Philadelphia, PA -- 24-hour preschool television channel Sprout announced the line-up for its 2012 holiday television season, including the Academy Award nominated children’s film The Gruffalo, and the U.S. premiere of the follow-up companion film, The Gruffalo’s Child. Based on the classic children’s picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo is a 30-minute animated film that tells the magical tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut. The Gruffalo’s Child tells the delightful tale of a little Gruffalo who ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the snow in search of the Big Bad Mouse. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, the movies will air back-to-back on Saturday, 12/22, Wednesday 12/26 and Thursday 12/27 at 1pm, 9pm and 12am EST.
Other highlights of Sprout’s 2012 Holiday Programming line-up include:
The Chica Awards – Sprout has asked preschoolers and their parents to vote online (SproutOnline.com) for their favorite shows and characters. The results will be announced in this first-ever live event during The Sunny Side Up Show on Sunday, December 23 within segments between 9 a.m. – noon EST. Join Chica and the hosts of The Sunny Side Up Show as they celebrate the winners. The Chica Awards will re-air on Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25 during The Sunny Side Up Show.
Sprout’s Snooze-a-Thon - This popular annual event encourages slumber to even the most excited child on Christmas Eve. So, no matter how many times the little ones get up to check for the sound of reindeer hooves on the roof, parents can tune into Sprout to show them that even their favorite television friends are fast asleep waiting for Santa to arrive. Airing from 7:00 p.m. ET on Christmas Eve 12/24 through until 6:00 a.m. ET Christmas morning 12/25, the Snooze-a-Thon features hosts Nina and Star from The Good Night Show snoozing comfortably on the set, along with clips of beloved characters from preschool favorites like Sesame Street, The Wiggles, Pajanimals, LazyTown and Berenstain Bears catching some zzz’s.
Sprout's Cheer in the New Year - On New Year's Eve, join Nina and Star for a night of games, songs and other surprises as they get ready for the most Sprouterrific party of the year. Special guests for the celebration include the Sprout Sharing Show House Band, Kelly and Chica, The Wiggles, Sean and Noodle, and the Pajanimals. The party will be encored during The Good Night Show on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1.
Holiday Movies of the Week - Throughout the remainder of November and the entire month of December, Sprout will air holiday-themed movies starring favorite preschool characters every Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. EST, with repeats on Friday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. and either 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. EST. The movies include:
For additional information on Sprout programs or schedules, or to play games, download free coloring pages or find great activities for kids, visit SproutOnline.com.
Source: Sprout