Curious George Headlines
NJN’s New Season of Children’s Programming

Trenton, NJ – As part of a new season beginning this fall on NJN Public Television & Radio, NJN has added three new children’s programs to its NJN Kids line up: Curious George, The Saddle Club, and The Zula Patrol.

Curious George was first introduced to the world in 1941 and now this mischievous, sensitive and fun-loving monkey comes to NJN as part of a new preschool programming block from PBS Kids. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration, and shows parents and caregivers how to support children’s science and math-related play. Based on the books, the Curious George television series will not only be fun, but will leave kids who watch with some knowledge they may not have had before or a deeper knowledge of something familiar. The learning falls into the categories of science, math and engineering principles. Curious George airs on NJN Monday through Friday at 7:00 am and kicks off a two-hour block of PBS Kids programming devoted to preschool viewers that includes Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dragon Tales, and It’s a Big Big World. For more information, visit http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge

The Saddle Club is based on the popular novels by Bonnie Bryant, which have a loyal following among millions of young readers. The series follows the dramatic adventures of young girls and their horses. Set amidst the excitement of the equestrian world, each program takes the 12-year-old friends on a journey of personal discovery and growth. Targeted to children ages 5 to 9, the series promotes friendship, inspires loyalty and encourages involvement in a positive sport – horse riding. It also teaches social lessons, promotes literacy skills, and is a springboard for a range of curriculum projects. The Saddle Club airs on NJN Fridays at 5:30 pm and, beginning October 7, will also air on Saturdays at 8:30 am. More information at www.saddleclubtv.com.

The Zula Patrol is a thirty-minute program about science and astronomy with character-driven stories centered on a group of aliens traveling the galaxies to save the universe from intergalactic danger while teaching science. The Zula Patrol airs on NJN on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am. Designed to provide early science and reading literacy for children preschool through second grade, The Zula Patrol offers a package of multimedia materials including the television series, a reading incentive program, and a website with information and activities for children, caregivers, and teachers. For more information, visit www.thezulapatrol.com.

Other familiar favorites continue to be part of the NJN Kids roster. Tune in to NJN Kids for Sesame Street, Barney, Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, Cyberchase, Reading Rainbow, Maya & Miguel, Arthur, and others. For complete information on NJN Kids programming, visit www.njn.net/kids.