Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > 'Let's Go Luna!' to premiere on AETN Nov. 21
Posted 26 Nov 2018
The new animated social studies series "Let's Go Luna!" will premiere on the Arkansas Educational Television Network Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Research shows that young children have limited exposure to social studies concepts in school. To help address this gap, "Let's Go Luna!" will encourage kids ages 4-7 to explore and appreciate cultures worldwide and build global citizenship and social skills.
"Let's Go Luna!" follows the adventures of three friends – Leo, a wombat from Australia; Carmen, a butterfly from Mexico; and Andy, a frog from the U.S. – as they traverse the globe with their parents' traveling performance troupe, Circo Fabuloso. At each of the Circo's stops, Luna the Moon, voiced by Judy Greer, guides the trio as they get to know the local region and its people. The gang's adventures take them through cities around the globe – from London to Cairo to Beijing – where they explore the food, music, art, architecture and other features that make each place distinctive. Episodes end with the kids back at the Circo Fabuloso and Luna back in the sky, with a reminder that there's always more to see, learn and experience in every place they visit.
One of the few storyboard-driven shows for preschoolers, "Let's Go Luna!" is produced with the goal of providing children with an authentic, immersive cultural experience. Each episode includes two 11-minute stories that are developed in consultation with cultural advisors from each region the Circo visits. The writers then work with storyboard artists to create visually-driven narratives that highlight each city's distinctive landscape and features. Songs capture regional musical styles and instrumentation, and interstitials feature traditional folktales associated with each location.
"Let's Go Luna!" will air on AETN weekdays at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on AETN PBS KIDS 24/7 daily at 4 p.m.
The "Let's Go Luna!" television series is part of a multiplatform media experience that will also include digital content for kids, parents and teachers beginning in late 2018. "LET'S GO LUNA!" will offer a variety of games at pbskids.org and on the PBS KIDS Games App, as well as clips and full episodes across PBS KIDS' streaming video platforms, including the PBS KIDS Video App. A "Let's Go Luna!" app will also launch in 2019. Parent resources will be available on the PBS Parents site, and AETN PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, tips and printable activities.
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to more than 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children's learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children's learning anytime and anywhere.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network is Arkansas's only statewide public media network, which enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers through the distinct channels AETN PBS, AETN Create, AETN PBS KIDS, AETN World and AETN AIRS on SAP. Audiences can also watch on several digital platforms, and members with AETN Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at aetn.org. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).