Kids’ TV Viewing Just Keeps Getting Better

TV-wise, things are looking up a bit for kids.

Public television kicked its children’s programming into high gear in the past couple years, with “Storytime,” “The Puzzle Place” and “Wishbone” joining “Sesame Street” in the PBS pantheon.

Others, like the Nickelodeon cable channel, are finding ways to amuse and sometimes even inform children in a socially responsible manner through shows such as “Doug” and “Nick News.”

This week, progress came on a proposal to set a standard amount of educational programs TV stations should air each week: FCC Commissioner James Quello reversed his opposition, which could move the debate ahead.

Children, of course, being the wise creatures they are, favor simple immediate gratification over vague and lofty promises.

So while we wait for the big broadcasters to possibly jump or be pushed into providing a chunk of worthy shows, here come two new offerings likely to gain a kid’s - and a parent’s - seal of approval.

“Kratts’ Creatures,” on standard-bearer PBS, is a lively nature romp for youngsters and even animal-loving adults that airs weekdays. “Big Bag” is a Sunday morning show from cable’s Cartoon Network, a newcomer to preschool educational programming.

Let’s start with the great outdoors, brought to us courtesy of the youthful Kratt brothers, Martin and Chris, creators and hosts of “Kratts’ Creatures” (debuting Monday at 4:30 p.m. on Spokane’s KSPS-Channel 7).

Martin Kratt is a zoologist; his younger brother is a biologist. Paired, they are enthusiasm and energy squared.

See the Kratts dive into Caribbean waters to get the firsthand story on killer sharks. See the Kratts gamely scale cliffs, wallow in mud and take to the skies to track all manner of animals in territory ranging from Africa to Florida to Canada.

They have a young cohort: teenager Allison (actress Shannon Duff), who stays in touch with the scientists from a colorful “research station” staffed by Ttark, a wisecracking cartoon animal.

Unimpressed by traditional wildlife documentaries, the Kratts decided that young viewers needed something that didn’t talk down to them but was dynamic enough to be kid-friendly.

“A good story is important to us,” said Martin Kratt. “We personally don’t believe you can make a good children’s wildlife show by slapping together stock footage. The show has to have more guts than that.”

As do the brothers. They became so entranced while filming a family of giant river otters in the Peruvian Amazon that they didn’t notice their raft was sinking. Nearby crocodiles did, but the two made it safely to shore.

Being able to share their wildlife philosophy with children makes it all worthwhile, say the Kratts.

“Big Bag” is a bit tamer but equally ambitious in its own way: It aims to get preschoolers involved and provide some important life lessons, explains executive producer Nina Elias Bamberger.

A bagful of simple items - including a hat, spoons and socks - are the elements that let children join in “Big Bag” activities. But there’s more than simple fun promised.

The hourlong program, debuting at 6 a.m. Sunday (on Cox Cable channel 63 in Spokane), includes a “social goals curriculum” featuring lessons in sharing, honesty, conflict resolution. “All those really good things,” says Bamberger.

“Big Bag” is set in a rural general store owned by Molly (actress Selena Nelson), a recent big-city transplant. Molly’s friends include sidekick Chelli, a new Muppet character, and town residents like Dr. Furball (the local vet, of course; you had to ask?).

Regular features include six animated film series from around the world and “I Did Something Nice Today,” a way to encourage kind behavior. Viewers are encouraged to send in videos telling of their own good deeds.

The show has an impressive pedigree: it’s produced by Children’s Television Workshop, creator of venerable “Sesame Street.”

Bamberger, part of the workshop and a 17-year veteran of children’s programming, is pleased to be staking out new Cartoon Network turf with “Big Bag.”

“PBS used to be the only vehicle,” she said. “Now, there are more avenues like the cable channels. They’ve realized there are a lot of preschoolers out there who are selective. As are their parents.”