PBS KIDS debuts "Alma's Way" on October 4th with theme by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bill Sherman

PBS KIDS debuts "Alma's Way" on October 4th with theme by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bill Sherman

Today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS KIDS announced the new animated series Alma's Way (Alma's way) by Fred Rogers Productions, which will premiere on October 4. The series is created by Sonia Manzano, loved for generations as “Maria” in Sesame Street, who opened new horizons as one of the first Latin characters on national TV.

Inspired by Manzano's children's books, Alma's Way (Alma's way) centers on Alma Rivera, a proud and confident six-year-old 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 equip children aged 4 to 6 with 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 audiences,” said Manzano. "Alma's way is to think about things and we hope the new series will show children that their thought processes are valid and give them the confidence to think critically."

The engaging modern series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; his grandfather Abuelo; and their adorable little dog, Chacho. In each episode, Alma speaks directly to the young viewers with digressions and his “Think Through” moments, where he pauses, thinks and elaborates. Models optimism and determination, showing that if he focuses on a problem, he can solve it. Young viewers will join Alma as she learns to speak for herself, make tough decisions, understand how to help friends, and more.

“The stories about Alma's Way (Alma's way) they are designed to help children learn to think for themselves and consider the perspectives of those around them, ”said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “As Alma reflects on things, she models self-defense, empathy and social awareness. She's a smart little girl with a big heart - we hope young viewers think very, very, very fun to watch! "

Each episode showcases different aspects of Latin cultures through language, food, music and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both similar and different from their own. The music is the "backbeat" of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles such as Plena, Bomba and salsa along with other Latin 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 music of the series is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt and Fabiola M. Mendez.

“We are 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 daily stories of her neighborhood. All children across America deserve to be represented in stories that celebrate and voice their lived experiences. This philosophy is at the heart of PBS KIDS. "

Alma's Way (Alma's way) it is produced, written and directed by a diverse team and Latin voices are imbued throughout the series, both on screen and behind the scenes. The series was created by Emmy Lifetime Achievement winner Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is the lead writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios.

Building on this commitment to authentic representation in PBS KIDS content, Jelly, Ben & Pogo, a series of fun and engaging animated shorts from Primal Screen, will debut this fall, following the episodes of Alma's Way (Alma's way). Created by Jalysa Leva, each short film follows the adventures of the intrepid Jelly, her clever little brother Ben and Pogo, a young sea monster always ready to get the party started. Jelly and Ben's family is of Filipino descent and the show is steeped in Filipino culture, including the Tagalog language, food and music of 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 (Alma's way) will debut on PBS stations and begin free streaming on PBS KIDS on October 4th, available for viewing in both English and Spanish on all PBS KIDS platforms.

Launched in tandem with the show, digital content for children, parents and teachers will promote the messages and goals of Alma's Way (Alma's way) Games inspired by the series will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games app. Resources for parents in Spanish and English, including tips and hands-on activities for extending learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents website and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, tips for learning. 'printable teaching and activities.

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