Alma’s Way

Weekdays and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on Arizona PBS
Weekdays at 5 p.m. on Arizona PBS KIDS

A new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions gives children ages 4-6 the power to find their own answers to their problems.

“Alma’s Way” stars 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Junior. Each story offers viewers a window into Alma’s everyday life, surrounded by a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family, and community members.

The series is created by actor and writer, Sonia Manzano, who positively impacted the lives of generations as “Sesame Street” resident Maria, breaking new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national television. She received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for her contributions.

“I am thrilled to return to public television and to work with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions on this project inspired by my own childhood,” said Sonia Manzano. “Alma’s way is to think things through, and I hope by animating the thought process, kids will be inspired and excited about what goes on in their own minds. I want them to know we all have the power to think regardless of who we are.”

“Sonia has been an important part of the PBS KIDS family for decades and we are so excited to be working with her on ‘Alma’s Way,’” said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. “Sonia is naturally funny and perceptive, and she has created in Alma a heroine who is similarly able to confront challenges with humor and thoughtful intention. As kids join Alma, her family and friends on their adventures, we hope they’ll also see themselves reflected in these characters and learn new things about one of the many beautifully diverse communities that exists across the country.”

In each episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers, working through challenges and sharing her observations and feelings. The show aims to model self-awareness, responsible decision making and empathy, encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. As she uses “Think-Through” moments to stop, listen and process in the face of a tough decision, Alma reflects and takes action while demonstrating social awareness.

The series will also showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language and more. For example, viewers will see Alma help make mofongo, take part in a bomba show and celebrate Noche Buena.

Digital content for kids, parents and teachers, launching in tandem with the television show, will further the messages and goals of “Alma’s Way.” Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games app, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video app. Parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.