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “The show is funny, warm, and relatable. We love how it showcases the diversity of New York City, too, and authentically reflects the cultures of all the characters.”

In every episode, ALMA’S WAY aims to model self-awareness, responsible decision making, and empathy, encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. As she uses “Think-Through” moments to stop, listen, and process in the face of a tough decision, Alma reflects and takes action while demonstrating social awareness.

Currently in production for 40 half-hour episodes, the series will also showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more. For example, viewers will see Alma help make mofongo, take part in a bomba show, and celebrate Noche Buena.

ALMA’S WAY is created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

Digital content for kids, parents and teachers, launching in tandem with the television show, will further the messages and goals of ALMA’S WAY. Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. Parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.

About PBS KIDS 
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through television, digital media, and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can watch PBS KIDS anytime on the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and the PBS KIDS Video app, available on mobile and connected-TV devices, no subscription required. PBS KIDS’ large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content, including digital games and streaming video to spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers, parents, and community – providing resources to support children’s learning, anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health while supporting parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in their work with children. Fred Rogers Productions continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media and engages new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly-rated, Emmy Award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Odd Squad, and Through the Woods as well as Donkey Hodie, the eagerly-anticipated puppet series, inspired by the character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, launching in 2021 on PBS KIDS. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

PBS | Lubna Abuulbah | labuulbah@pbs.org
Grand Communications | Alison Grand | alison@grandcommunications.com

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

We are thrilled to announce the O-mazing news that Odd Squad has been nominated for two Kidscreen Awards!

The nomination categories include Best Website for the pbskids.org/oddsquad, and Best Web/App Series - Branded for OddTube Season 2. We're grateful to share this honor with our production partners at Sinking Ship Entertainment and PBS KIDS.

Kidscreen is the leading international trade publication serving the informational needs and interests of kids entertainment professionals. In addition to a magazine, Kidscreen’s brand includes a website, an on-line newsletter, and a marquee annual event that brings the industry’s top players together for networking and professional development.