Children and families can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month alongside some of their favorite PBS KIDS characters, with standout episodes from two animated hits next month: Alma’s Way from Fred Rogers Productions and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, based on the bestselling Ordinary People Change the World books from Brad Meltzer.
Some of the upcoming episodes from both series will feature Sonia Manzano, the Lifetime Achievement Emmy-winner who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV (“Maria” on Sesame Street) and creator of Alma’s Way.
On September 9‘s episode of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, families can join Xavier and his pals at the Secret Museum where they go back in time to meet a young Sonia Manzano.
“I Am Bruce Lee/I Am Sonia Manzano”
- Bruce Lee helps Xavier and Brad realize that no matter how angry they may get with one another, they are in charge of what their body does. And in the second story, Yadina is dreading having to go to the dentist. Hoping there’s a way to talk her parents out of taking her, we head … to the Secret Museum!
- The trio travels back in time to meet Sonia Manzano, who’s dealing with the disappointment of not being allowed to go to her friend’s birthday party. To manage her feelings, Sonia makes up a fun and silly story using her neighborhood as inspiration. By the end of the tale, the big feelings Sonia and Yadina were struggling with don’t feel so bad. They, and viewers at home, learn that telling stories can help them manage their big feelings.
On September 23, Monzano is back as Granny Isa in Alma’s Way — and Alma tries to get her grandparents to remarry so her whole family can be together all the time. In addition, Alma and her family and friends get to visit the American Museum of Natural History in two very special episodes that accurately portray the iconic New York City museum and some of its most popular exhibits, so all families will have the opportunity to experience it.
“Museum Day Way/Bronxorama Diorama”
- Alma and Junior discover they have different ways of taking in the exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History.
- When all of Alma’s friends want to share their favorite Bronx places in her diorama, Alma must figure out what to do.
“Alma’s Yes Day/Alma’s Hypothe-saur”
- When the family agrees to a day of saying yes to everyone and everything, Alma realizes that sometimes you have to say no.
- Alma helps Junior and Emi test out their dinosaur hypotheses at the American Museum of Natural History.
“Uncle Nestor’s Bumpy Ride/Grocery Goof”
- When Uncle Nestor gets his first bike, Alma and Junior volunteer to teach him how to ride. But whenever Alma gives him directions, he falls. And when Junior shouts words of encouragement, Nestor rides smoothly. Alma wonders if her teaching style is not right for her uncle.
- It’s a big day for Alma! Papi is letting her go to the grocery store all by herself to get the ingredients for lunch. But on her way to the store, Alma keeps getting distracted by dancing and chalk-drawing, and she forgets what she’s supposed to pick up. Maybe if Alma focuses on her mission, she’ll be able to complete it.
“A Gift for Granny/Soccer Friends”
- Alma is sending Granny Isa a care package filled with all the things that will remind her of Alma’s family. But when Alma puts in ice cream, pasteles and even the TV remote control, she wonders if maybe she’s packing the wrong things.
- Alma tries to get Beto and Rafia, the world’s greatest soccer players she knows, to play a game against each other. But she’s hyped them so much to each other, that they get nervous about playing. Should Alma call off the game?
“Alma Wings It/The Grandparent Trap”
- Granny Isa teaches Alma and Junior how to be flight attendants.
- Alma tries to get her grandparents to remarry so her whole family can be together all the time.
