HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - The Los Angeles-based Jim Henson Co. announced today it will produce a mixed-media TV series for pre-teens based on the bestselling "A Kids Book About" series designed to start conversations with children about important issues.
The Henson company, home to the Muppets and producer of shows such as the "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock" and "Harriet the Spy" series, said the new shows will feature live-action segments, animation and puppetry vignettes "to teach kids and families how to have conversations around the tough and relevant topics facing children today."
The "A Kids Book About" book series includes more than 80 titles addressing issues such as racism, school shootings, gender, anxiety, immigration and climate change.
Most recently, the brand gave away the e-book, "A Kids Book About School Shootings," which was downloaded more than 30,000 times in a matter of days following the Uvalde elementary school massacre.
"Kids' television is all about iconography -- memorable characters who bring joy and warmth to the story and watching experience," Jelani Memory, CEO and founder of A Kids Company About, said in a statement.
"And some of the most iconic, timeless characters in kids' television came from The Jim Henson Company. We hope to emulate the kind of generational impact of the characters that Jim Henson created, like the Muppets and Fraggles, while featuring diverse voices and experiences like we do in our books."
The Henson company will partner with the Portland, Oregon-based A Kids Company About to develop the series.
"Many of today's kids are deeply aware of the most serious challenges and risks that are a threat to them each day," said Sidney Clifton, senior vice president of animation and mixed media at The Jim Henson Company, who will oversee the project's development.
"As producers, we have an opportunity to provide the resources and trusted information, and -- above all -- to inspire the radical hope that kids need in order to see themselves as part of their community and feel empowered to make the changes they want to see in their world."
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