Now, before you say, "well that's not new, what's he talking about?", I've got to make mention that the odd show is only new to Canada, or new to the States, or new to Britain, but most are entirely new. Got questions? E-mail me, or post a message on the board at the bottom of the page. I'd love to hear whatever you've got to say or ask.
As the season progresses, check back at Suite 101's Children's Television column, and read more about these shows.
All about Art - Weekdays at 10:25 a.m. and 3:55 p.m. EST, weekends at 6:55 p.m. EST on TVO, starts September 1
These two-minute shorts by Geniune Pictures shows what it rakes to create an "artistic masterpiece." Murals, masks, pottery and painting, clay to coluring and papier-maché to pinatas. It teaches creativity and a knowledge of art. The young artists talk about what they're making, what materials they're using, and why they enjoy it.
Baby Looney Tunes - Weekdays at 8:00 a.m. EST on Teletoon, starts September 1
Making its Canadian premiere, the Cartoon Network show is of the Merry Melodies gang back as kids. Think "Muppet Babies", and you've got roughly what it is. Nit-pickers like me will argue, how are Taz and Lola Bunny in there, for he met Bugs in adulthood in Tasmania in one of the classics, and she didn't know the group 'til "Space Jam" in 1996. Still, among the four year olds out there, I doubt any would know the difference, let alone care.
Bits and Bobs - Mondays to Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. EST on BBC Kids, starts September 1
Making its North American premiere is this half-hour series featuring Fluff and Stuff, traveling the world in Trug, their "amazing" collecting machine. This show really encourages kids to be curious and explore their surroundings. They often come to creative conclusions about their collections. Real children, the "I knows," appear on a screen in Trug every episode, describing the new-found objects. The premise seems awfully familiar to another Brit series, Jim Henson Co.'s "The Hoobs".
Boo! - Weekdays at 9:00 a.m. EST on TVO, starts September 1
Animated by Tell-Tale Productions, this series is new to North America. This show help kids develop early vocabulary and encourages self-discovery, with interactive games, songs and movement. The show consists of Boo and friends hiding in two different locations (including gardens, castles, and pirate ships) in a game of hide and seek, and an action song to wrap up. Tykes who are already fans of "Sesame Street"'s "Journey to Ernie" segment are likely sure bets to take to this program.
