(*Drum Roll*) Arthur's New Friend is...

ARTHUR, television’s longest-running children’s animated series, returns for a 16th season with five all-new episodes featuring new adventures, new laughs, and a brand-new character on PBS KIDS!

In the two-part season premiere, "Based on a True Story," we meet Ladonna Compson, a Louisiana native with the gift of gab. Ladonna charms Arthur and friends with her amazing "true" stories. But are her stories really fact...or fiction?

"We’re delighted to welcome Ladonna to the ARTHUR family. We know many kids will relate to her struggles to fit in and make new friends at school," noted Executive Producer Carol Greenwald. "We trust that fans will enjoy Ladonna’s many stories as much as we do!"

Check out this exclusive sneak preview:

And don’t miss the debut of Elwood City’s newest resident on Monday, October 15 at 4 P.M. on Rhode Island PBS.

The fun continues throughout the week with four new episodes airing Tuesday, October 16 through Friday, October 19. Episode descriptions and airdates below:

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

"Flippity Francine"
When Muffy posts a goofy video of Francine on the Muffington Post, Francine worries she will become the laughing stock of the entire school. Can Francine regain her dignity? Or will she have to swap her cleats for clown shoes?

"Muffy Takes the Wheel"
It’s the 1st Annual Lakewood Derby and Muffy’s revved up! But when she enlists her dad to help her make the winning car, he completely takes over. Can Muffy hit the brakes on this runaway project? Or will she be left in the dust?

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

"All About D.W."
When Emily gets the starring role in the preschool play, D.W. is beside herself with jealousy. She should be Little Red Riding Hood, not Tree #2! Undeterred, D.W. appoints herself Emily’s understudy (just in case!). But when the big moment arrives, can D.W. handle the spotlight?

"Blockheads"
D.W. and Emily are upset when they get stuck with the blocks at playtime. But apathy turns to obsession when they begin building their dream house. Forget snacks and naptime! They’ve got a palastle to build!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

"Get Smart"
Everyone loves HUGO—the new interactive whiteboard that claims to be 100% accurate. If only Mr. Ratburn knew how to use it…After a crash course from Brain, Mr. Ratburn embraces the high tech teaching tool; that is, until HUGO corrects him in front of the class. Let the battle of rat vs. machine begin!

"Baby Steps"
Mei Lin can say "hello" AND play the piano?!? Kate can’t even wave! Worried about her sister’s future, D.W. enlists the help of Brain to determine if Kate is above average, below average, or (gulp!) just average-average…Meanwhile, Kate and Pal are puzzled by D.W.’s odd behavior and vow to find a "cure."

Friday, October 19, 2012

"Night of the Tibble"
The Tibble Twins are having their first sleepover! The lucky victim…err, guest: James. Will the Tibbles lock him in the dark basement? Strap him to the terrifying Flatter Fling? Serve him cupcakes and cookies for dinner?!?

"Read and Flumberghast"
A cupcake’s been stolen! The primary suspect: Tommy Tibble. D.W. gathers a jury and demands that justice be served. Can D.W. get Tommy to confess? Or will she lose control of this kangaroo court?

Stay tuned for more new episodes in Spring 2013!

Join ARTHUR online at pbskids.org/arthur
Visit the redesigned ARTHUR website at pbskids.org/arthur. On the site, children can watch their favorite ARTHUR videos and sing along to classic ARTHUR songs with the karaoke feature. Connect with Arthur and friends and explore interactive surprises on every page!

The ARTHUR website is also home to a variety of educational materials, including resources, lesson plans, and activities, to help kids gain a better appreciation for the world around them. Visit the ARTHUR website at pbskids.org/arthur and watch video clips and full episodes at pbskids.org/video.

Mystery Character Comes to Arthur's Elwood City

The new season of Arthur brings a new character to Elwood City! She's from Louisiana and has a gift for gab. The Arthur team has posted this mystery image on Facebook today:

Next week, the team will post a full character reveal. "Like" Arthur on Facebook to find out who this new mystery character is!

The new season of Arthur premieres on Rhode Island PBS on Monday, October 15 at 4 PM.

Visit Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood weekdays at 6:30AM on Rhode Island PBS

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood joins the weekday children's lineup on Rhode Island PBS beginning Monday, September 3rd at 6:30 A.M.

This new animated series comes to PBS Kids from the Fred Rogers Company and brings together a group of today’s leading creators of children’s media and educational technology. Fred Rogers revolutionized children's media with Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and  Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood continues on this path of innovation, helping the next generation of young children learn and grow in new ways. The series is developed by the Fred Rogers Company with Angela Santomero, cofounder of Out of the Blue Enterprises and the creative force behind the PBS KIDS literacy series SUPER WHY!

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood tells its relatable stories using musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers’ landmark curriculum, and its catchy songs give parents and children a concrete way to practice important social and emotional skills together.

A vibrant animated series for preschoolers ages 2-4, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood features the "children" of the original, beloved Neighborhood of Make-Believe characters from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The 4-year-old Daniel Tiger talks directly to his young audience, inviting them into his colorful world. Daniel is joined by his friends O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday and Miss Elaina. Together, through imagination, creativity and music, they learn the key social skills necessary for school and for life.

The series tells engaging stories about this curious preschooler and is accompanied by cross-platform games and activities for the very youngest children, together with online resources for parents and teachers.

For other fun news and events, bookmark ripbs.org/kids and subscribe to the Club House Connection blog.

Where in the World is Wizbee?

Summer is here, and that means more outdoor activities with family and friends. WSBE Rhode Island PBS, your local public television station, invites you to take us with you where ever you go this summer.

You're probably asking yourself, 'How can I take my public TV station with me on vacation?'

It's easy, really - take Wizbee, the WSBE bird! And then tell us, "Where in the World is Wizbee?"

Wizbee, named for the station's call letters, WSBE, is ready to accompany you anywhere - to the beach, the park, the zoo, the museum, the backyard cook out - every where you are,  Wizbee's with you!

Simply print and cut out Wizbee, attach with tape or glue to a popsicle stick or tongue depressor, grab the kids and your camera, and Wizbee is ready for a little wing-flapping or to pose for a close-up. We promise Wizbee will be the perfect pal - quiet, polite, and patient... no air- or car-sickness, no drink stops or bathroom breaks, and you'll never hear that haunting back-seat question, 'Are we there yet?'  

We invite you to share with us Wizbee's adventures with you. Take a picture with Wizbee - don't forget to include yourself in the shot - and let us know, "Where in the World is Wizbee?" Hint: Wizbee loves local Ocean State and Bay state locations but, hey, it's a big world - you decide! 

Wizbee will be out and about through Columbus Day, so feel free to update your fun as often as you'd like.  You can email your electronic pictures in jpeg format to us here. Please include your name, home city/town, and where in the world the picture was taken. A few sentences about Wizbee's and your experience are also welcome. : )

Follow our Bird on the Wire blog for updates about where Wizbee is spotted, and check us out on Facebook. Anywhere that's most convenient, post your pictures and "vacation log" of Wizbee's adventures. Imaginative pictures may be included in Wizbee's video scrapbook on YouTube. You'll also be entered into random drawings throughout the summer for cool summer fun prizes. More details to follow... 

We give you the wings - how you fly is up to you! So, Where in the World is Wizbee?  Why, Wizbee's with you! From everyone at WSBE, your local public television station, have a fun and safe summer.