Actress Kay Panabaker at Sheraton Waikiki Sunday, June 29 5:30 p.m.

In partnership with University of Hawaii’s KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, Actress Kay Panabaker will be at the Sheraton Waikiki to take questions, sign autographs and hang out during her movie, “Moondance Alexander.”

This is our first partnership with the Sheraton Waikiki and it promises to deliver great family fun for ages 8 and up - complete with an outdoor BBQ and plenty of food. Bring your suit and watch the movie from inside the pool!

Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 5:30 P.M to 9:00 P.M.
Poolside, Oceanside at the Sheraton Waikiki

The curiously named, Moondance Alexander is a spirited teen living with her eccentric mother. She is faced with another uneventful summer until she discovers a lost pinto pony named Checkers who has jumped out of his paddock. Although Moondance returns the horse to his rightful owner, the gruff and mysterious Dante Longpre, she is convinced that Checkers is a champion jumper in disguise and is determined to help him realize his full potential.

Kay Panabaker is an award-winning actress who is a veteran of television, stage, and film, and at just 18-years-old is also a UCLA graduate! Teenagers will recognize Kay from her role as angst-filled teen Nikki Westerly on the drama "Summerland," for which she won the Young Artist Award for "Best Performance by a Leading Young Actress in a TV Series - Comedy or Drama."

Younger fans know her from her work on Disney Channel, including the film "Read It and Weep" in which she starred alongside her sister, Danielle, and guest appearances on "Phil of the Future" and "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody."

Kay currently plays Lindsay Willows, daughter of Marg Helgenberger's character on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," while her guest appearances include "Medium," "Ghost Whisperer," "Boston Legal," "Two and a Half Men," "ER," "Angel" and "7th Heaven," as well as others.

Last summer, Kay was seen on the big screen playing best friend George to girl sleuth "Nancy Drew" in the Warner Brothers feature film adaptation of the classic book series, and later on the small screen, in Lifetime's "Custody," alongside Rob Morrow and James Denton. She plays the title character in "Moondance Alexander," an award-winning family film which also stars Lori Loughlin and Don Johnson, and for which she learned to ride and jump horses. That role earned her the Dixie Film Festival's award for "Outstanding Actor/Actress in a Film." She was also recognized in 2007 for her performance in the Dylan and Cole Sprouse film "A Modern Twain Story: The Prince and the Pauper," receiving the inaugural "Rising Star Award" at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival.

Extraordinarily focused, Kay has been able to accommodate a rigorous academic schedule in addition to her work, graduating as valedictorian of her high school at the age of 13, and then completing her undergraduate work in history at UCLA in March 2007, at the age of 17. That made her the youngest graduate on record for the UCLA History Department - which is ranked 9th in the nation. It was an elementary school teacher who made learning exciting that inspired Kay's love of education, and she wants to pass that enthusiasm on to others, hoping to eventually teach 4th or 5th grade herself. Until she has the opportunity to teach in the classroom, however, Kay is content working with young people as a hands-on volunteer with different children's charities including The Young Storytellers Foundation, Starlight Starbright, and Children's Hospital.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP owns the three Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki and the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, as well as the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali, Maui. Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP is one of Hawaii’s largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce. The hotels are a part of the 11-hotel group of Starwood-managed properties in Hawaii.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 890 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/.
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/7680/108/

Qubo has some out-of-this-world treats in store for kids this summer.

Qubo’s Space-Age Summer will defy the laws of gravity, as it transports kids from a continent ruled by elephants all the way to the farthest reaches of the galaxy! The TV and online entertainment service for children kicks off its third quarter programming with two new additions to its broadcast line-up and a new schedule.

THE ZULA PATROL, an animated series premiering on qubo, ignites children’s interest in science and astronomy while the internationally renowned elephant king BABAR returns to the schedule to reinforce qubo’s messages of optimism and resiliency in overcoming challenges.

The new schedule and series will debut on qubo’s broadcast blocks on ION Television (July 4), on NBC (July 12) and Telemundo (July 5-6).

Here’s a closer look at the new shows:

THE ZULA PATROL- Move over, George Jetson! The 21st century's newest space team, The Zula Patrol, has arrived. Stalwart Captain Bula, brainiac Professor Multo, feisty hot-doggin' space pilot Zeeter, the amazing space pet Gorga and twin flying companions Wizzy & Wigg are the lovably wacky characters who will take children on a roller coaster fun ride across the Universe - and teach them critical facts about science and astronomy in the process. Each episode follows The Zula Patrol on engaging missions where they are usually trying to save their own Planet Zula, and often, the universe, from the dastardly hand of villain, Dark Truder! When Dark Truder empties out the Asteroid Belt in an attempt to take over the universe, it’s up to The Zula Patrol to devise a plan to get the asteroids back to their proper home. Other episodes include comical capers where The Zula Patrol explore a solar eclipse, examine if the moon really is made of cheese and explore gravitational pull. THE ZULA PATROL was created to address the national call for science literacy education among elementary school students in the U.S. who score lower than their international peers , according to recent research. THE ZULA PATROL is produced by Zula USA, LLC. Dr. Deborah Manchester, series creator for THE ZULA PATROL said, “Our mission is to inspire a love of science in young children. We hope THE ZULA PATROL will spark children’s natural curiosity about the world around them and lay a critical foundation for understanding basic science concepts. qubo is the perfect home for THE ZULA PATROL because of its commitment to informative and high-quality programming that families can watch together.” “THE ZULA PATROL brings a whole new dimension of entertaining educational content to our programming line-up,” added Rick Rodriguez, president and general manager for qubo. “Airing it back-to-back with our other out-of-this world series, 3-2-1 PENGUINS!, kids are guaranteed to have a whole hour of intergalatic adventures!”

BABAR- Based on the beloved classic books by Laurent de Brunhoff, this animated series focuses on the story of Babar, a young orphaned elephant who goes to the big city to learn about the ways of people. He then returns to the jungle where he builds the city of Celesteville and is crowned King of the elephants. A dedicated ruler and father, Babar and his family experience many challenges, but Babar always finds the strength to rise above difficulty through strength and optimism. Each episode begins with a look into Babar’s present life, primarily in his role as a father who teaches his children the value of people, things and relationships through his own experience from the jungle to the city and back again. BABAR reinforces pro-social messages that celebrate the bonds of family. In one episode, Babar loses his crown and learns a valuable lesson about the consequences of falsely accusing his friends as the thieves. Another poignant episode focuses on Babar and Celeste’s daughter, Flora, who becomes jealous of a new baby and runs away from home, only to later learn that her parents still love her as much as they did before the baby arrived. BABAR is distributed by Nelvana Enterprises.

About qubo: qubo® is a bilingual, multi-platform entertainment destination for children that focuses on literacy, values and healthy lifestyles while celebrating the unlimited possibilities of a child’s imagination. Formed in 2006 by an unprecedented alliance of leading distribution partners and content players in children’s television, including Scholastic, ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment and Classic Media, qubo offers dynamic content in multiple environments. Currently broadcast on NBC Saturday mornings, ION Television Friday afternoons and Telemundo weekend mornings (check local listings) qubo also includes a 24/7 qubo Channel and website, www.qubo.com.

Wall-E opens June 27

Wall-E is a computer animated science fiction film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film, which follows the romance between two robots in the future, will be released in theaters on June 27.

Synopsis: What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn the last robot off? After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL*E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL*E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans. Meanwhile, WALL*E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets an adventure into motion. Joining WALL*E on his journey across the universe is a cast of characters including a pet cockroach and a heroic team of malfunctioning misfit robots.

Wall-E is directed by Andrew Stanton who directed the Academy Award-winner, "Finding Nemo." Most of the characters will communicate with sounds which resemble voices, rather than human voices. Human voices are by actors: Ben Burtt, Paul Eiding, Jeff Garlin, Kim Kopf, Kathy Najimy, Garrett Palmer, John Ratzenberger, Sigourney Weaver, and Fred Willard.

Bonneville: Starring Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Joan Allen coming out June 24

Academy Awardâ-winning actresses Jessica Lange (Blue Sky, Rob Roy) and Kathy Bates (Fried Green Tomatoes, Misery), Academy Awardâ–nominee Joan Allen (The Upside Of Anger, The Contender) and Emmy Awardâ-winner Tom Skerritt (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Picket Fences”), Bonneville­ is an adventure of fun, friendship and self-discovery. The lives and friendships of three best friends are tried and tested as they take a cross-country road trip in Bonneville­. After losing her husband, a widow persuades two friends to tag along as she sets off to California in a vintage ’66 Bonneville convertible to deliver her late-husband’s ashes to her resentful stepdaughter.

This is a story about three friends who come of age for the second time on a trip across the great American West. Faced with the decision of a lifetime, Arvilla Holden (Lange) loads up her 1966 Bonneville convertible and, with her friends (Allen, Bates) in tow, sets out from Pocatello, Idaho en route to Santa Barbara. As they detour to places such as Bryce Canyon and Las Vegas, it doesn't take long for the women to realize Arvilla has something unexpected in store. What none of them realize is that what began as a simple trip will become a chance to rediscover themselves, their friendship, the importance of promises and of letting go. Bonneville unites three of the most acclaimed actresses of our time in a story that celebrates fun, adventure and living life to the fullest.

ELMO’S WORLD: SUMMER VACATION

Elmo’s World: Summer Vacation will be released June 24.
For toddlers, learning about summer is explored in three episodes with bright and bubbly new songs, Elmo and his friends – the zany Mr. Noodle, ever-adorable Super Grover and, of course, his pet goldfish Dorothy. Elmo shares stories about his vacation at the beach and demonstrates summertime skills such as spreading a towel on top of the sand, taking care of your skin (or fur if you’re a monster) and using a camera. “Elmo’s World” is a wildly popular segment on Sesame Street and the curious red monster is one of the most popular children’s characters in the United States.

Plan a Summer Film Fest…and Get Kids Excited about Reading

Check out all of the new and forthcoming storybooks on DVD at http://www.newkideo.com/ Each summer teachers send home a reading list, in hopes of preventing the “summer slide” in reading achievement among youn. Sometimes, it’s a struggle to get reluctant readers involved in the great works of children’s literature. This summer, enlist the help of the SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES™, an award-winning collection of colorfully animated stories adapted from some of the best-loved, best-selling children’s books of all time.
These lovingly animated, award-winning adaptations from the renowned Weston Woods Studios have long been known to teachers and librarians as the finest examples of their craft. These productions engage young minds while remaining true to the source material. And viewing a well-produced adaptation of a children’s book may be the ticket back to reading.

As Dorothy Singer, Ed.D., Co-director of the Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Centre in New Haven , Connecticut says, “Good videos and television inspire discussion and encourage children to think, and maybe take further action to enhance their understanding and knowledge. In the case of the Weston Woods productions, I really think they do help lead kids back to the books. When my granddaughter saw ‘Corduroy’ for the first time, she wanted to get the book right away.”

Read-Along Videos
The SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES now offers more digitally-enhanced content than ever – featuring at least an hour of stories on each DVD release, value-priced at $14.95 srp . Aside from an enhanced read-along function which highlights the words as they are read, new, kid-friendly features include redesigned authoring for easy navigation and eye-popping packaging. The new kid-friendly website http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=25555867&msgid=321069&act=YRIU&c=277010&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newkideo.com%2F provides the latest information on new releases, product reviews and activities for children ages 2 to 6.

New releases include:
TREASURY OF 100 STORYBOOK CLASSICS Thin Pak. This is an awesome collection of 100 classic, award-winning storybooks on 16 DVDs, featuring works by some of the most acclaimed children’s authors and illustrators including Maurice Sendak, Ezra Jack Keats, H.A. Rey, Kevin Henkes, Doreen Cronin and Robert McCloskey, just to name a few. Celebrity narrators add excitement to the stories and they include: James Earl Jones, Forest Whitaker, Cyndi Lauper, Sarah Jessica Parker and many more. A helpful read-along option also allows viewers to read the words along with the narrators.

DIARY OF A SPIDER… AND MORE CUTE CRITTER STORIES -- The title story, adapted from the best-selling picture book by Doreen Cronin, is a sequel to “Diary of a Worm”, but this time, spider is the star!

THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE (Releasing June 24) – A madcap production of Beverly Cleary’s story, employing a mix of live action and stop-motion animation

CORDUROY… AND MORE STORIES ABOUT CARING (Releasing July 29)—“Corduroy,” the beloved brown bear created by author Don Freeman, turns 40 this year. This special anniversary edition features live action-animated adaptation of the original story and several more stories, including tales narrated by Mia Farrow and Laura Dern.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE COLLECTOR’S EDITION (Releasing August 26) – The storytelling and artistry of Maurice Sendak is celebrated in this landmark release.

For more informaiton, go to http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=25555867&msgid=321069&act=YRIU&c=277010&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newkideo.com%2F

COOKIE JAR AND DIC ENTERTAINMENT TO MERGE

Cookie Jar Group and DIC Entertainment announce today that Cookie Jar has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with DIC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (DIC), a leading fully-integrated global brand management company headquartered in Burbank, California.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cookie Jar will pay approximately US $31.5 million for all of the issued and outstanding equity in DIC in a transaction valued at approximately US $87.6 million. Upon closing, DIC will continue as a subsidiary of Cookie Jar, which will remain a private company.

The transaction will create one of the world's largest independent children's entertainment and education companies with an impressive stable of proprietary and licensed brands, combined with an exceptional animation library with nearly 6,000 half-hours of programming featuring some of the world's most recognizable characters.

With this transaction, Cookie Jar will have access to the merchandising and licensing rights to such successful brands as American Greetings' Strawberry Shortcake; Mommy & Me; as well as Inspector Gadget, Horseland and Cake.

Cookie Jar's proven track record in production and distribution of television programs worldwide is complemented by DIC's strength in merchandising and licensing of consumer products. DIC's subsidiary, Copyright Promotions, the leading independent licensing agency in Europe, represents many of the world's most popular entertainment brands and most of the Hollywood studios. In addition, DIC has established relationships with global brands such as McDonald's, General Mills and Wal-Mart. The merger will also include DIC's one-third interest in KidsCo, an international children's television channel that currently has five million subscribers. NBC-Universal and Corus Entertainment are also partners in KidsCo.

From a financial perspective, the combination of the two companies balances and diversifies the combined company's revenue streams by geography and activity.

"This transaction will bring together two dynamic and successful organizations with a shared passion for excellence in children's entertainment," said Cookie Jar's CEO Michael Hirsh. "With the greater scale and resources of the combined company, we will be in a much stronger position to deliver on our promise of bringing the best entertainment and educational content to children and families around the world through the medium of their choice. I first had the pleasure of working with Andy Heyward on the original Inspector Gadget series and look forward to welcoming him into our team."

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with Cookie Jar's highly respected team," stated DIC's Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward. "Our two organizations are a perfect fit, with compelling brands, strong licensing and merchandising capabilities and a commitment to quality programming that reflects the needs and aspirations of children and families around the world. I look forward to working closely with Michael and Toper in bringing our two organizations together and charting our future growth."

"The combination of Cookie Jar and DIC is exciting for kids and families, broadcasters and retailers around the world," added Cookie Jar's President and COO Toper Taylor. "Our combined company will be a powerhouse in children's brands, with global reach through television, DVD, online, books, music and consumer products. We will be a more valuable partner for broadcasters, licensors and retailers with our expanded library, broad market reach, and unmatched capabilities in taking a property from creation to global broadcast, licensing, retail and promotions. In particular, we are very pleased to be reunited with American Greetings—we have an enormous amount of respect for their senior management and talent-rich organization."

DIC President Jeffrey Edell stated, "By merging the assets of two global media companies, we are creating the opportunity to build an industry powerhouse that provides a viable platform for future integration of children's businesses worldwide. In addition to an extensive brand portfolio and broadcast real estate, DIC brings an extensive new media business strategy that will further strengthen and enhance the Cookie Jar brand."

Subject to approval by DIC's shareholders and other customary approvals, the transaction is expected to close by Fall 2008.

DIC Entertainment, spearheaded by Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward, has grown over the past 25 years into a leading children's media company with operations worldwide. The Company's assets include a 33% stake in the international children's channel KidsCo and ownership of pan-European licensing agency.

DIC is dedicated to creating, developing, producing, distributing, marketing and merchandising family-based intellectual properties. The Company serves as the worldwide licensor or agent for brands such as McDonald's, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Mommy & Me, The Beginner's Bible and Eloise. DIC has distinguished itself by building one of the largest libraries of animation worldwide with approximately 3,000 half-hours of programming, including Inspector Gadget™, Strawberry Shortcake™, Horseland, Sabrina™, Madeline™, Liberty's Kids™, Sonic The Hedgehog and Care Bears™.

The Cookie Jar Group is a Canadian-based, privately-held entertainment and education company focused on providing compelling programming and materials for children from infancy to twelve years of age. Cookie Jar's private equity sponsors are Birch Hill Equity Partners and OMERS Administration Corporation (the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) and the management team is led by CEO Michael Hirsh, President and COO Toper Taylor, and CFO Scott McCaw.

Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc., Cookie Jar Group's entertainment operation, is a leading, global, independent producer, marketing and brand manager of such renowned children's properties as "The Doodlebops", "Caillou", "Hurray For Huckle!", "Johnny Test" and "Magi-Nation".

Cookie Jar Entertainment Inc. is a market-driven, brand building company that is committed to children first and foremost and is dedicated to the development and production of quality programming that embraces the whole child, with animated and live-action series that entertain, inspire and enlighten children and family audiences worldwide.

Cookie Jar Education, Inc., the educational arm of The Cookie Jar Group, is a global children's educational company. It includes Carson-Dellosa Publishing, HighReach Learning® and Rainbow Bridge Publishing™. One of the largest providers of supplemental education materials in the U.S., Carson-Dellosa reaches nearly 2 million teachers with a wide array of books, classroom decoratives, puzzles and games, toys, science kits, flash cards, manipulatives and more. HighReach Learning® reaches daycare providers and Head Start centers with curriculum as a direct supplier of early childhood materials for children 3 months to seven years of age. Rainbow Bridge provides quality summer workbooks to parents through the trade education and mass markets.

PBS KIDS Summer Road Trip to Health... SESAME STREET

We're moving and grooving as PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! reach stop #3 on a road trip about being engaged and healthy. Throughout the summer, this virtual trip encourages kids to fuel their minds and bodies by making healthy choices with inspiration from health-themed episodes and online activities. These programs and learning games show kids how their favorite character role models in ten different series live healthy and smart. See more at pbskidsgo.org and listen to They Might Be Giants sing the summer theme song "Get Up and Go!" Our next stop - SESAME STREET!

6.16.08 (check local listings) SESAME STREET #4085 The Healthy Food Game: It's time to play "The Healthy Foods Name Game!" with Mr. Healthy Food as the game show host! Elmo has to find four healthy foods of various colors on Sesame Street before the mouse climbs to the top of the refrigerator. When Elmo and his friends have found all four healthy foods, they receive their big, healthy prize. They get to eat all the delicious and colorful foods that they've found!

6.17.08 SESAME STREET #4089 American Fruitstand: Alan is busy receiving a big delivery at Hooper's Store so Miles helps him out by watching the fruit stand. Elmo and Zoe walk by talking about cookies and ice cream. All of sudden, Sesame Street is transformed into a 50's musical show "American Fruit Stand." Miles sings "I Love Fruit" (to the tune of "I Feel Good"), a song about how good fruit tastes and how good it is for the body. All of the fans and groupies become so excited about fruits and vegetables. Alan's business has never been so good.

6.18.08 SESAME STREET #4087 3 Bears Adventure - As the Porridge Cooled: Telly is doing a "Monster on the Spot" report about Baby Bear who tells the story of what really happened to the three bears as the porridge cooled. Suddenly, they find that they're lost in the magic garden of a wizard who put a spell on them and turned them into ducks. The wizard won't let them out of the garden until they name three things about vegetables. With the help of the AM Singing Vegetables who sing, "We Are the Vegetables," the three bears figure out that vegetables are delicious, are good for you, and are musical!

6.19.08 SESAME STREET #4092 Big Bird, Snuffy, Maria & Luis Go on a Hike: Maria and Luis are planning for their hike gathering their backpacks, water, and trail mix. Big Bird and Snuffy are especially excited since they have never been on a hike before! Maria explains what great exercise it is and how many interesting things you can find around you.

6.20.08 SESAME STREET #4151 The Worm Cup Games: Everyone is gathered to watch the Worm Cup on TV, which is when worms come from all over the world to try and kick a ball into a cup. This year Slimey, from Sesame Street, is a finalist competing against Squirmadene, from France.

35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

Awards were given out at a gala ceremony on June 13, 2008 at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. This year's Daytime Creative Arts and Entertainment Emmy Awards included animation winners and awards in two new categories called New Approaches.

The Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation Emmy® Award is a juried award given for a single episode of a series or special. The award is based on individual achievement rather than team effort. Animators, Background Key Designers, Color Stylists, Layout Artists, Production Designers, Storyboard Artists and Character Designers are eligible for an award in this category. The Emmy® awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation were presented to Sandra Equihua, Character Designer for "El Tigre" for the episode "Enter the Cuervo," Bob Boyle, Production Designer for "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy" and Peter Ferk, Storyboard Artist for "Growing Up Creepie" for the episode "Creepie Friday."" "Growing Up Creepie" airs on Discovery Kids and is produced by Mike Young Productions, Inc. El Tigre and "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy" air on Nickelodeon.

The New Approaches categories emphasize innovative production techniques and the use of media enhancement to support content. With emerging and converging technologies, and multi-platform distribution capabilities, the National Television Academy recognizes that the medium is changing and that content is available in many forms. Entries can be both broadcast and broadband, but the common denominator is quality. The two new categories awarded this year are New Approaches - Daytime Entertainment and New Approaches - Daytime Children's Entertainment.

KIDS FIRST! congratulated the kids' programming winners, including:

Children's Animated Program: "Curious George" (PBS)

Special Class Animated Program: "The Backyardigans" (Nick Jr.)

Single Camera Photography (Film or Electronic): "DragonflyTV" (PBS)

Directing in a Children's Series: "Design Squad" (PBS)

Directing in an Animated Program: "Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks" (PBS)

Special Class Directing: "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade 2007" (ABC)

Single Camera Editing: "DragonflyTV" (PBS)

Music Direction and Composing: "The Wonder Pets!" (Nick Jr)

Original Song, Children's and Animation: "Fetch with Ruff Ruffman Theme Song," by Terry Tompkins, Roc Gagliese, Steve D'Angelo and Glen Berger for "Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman" (PBS)Performer in a Children's Series: Bindi Irwin in "Bindi the Jungle Girl" (Discovery Kids)Performer in an Animated Program: Eartha Kitt in "Disney's The Emperor's New School" (Disney Channel)

Pre-School Children's Series: "Sesame Street" (PBS)

Children's Series: "Greatest Inventions with Bill Nye" (Discovery Channel) and "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild" (Syndicated)

Special Class Special: "America's Invisible Children" (The CW)Sound Editing, Live Action and Animation: "The Batman" (Kids WB)

Sound Mixing: "The Batman" (Kids WB)

Writing in a Children's Series: "Between the Lions" (PBS)Writing in Animation: "Peep and the Big Wide World" (PBS) and "Wordgirl" (PBS)

New Approaches -- Daytime Children's: "I Got a Rocket," Kabillion

Animation: "El Tigre" (Nickelodeon): "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy" (Nickelodeon); and "Growing Up Creepy" (Discovery Kids)

For more information go to http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/emmys/080613/default.cfm?id=9890&type=wmhigh&test=0

PBS Kids Sprout introduces Summer Fun Fridays,

PBS Kids Sprout introduces a three hour programming block that will run Fridays 12 noon to -3 p.m., June 20-August 29.

The block will feature the world premiere of the preschool series Frances, from The Jim Henson Company and HIT Entertainment, on June 20 at 12 noon. Based on the classic Russell Hoban books about Frances, a precocious and high-spirited badger, the series is produced using Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a proprietary 3D animation technology that allows puppeteers to provide movement and voice in real time.

Additional summer Fun Fridays programming will include the animated series Brambly Hedge, Sesame Street's Panwapa and Percy the Park Keeper.

NAPPA Awards Deadline - July 30

Mark your calanders: July 30 is the deadline for submitting your DVD to the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA). When you enter the same titles to both the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) competition and for a KIDS FIRST! endorsement you get a discount on both entry fees!

KIDS FIRST! will give you 50% off ifs regular endorsement fee.

NAPPA honors the best in children’s DVDs, music; toys; software etc. and features its Gold winners in the November and December issues of 40 regional parenting magazines across the country. Great timing to get extra pr for your children and family titles.

Both NAPPA Gold and Honors winners get a full year of online coverage at NAPPA.Parenthood.com, a content-rich site for parents.

Note: no restrictions apply to year of release of entry.

Download a NAPPA DVD entry form here or visit NAPPA.Parenthood.com. For more information, contact NAPPA@parenthood.com or call 617-522-1515 x23.

Children’s Media Use and Sleep Problems: Issues and Unanswered Questions

The Kaiser Family Foundation released the results from their study about children's media use and related sleep problems in June, 2008.

Research shows that most children and adolescents do not get enough high-quality sleep, and that their sleep times appear to have declined over the last two decades. Coinciding with this trend has been the rise in popularity of new media forms including the Internet, video games, cell phones and DVDs. Because of the immediacy and interactivity of these new technologies, young people are using media at times and in ways that might interfere with sleep quantity and quality.


This research brief examines different aspects of how media use may impact sleep. It reviews and summarizes the limited body of research on this topic, including studies on whether media use directly displaces sleep, and how media content can have either an exciting or calming effect on children. The brief also highlights key unanswered questions that emerge from the prior studies on children’s media use and sleep.

For the complete report, go here.

Cookie Jar Entertainment

Cookie Jar Entertainment is, without a doubt, one of the leading producers of outstanding children's TV shows for today's youth. I met with Kirsten Hurd, Sales Executive for Cookie Jar at NAPTE earlier this year and was awed by not just what they have done to date but what is on the docket. Among their list of winning shows are PBS favorites: "Caillou," "Postcards from Buster" and "Arthur." Then there is "The Doodlebops" which plays on the Disney Channel, amd "Are You Afraid of the Dark," "The Adventures of Paddington Bear," and "Wimzie's House" which have all been hailed by KIDS FIRST! They have a host of new shows, some appearing in the U.S. and others, coming soon that includes: "Hurray for Huckle!," "World of Quest," "Will & Dewitt" (just picked up by Discovery Kids Latin America), and "Magi-Nation." Impressive line up, si no!

First, a little history about this company which was formed in March 2004, when leading children's entertainment executives Michael Hirsh and Toper Taylor, teamed up to buy Cinar and founded the Cookie Jar Group. Together with noted educational publishing executives Steve and Patti Carson, and Scott McCaw, they forged a unique company focused on enhancing the lives of children at home and at school.

You couldn't find better visionaries than Toper Taylor and Michael Hirsh. Taylor is among the most respected executives in children's entertainment having led the development, production, distribution and marketing of a multitude of new productions together with leading broadcasters in the U.S. At Nelvana, his guidance helped the company forge relationships with all the major studios, develop ancillary product lines with toy and book manufactures. Hirsh's career in children's entertainment began in 1971 when he co-founded Nelvana and helped drive it to become a world-class animation company. He also co-founded Teletoon, Canada's leading animation network.

Headquartered in Toronto, Cookie Jar Group has teams located around the globe with offices in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo, Montreal, Boston, Chicago, Providence, Santa Fe, Greensboro and Charlotte. In a relatively short period of time Cookie Jar Entertainment has become one of the most successful, innovative and popular entertainment content producers of our time.

Here's a list of Cookie Jar's "edutainment" shows currently available in the U.S.

Doodlebops - the rockin’ band that sings, dances and laughs through a series of fun and funny adventures with band members Deedee, Rooney and Moe. The Doodlebops are always up for a good time and never pass up the opportunity to sing and dance. The ultimate rock and roll band, The Doodlebops hang out and practice their song and dance routines in the coolest rehearsal space imaginable and go from gig to gig in the world’s most rockin’ tour bus!

Caillou. Growing up is the greatest adventure, especially when you are 4 years old. Each Caillou episode is about a simple everyday life situation that feels so BIG to a child. It’s about discovery and imagination. Watching Caillou helps children feel empowered and inspired. What Caillou does in the episodes reflects what every child does in their day-to-day lives. Caillou is an everyday hero and "a kid just like me."

Arthur - the smash hit series is a worldwide sensation and winner of four Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program. Based on the best-selling books by Marc Brown, Arthur follows the adventures and misadventures of an irresistible eight-year-old aardvark whose charm is simple — he’s just a regular kid.

Will & Dewitt. The trouble with being a kid is that there seems to be a lot more things that you can't do than things you can do! Sometimes you just need that extra boost of confidence to push you along. Will, an everyday kid who wants to do it all, is able to jump into new situations with a little help from his best friend, cheerleader and morphing pal, Dewitt (who just happens to be a frog). Together Will & Dewitt are ready to make a big splash in the world.

Gerald McBoing Boing is a collection of hilarious adventures packed into high-energy 11-minute episodes. Gerald is a precocious six-year-old boy who makes himself heard using sounds instead of words. Gerald’s world is filled with non-stop “gags!” and “giggles.” Gerald McBoing Boing is based on the character created by Theodor Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss, the best-selling children's author of such classics as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Magi-Nation, one of the new properties has a spin-off online web-based game, "Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands." This free game features a user-friendly menu system that enables players to quickly manage their items, spells and creature collection. The intuitive interface encourages players to take control of the game experience as they seek to become the best magi in all the Moonlands. Fans can register and play the game at http://www.magi-nation.net/. In addition to the online role-playing game and series, they have a new Trading Card Game that will come out this fall as well as DVDs and a Nintendo DS Game currently in the works.

Research Examines Link Between Children’s Media Use and Sleep Problems

Pediatricians have long stressed the important role that sleep plays in ensuring children’s physical and mental well-being, with inadequate sleep linked to everything from obesity to aggression to hyperactivity in children. However, research shows that most children and adolescents do not get enough high-quality sleep, and that their sleep times appear to have declined over the last two decades. Coinciding with this trend has been the rise in popularity of new media forms including the Internet, video games, cell phones and DVDs. Because of the immediacy and interactivity of these new technologies, young people are using media at times and in ways that might interfere with sleep quantity and quality. To help inform this health issue, the Kaiser Family Foundation has released a new research brief that examines different aspects of how media use may impact sleep. The brief reviews and summarizes the limited body of research on this topic, including studies on whether media use directly displaces sleep, and how media content can have either an exciting or calming effect on children.The brief also highlights key unanswered questions that emerge from the prior studies on children’s media use and sleep. For instance, little is known about the effects of using media as a sleep-aid for children. There is also a lack of information about whether new forms of media affect sleep differently from traditional forms. Finally, many questions remain about the potential long-term effects of media use on sleep and whether children’s media habits are reversible.The research brief is available online at http://www.kff.org/entmedia/7674.cfm . For more information, please contact Rob Graham at rgraham@kff.org or (650) 854-9400.