PBS KIDS to launch new dynamic animated "Skillsville" on March

PBS KIDS to premiere "Skillsville", a new dynamic animated series, created by Twin Cities PBS (“Hero Elementary”, “Scigirls”), that helps kids to explore a wide array of career possibilities while empowering them with the tools they need to tackle challenges, help their community, and pursue their goals. The series will be launched on March 3 on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish.

"Skillsville" will encourage kids ages 4-8 to “power up” the skills they need for future success by depicting the benefits of video games. The fun new series centers on three best friends, Cora (ParCora), Dev (Devosaurus), and Rae (Racer Rae), who love to play together, whether it’s on the playground or in their favorite digital game, “Skillsville.” With each episode, young viewers will enter a world of career possibilities with the goal to hone their life skills, including self-regulation and strategies to help them to feel, focus, organize, remember and think differently.

“Games aren’t just fun, they can also provide learning-rich opportunities for kids – letting them make mistakes, experiment through trial and error, pursue their goals, and remain persistent,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “'Skillsville' will encourage kids to explore these fundamental skills in a variety of relatable situations, which will support them in building a strong foundation for achieving success in school, in the future career path they choose, and in life.”

"'Skillsville' uses something kids already love—gaming—to help them practice essential life skills that can shape their future," said Carol-Lynn Parente, Executive Producer and Co-Creator, TPT. “Our goal is to empower young viewers with simple, effective self-regulation strategies as the tools they can use to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. By combining the fun of career exploration with practical skills like pausing to think, planning, organizing and persevering through setbacks, 'Skillsville' inspires kids to see themselves as problem-solvers and change-makers who can lean on their unique strengths to help their community.”

“Skillsville” is created by an Emmy® award-winning team (“Sesame Street”, “Hero Elementary”) that includes Executive Producer, Carol-Lynn Parente; Head Writer, Christine Ferraro; and Creative Director, Eric Peterson. The series is animated by Sphere Media Productions (“Curious George”). Judith Beauchemin and Marianne Culbert from Sphere Media Productions are Supervising Producers. Olivier Migneron and Chris Fazio from Sphere Media Productions are Series Directors.

In addition to new episodes, "Skillsville" will include four upcoming games on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app, as well as learning resources available on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.