Uncategorized - Fred Rogers Productions

Posted on November 9, 2021November 17, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind multiple well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, has named Jada Toys the Master Toy Licensee for Donkey Hodie, the new puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures. Licensing Street, recently appointed as licensing agent for the brand, facilitated the partnership. The new agreement with Jada Toys, which follows closely on the heels of the May 2021 series premiere on PBS KIDS, covers the U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The company’s debut Donkey Hodie toy range is set to start arriving at retail in spring 2023.

“We are thrilled to work with Jada Toys and Licensing Street to extend the Donkey Hodie experience far beyond the screen,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “Licensing Street’s expertise combined with Jada’s track record of success in the U.S. and international markets present an exciting opportunity for this special brand inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

“We are honored to be part of the Fred Rogers legacy and thrilled to base our toys on this charming, new property that introduces children to the wonderful and valuable themes of resilience and optimism through catchy songs, meaningful dialogue, and outstanding puppetry,” said Amy Austin, VP Licensing and Marketing, Jada Toys.

“Donkey Hodie is a standout series, and we’re pleased to partner with Fred Rogers Productions to help grow the brand in creative ways,” said JJ Ahearn, Managing Director, Licensing Street. “We’re delighted to be working with Jada Toys to bring Donkey Hodie and her pals to life for preschoolers and look forward to introducing the toys and announcing additional new partners soon.”

The debut line of Donkey Hodie toys from Jada Toys will include figures, plush, playsets, vehicles, dolls and doll accessories, electronic learning aids, and musical toys.

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 and charming go-getter who takes on each day with curiosity, resilience, and sincerity, 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 fetch a ball or boogie to music.

The 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.

During the first 20 days of its May premiere, Donkey Hodie content generated 32.6 million streams, the most for any PBS KIDS series launch in the past five years. On-air, the series posted the highest Kids 2-8 ratings and reach of any PBS KIDS series during its premiere week, reaching 2.7 million TV viewers.*

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 Jada Toys
Jada Toys is a privately held leading toy manufacturer. Founded in 1999, Jada has developed a worldwide presence at retail. Their strong focus on pop, trend, and car culture has grown their portfolio from die-cast vehicles and radio control to include collectible and action figures, dolls, preschool toys, and more. Partnering with best-in-class entertainment studios allows collaboration that has resulted in extensive lines of licensed product that appeals to collectors, kids, and families. Proprietary lines accompany the licensed product to round out Jada Toys' offerings. Jada Toy's is the US based division of the Simba Dickie Group. Visit Jada Toys at jadatoys.com

About Licensing Street, LLC
Licensing Street, LLC, is a NY-based licensing and consulting firm whose experience includes work on some of the most successful and beloved entertainment properties of all-time. The firm specializes in strategically developing licensed properties across all retail channels. www.LicensingStreet.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 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and most recently 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

*Source: Nielsen NPOWER L+7, 5/3-5/9/2021, R&F, Std wk unif, 1+ min.

Posted on October 30, 2021November 9, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work on Through the Woods.
I’m a city kid who fell in love with the natural world as a young adult. My career has included teaching math and science in NYC public schools (my hometown), leading environmental non-profit work in Pittsburgh parks (my current town), and trying to learn as much as I can about the more-than-human world and how we might engage children, youth, and families that live in cities in outdoor activities.

I was working as the Director of Education at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy when I was approached to be part of the team working on Through the Woods. Although I had never worked on a television program, I was thrilled to be part of this project because I knew it was a chance to reach even more families with the kinds of ideas and experiences we provided at the Frick Environmental Center.

My personal mission has long been to offer people opportunities to find beauty and wonder in nearby nature, and then to steward and care for the land and waters that surround us, just as the natural world cares for us. Through the Woods really reflects these ideals, which is why I was so excited to work on this.

What was your favorite television show growing up?
I was a huge fan of Fraggle Rock and Star Trek as a child, and I also spent countless hours in my teenage years watching videos on the new and exciting MTV.

What went into your role for an episode of Through the Woods?
I worked with the team to brainstorm what kind of backyard adventures might be possible for Rider and Wolfie and how they might interact with the plants and animals they discovered in wondrous and ethical ways. After the team developed scripts and visuals, I then came back in to review them and provide feedback. As a trained botanist, naturalist, and environmental educator, it mattered to me that the plants and animals were depicted realistically and that Rider and Wolfie could connect with them in ways that were playful, curious, and also careful. I was so impressed with the writers’ and animators’ willingness to attend to details that would make the show realistic and educational.

What is your favorite episode of Through the Woods?
They are all so beautiful, but if I have to pick one, I’d have to say, “A Froggy Day.” I like how Rider and Wolfie use all their senses to make observations about the frogs and how Grammie encourages Rider to use play and his imagination to help make sense of the frogs and their behaviors. But it’s hard to pick just one!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love being outdoors—hiking, biking, and kayaking are some of my favorite forms of recreation. But you can also find me reading on the couch or baking a pie for some rest and relaxation. I also love cooking and eating a big meal with my family.

As the weather gets colder, what is your favorite autumn activity?
Definitely hiking, which I love to do in the fall and all winter long. Once the leaves drop on the deciduous trees, vistas open up and you can really see the landforms of Western Pennsylvania. I love thinking about geological time and being able to see the shape of the land reminds me that the world is always transforming, even if it is happening at a scale that can be difficult for us as humans to see.

Stream Through the Woods for free anytime on PBS KIDS.

Posted on October 26, 2021October 30, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, and new hit Donkey Hodie, has been awarded a $2.7 million multi-year funding grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for Alma’s Way, which launched October 4 on PBS KIDS. The grant covers a broad range of production, promotional, and educational engagement activities for the show, created by actor/writer Sonia Manzano.

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, Abuelo, 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. The series’ 40 half-hour episodes showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.

“CPB’s support has been instrumental in bringing Alma’s Way to viewers all across the country,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “The series is already deeply resonating with audiences as it helps young viewers to develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of perspectives of others all while they experience the vibrant world of the Bronx.”

“Fred Rogers was a pioneer in using public television to educate young children and help empower them to solve problems. Alma’s Way honors Fred’s legacy of inclusiveness by featuring diversity at all levels of production and is a wonderful continuation of his work,” said Debra Sanchez, CPB Senior Vice President of Education and Children’s Content. “We’re excited to support this work from Sonia Manzano, another pioneer who has played such an important role in the history of children’s content on public media.”

Alma's Way is created by Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and
Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

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 of 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 cpb.org, follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook, and LinkedIn and subscribe for email updates.

# # #

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 October 12, 2021October 26, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

PARENTS Magazine has named Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings as the kids' app of the year for social-emotional learning. The honor is a part of the magazine's second annual list of the Best Apps for Kids. PARENTS editors tapped teachers, screen-time experts, junior testers, and parents for their app picks that were deemed educational and engaging. A total of 24 winners were named based on the following criteria: ad-free, clear cleaning goals, and no in-app purchase offers for power-ups or characters.

A 2018 study from Texas Tech University showed that children who used Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings had increased emotional regulation and knowledge. The study also showed that the skills learned in the app had lasting effects on the children who used it, and that the series modeled positive behavior and emotional literacy for parents and caregivers as well as children.

Watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS or stream anytime on the PBS KIDS Video Player.

Posted on October 8, 2021October 13, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Odd Squad

Haunt Squad/Safe House in the Woods: October 18, 22, and 29

October 11, 19, 27, 29, 30 31 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Crime at Shapely Manor: October 18 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Katerina’s Costume/Dress Up Day: October 11, 20, 26, 29

October 11, 20, 23, 29, 30, 31 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

The Neighborhood Votes/The Class Votes: November 2

November 2 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

The Neighborhood Fall Festival/Field Day at School: November 5, 17, 26

November 16, 26 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Margaret’s First Thank You Day: November 15 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Thank You, Grandpere Tiger!/Neighborhood Thank You Day: November 22, 25

November 22, 27 on PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Daniel’s Winter Adventure/Neighborhood Nutcracker: November 26, 28

Peg + Cat (PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel)

The Highlight Zone Problem: October 6

The Halloween Problem: October 12, 20, 28

Another Train Problem: October 25

The Election Problem: November 2

Through the Woods

Roly Poly Rider: Stream anytime on PBS KIDS Video App

Squirrel Treasure: Stream anytime on PBS KIDS Video App

Posted on September 29, 2021October 8, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Photo Credit: Michael Bryk

Tell us little bit about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.

I’m a writer/comedian based in New York. I got the performing bug playing an angel in my church’s Nativity Story. I harked hard as an angel. And thanks to watching hours upon hours of television (which my dad attributes to why I wear glasses now), I got an education in storytelling. By night, I performed comedy, but by day, I was a creative producer for Gizmodo Media Group, helping tell stories about social injustice, environmental issues, and politics. Still itching to write fiction and remembering how much joy I got from children’s programming back when Saturday morning cartoons was appointment television for me, I applied to the Sesame Writers Room program, and I got in! That helped launch my writing career in children’s television, and I haven’t looked back.

What was your favorite television show growing up?

Some of my fondest memories are from watching Arthur. I remember the theme song to this day, the Crunch cereal jingle, and I even have a framed crocheted piece of the fist clench meme. As a nerdy kid with glasses who occasionally wore sweaters, Arthur was my guy!

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

As the writing coordinator, I work with writers of the show to make sure they have all the reference materials they need and inform them of their deadlines so that scripts stay on schedule. I also help schedule writing meetings and organize the writing calendar. Outlook is my frenemy.

When scripts come in, the writing team reviews them, and then I go in to do a last proofreading pass. From there, I send it out to the folks at Fred Rogers Productions, PBS KIDS, and our production and research teams. When they send their feedback, I organize the notes into one document, so it’s easier to look at in context of each other.

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood?

“Katerina Gets Mad” and “Daniel Gets Mad” are SO iconic. The strategy song, “When you feel so mad that you want to roar, take a deep breath and count to four,” is such a useful tool that I use day-to-day. Just kidding…maybe.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I’ve recently picked up surfing and have been loving getting out into the water and using muscles I never knew existed. And this past summer, I tried getting out more playing volleyball in the park and hiking in upstate New York. Also, I like walking around my neighborhood in Brooklyn to look at all the colorful doors--there’s so much personality.

As the weather gets colder, what is your favorite autumn activity?

Being from New York, I love going to apple farms to drink warm cider and eat fresh cinnamon sugar-crusted apple cider donuts. I get so much joy from dipping the donuts into the cider while a crisp breeze blows through the air.

Watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS or stream anytime on the PBS KIDS Video App.

Posted on August 30, 2021November 23, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how your career led you to work in children’s television.

I was born and raised in Mexico City and have been a passionate advocate of children, even when I was a child myself. I’ve always been interested in the representation of girls in media, including in books, and would argue and question whoever I could about the lack of role models for girls like me. Throughout the years, this interest has grown and guided me to explore the issues of representation of people of color, equity, and inclusion.

Formally, I started my career almost 20 years ago in Mexican public children’s television; since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many areas in this field such as strategy, research, writing, programming and acquisitions, production, design, and marketing. I have made contributions to a vast number of projects with a wide variety of organizations and groups in Mexico and the U.S., utilizing different formats such as film, video, web, games, publications, promotional materials, programs, and VR. These experiences have expanded my interest in the potential of media and technology to promote learning in surprising and relatable ways.

I keep advocating for kids, including my own daughter, focusing on helping them recognize and process emotions as the key to building a resilient life, which is why one of my favorite quotes from Fred Rogers is “When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” I chose this career because I thought it would be fun and would match my playful and justice-driven side, and it hasn’t disappointed.

What was your favorite television show growing up?

I had many! As a preschooler, I used to watch Plaza Sesamo, the Latin American version of Sesame Street. Unfortunately, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood didn’t air in Mexico when I was growing up, but I’m sure I would’ve been a fan. In my tween years, I watched lots of cartoons and some anime with female leads: She-Ra, Heidi, Sandy-Bell, Gigi, Mujercitas (Little Women), Lalabel, and others.

One fun memory: When I was about eight years old, my sisters and I would sneak out of our bedrooms to watch La Hora Marcada (The Appointed Time), a horror and sci-fi series that was written and directed by the now very famous Mexican trio formed by Emmanuel Lubezki, Guillermo del Toro, and Alfonso Cuarón.

Some days, when I got home from school, I’d watch whatever was on TV, such as black and white movies from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema and loved them...there’s lots of singing and tragic stories, which is ideal to create an empathetic child. I think my very favorite thing was getting together with my family to eat popcorn with salsa and watch Los Locos Addams (The Addams Family).

What goes into your role in the creation of digital content for Alma’s Way?

As a digital producer at Fred Rogers Productions, I produce interactive content for Alma’s Way for young audiences, four- to six-years-old, across multiple digital platforms, including websites and games. I am lucky to work with talented partners, developers, artists, voice-over actors, educational advisors, TV producers, and other outstanding professionals that work together to raise the bar in the creation of the best digital experiences for kids. This, of course, includes bilingual and authentic content.

Additionally, I’m in a permanent search to connect with people in the games space; developers, creators, advisors, and other professionals with the goal to bring different voices to the table.

What is something you really love about the show that you can’t wait to share with audiences?

The world of Alma is so rich, diverse, and… real! It gives us so much to work with for digital. I’m in awe about the care and detail that go into each episode of the show and every bit of the digital content. Alma’s Way is my new referent when I think about the phrase “detail-oriented;” my colleagues and I don’t shy away from pausing to figure things out until we get them right.

Plus, I get to work with people that are not only brilliant but that share the same commitment to improving children’s lives. I also love that this show was created by Sonia Manzano, a fierce Puerto Rican and that the team includes nuanced Latinx voices in every step of the process. Personally, it feels like we are more visible, and, just like Alma, we have something to say.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I like going to the mountains with my family; we go camping often in Colorado, where I live. Most weeks, we go for walks and bike rides around the neighborhood. I love watching kids’ shows (really, not just for work!), story time, dancing, and singing with my 4-year-old daughter.

When possible, I work on my xeriscape garden and my vegetable garden. This is a great conversation starter with neighbors who are the witnesses of all the hard work that has gone into them. I enjoy going to coffee shops to write and read good books. I love traveling, especially to visit my family and friends in Mexico City, Michigan, and New York.

Alma’s Way premieres on PBS KIDS on October 4.

Posted on August 17, 2021August 30, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the well-loved, Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – now greenlit for a sixth season– and 9 Story Brands, its worldwide licensing agent, have inked agreements with eight new and existing partners for a range of products that will expand the offerings for the hit preschool brand throughout 2021 and 2022. The newest licensees include AutoBrush, Noshi, and Storypod, with new offerings on the way from current partners, Jakks Pacific, Mighty Mojo, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Cottage Door Press. Additionally, PBS and General Mills are now serving up a Yoplait yogurt promotion featuring characters from the series, with product available nationally.

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is a fan favorite among preschoolers and their families, and these latest offerings will bring the series and its relatable characters to life for them in fresh new ways,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re excited to welcome these outstanding new partners and products from our current licensees to help further reinforce the show’s positive messages and fun-filled learning adventures.”

“The demand for exciting new Daniel Tiger-themed products continues to grow,” said Kyra Halperin, Co-VP, Consumer Products for 9 Story Brands. “We’re thrilled to be working with leading partners on such a diverse range of products so that kids can engage with their favorite tiger in new and meaningful ways.”

New Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood licensing partners and products include:

AutoBrush (Children’s AutoBrushes, dental flossers, and toothpaste)
Cottage Door Press (“Writing & Tracing Skills for Kids” and Colorforms titles)
Jakks Pacific (Back-to-school plush)
Mighty Mojo (Range of products, including “party in a box,” pool/swimwear, sound
door knocker, and floor puzzles)
Noshi (Organic food paint)
PBS/General Mills (Yoplait kids yogurt)
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (New releases, including “Daniel Visits a
Pumpkin Patch;” and “Daniel Plays with Max,” “Clap for the Helpers,” “Read with
Daniel Tiger,” and “Baking Day!”)
Storypod (Interactive storyteller system)

About 9 Story Brands
9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family- focused intellectual property. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manages merchandising rights for top children’s properties, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Moon and Me, Super Why, Colorforms, Wild Kratts, Nature Cat, and Luo Bao Bei. www.9story.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 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and coming this fall is 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 August 10, 2021August 17, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS KIDS announced ALMA’S WAY, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions, will October 4, 2021. The series is created by Sonia Manzano, beloved by generations as “Maria” on Sesame Street, who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV.

Inspired by Manzano’s own childhood, ALMA’S WAY centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. Infused with Manzano’s humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages 4-6 the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

“I am so excited to be working with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions to introduce Alma, a strong and positive Puerto Rican girl who will empower young viewers,” said Manzano. “Alma's way is to think things through, and we hope the new series will show kids that their thought processes are valid and give them the confidence to think critically."

The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her “Think Through” moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.

"The stories on ALMA’S WAY are designed to help kids learn to think for themselves and take into consideration the perspectives of those around them,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. "As Alma thinks things through, she models self-advocacy, empathy and social awareness. She’s a smart kid with a big heart — we hope young viewers will think she’s way, way, way fun to watch!”

Each episode showcases different aspects of Latino cultures through language, food, music, and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both alike and different from their own. Music is the “backbeat” of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles like Plena, Bomba, and salsa along with other Latino genres such as Cuban son and Colombian cumbia. The original theme song, written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, is performed by Flaco Navaja and Summer Rose Castillo, who plays Alma. The series music is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola M. Mendez. The series will be available for viewers in both English and Spanish on all PBS KIDS platforms.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Alma and her family to PBS KIDS this fall,” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. “Alma’s unique humor and spirit are rooted in the everyday stories of her neighborhood. All children across America deserve to see themselves represented in stories that celebrate and give voice to their lived experiences. That philosophy is at the heart of PBS KIDS.”

ALMA’S WAY is produced, written, and directed by a diverse team, and Latino voices are imbued throughout the series, both on screen and behind the scenes. The series is created by Lifetime Achievement Emmy®-winner 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).

Building on this commitment to authentic representation in PBS KIDS content, JELLY, BEN & POGO, a series of funny and engaging animated shorts from Primal Screen, will debut this fall, following episodes of ALMA’S WAY. Created by Jalysa Leva, each short follows the adventures of the intrepid Jelly, her brainy little brother, Ben, and Pogo, a young sea monster who is always ready to get the party started. Jelly and Ben’s family are of Filipino heritage, and the show is infused with Filipino culture throughout, including the Tagalog language and food and music from the Philippines. Jelly, Ben, and Lola (their grandmother) are voiced by Filipino and Filipino American talent. The three best friends help their neighbors – and each other – by identifying a problem and working together to find a solution, often using STEAM concepts and always understanding the unique perspectives and needs of those they are helping.

ALMA’S WAY will debut on PBS stations and begin streaming free on PBS KIDS October 4. Launching in tandem with the show, digital content for kids, parents and teachers 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. Spanish and English language 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 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 30 Emmy® Awards among other important honors. Newly launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS is Donkey Hodie, the innovative puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and coming this fall is 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.

Posted on July 29, 2021August 11, 2021 by Brooke Wehrle

Tell us about yourself and how you came to work in children’s television.

I've always been interested in media, art, and storytelling ever since I was a kid. I always loved different types of artwork, music, books, movies, and television shows and had some sort of interest in how they were made. I found my love for storytelling at the age of six, then at the age of 18 I found my love for creating media like the media I loved growing up. After college, I worked with children a lot and found a love for that, too. This job was the perfect job I could have asked for considering all the things I found a love for throughout life so far! I couldn’t have found this perfect job at a more perfect time.

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

I would say my favorite television shows growing up were Blue’s Clues and Rugrats. Even as an adult, I will be just as engaged in children’s TV shows while babysitting or hanging out with my nephew. I know way too many theme songs of shows that came out since I’ve been in my twenties!

What goes into your role as a production assistant for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Odd Squad?

I love that, in my role, I get to talk to so many different people and be involved in all the steps it takes to finish an episode. I get to proofread all the drafts of the scripts, look over designs, and review the different drafts of the actual episodes. There are always new things to learn and do each day, and it’s a grr-ific feeling to be a part of something so special!

What is your favorite episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or Odd Squad?

My favorite Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episode is “Daniel Does Gymnastics.” The strategy song for this episode is “With a little help, you can be brave.” I love that strategy, because it can be hard to do something for the first time, and most things kids are doing things for the first time! This strategy song (like so many, if not all) is one that I could have used as a child, like when I started gymnastics and dance!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love to write but as of lately, I’ve been trying to find things to do that involve being active or outside! I like to adventure and find new trails in the city to either bike on or walk my dog.

What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

My favorite thing to do in the summertime is go on late evening walks! I love warm weather, and summer evenings are perfect! This summer, I made a big effort to find events and activities for evenings and weekends, which I’ve never done before but plan to continue!

Watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Odd Squad daily on your local PBS station, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and on digital on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app