PBS KIDS Premieres CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING on Earth Day, 4/22

Related: CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING, PBS Kids

This Earth Day,PBS KIDS invites viewers to join America's favorite monkey for a new CURIOUS GEORGE special: CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING. From spring fever to spring cleaning, from a canoe ride to a hot air balloon journey, George and his friends get viewers ready to explore the outdoors this Earth Day. The one-hour adventure premieres Monday, April 22 and will repeat Friday, April 26 and throughout the weekend (check local listings). The special will also be available on DVD and digital download on March 12.

"As the number one preschool program,* CURIOUS GEORGE is a family favorite that brings science and engineering concepts to life," said Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children's Programming, PBS. "At PBS KIDS, our goal is to encourage kids' natural thirst for learning, so we are excited to offer CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING, which will take families on a science adventure that will inspire them to go outside and explore the world around them."

On-air Program Description:

You know it must be springtime if a curious monkey named George is dancing on the balcony at sunrise! The Man with the Yellow Hat is sure that George has spring fever, and he takes George to the park to experience all the wonders of spring. George is so excited about spring that he wants Hundley to have spring fever, too, but Hundley and the Doorman are busy trying to win the Mayor's spring cleaning prize. When a broken water pipe floods the building, Hundley has to stay with George in the country, and George tries to make sure Hundley enjoys spring, too.

Even blooming flowers, baby animals and a canoe ride can't make Hundley love spring. What's worse - Hundley gets lost in the country! Searching for his lost friend, George accidentally launches a hot air balloon rally and, piloting a balloon, sails over the countryside. Luckily George manages to grab Hundley from a hilltop along the way. Together they balloon triumphantly to the city. The Man with the Yellow Hat and the Doorman stage a daring rooftop rescue. Not only are George and Hundley saved, but they manage to win the coveted Spring Building Prize! Finally, to George's delight, Hundley now has spring fever, too!

Online and Mobile Content:

Clips from CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING will be available on the PBS KIDS Video Player at PBSKIDS.org/video and on the PBS KIDS Video App beginning April 22.

A new CURIOUS GEORGE online game will launch in late April. Featuring natural science concepts such as plant growth and butterfly metamorphosis, the game will give kids an opportunity to create their own music videos about spring.

DVD:

Filled with high-flying springtime adventure, the all-new movie CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING will be available on DVD and digital download on March 12.

Images from CURIOUS GEORGE SWINGS INTO SPRING are available on PBS PressRoom. Screeners are available upon request.

CURIOUS GEORGEis a production of Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal 1440 Entertainment, LLC. Executive producers are Ron Howard (Imagine), Brian Grazer (Imagine), Ellen Cockrill (Universal), Carol Greenwald (WGBH), DoroThea Gillim (WGBH), Jon Shapiro and David Kirschner. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLP. Television series: ©2013. Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

*Ratings Source: PBS Top Rated Kids Programs and Monthly Highlights January 2013 Report, Kids 2-5 years old

ABOUT THE CURIOUS GEORGE TELEVISION SERIES

CURIOUS GEORGE the television series is designed to inspire kids to explore science, math and engineering in the world around them in a fun and entertaining way. Based on the best-selling Curious George books by Margret and H.A. Rey, the two-time Emmy Award winning daily series on PBS KIDS expands George's world to include a host of colorful characters and original locales, while maintaining the charm of the beloved books. Each half-hour episode includes two animated stories followed by short live-action pieces showing real kids who are investigating the ideas that George introduces in his stories. The series encourages inquiry and curiosity, promotes hands-on exploration and shows parents and caregivers how to support children's science and math-related play.

Imagine Entertainment was founded in 1986 by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer to create movies, television and other original programming. Since its inception, Imagine Entertainment has been honored with more than 60 prestigious awards, including 10 Academy Awards and 37 Emmys. Their past productions include the Academy Award-winning films A Beautiful Mind, 8 Mile and Apollo 13, in addition to The Da Vinci Code and Curious George, and the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning television series 24 and Arrested Development. Imagine Entertainment has a longstanding production/distribution agreement with Universal Pictures.

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