PBS KIDS set premiere dates for two of its upcoming kids series.
Molly of Denali, the first animated series to feature a Native American character in a leading role, will premiere nationwide July 15 on PBS stations, the 24/7 PBS KIDS channel, and PBS KIDS digital platforms. Based on the children’s book series Ordinary People Change the World by New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum will premiere on Monday, Nov. 11.
Molly of Denali is about Alaska Native Molly Mabray, a feisty and resourceful 10-year-old Gwich’in/Koyukon/Dena’ina Athabascan girl, who takes viewers ages 4 to 8 along with her on adventures and fosters literacy skills along the way. With an emphasis on family and inter-generational relationships, episodes model Alaska Native values, such as respecting others, sharing what you have and honoring your elders, while showcasing contemporary aspects of rural life, including strong female role models and how technology aids in communication.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum teaches kids ages 4 to 7 about important historical figures and the experiences that shaped their lives, while exploring social emotional concepts and character traits such as courage, resilience, and setting and accomplishing goals. Each episode is designed to help young viewers make the connection between the attributes that made each historical figure a hero and those same qualities within themselves, helping them to recognize their unlimited potential. From an inspirational encounter with a young Marie Curie, who follows her dreams no matter what, to learning from a school-aged Harriet Tubman, who models courage and bravely moves forward even when she is scared, the series will help kids relate to seemingly larger-than-life individuals. Other historical figures to be featured include Alexander Hamilton, Susan B. Anthony, Maya Angelou and more.
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