Sesame Street Helps Children Cope with Serious Illness

Today at the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers, Sesame Workshop unveiled their latested outreach project entitled, "Here for You: Helping Children Cope with Serious Illness". The "Here for You" program consist of an original Sesame Street DVD along with tips to help facilitate conversations between children and parents, caregivers, or health professionals to encourage children to express their feelings and concerns about their illness.

This new bilingual resource was created with the support of Paul Newman, Target Foundation and The Center for Advanced Illness Coordinated Care (CAICC) as well as content guided by a team of expert advisors, cancer survivors and parents from around the nation.

"The Here for You: Helping Children Cope with Serious Illness" DVD will follow Elmo as he visits his cousin Chester, who’s receiving treatment for a serious illness at the hospital. Elmo, with the support of medical practitioners, and friends, helps Chester understand and express his feelings of fear, anger, and guilt. The "Here for You" support material reinforce the message of the DVD and provides tools to assist seriously ill children understand and express their feelings. The DVD and support material will be made available courtesy of CAICC, which will distribute copies to children’s hospitals, pediatric medical organizations, and children’s palliative care programs. In addition, all the materials will be available for free at sesameworkshop.org beginning this summer.

You can visit The CAICC website to learn a little bit more about this new program; and I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on this new Sesame Street program surfaces.

"Abby in Wonderland" Comes to the Big Screen!

As announced earlier, Sesame Workshop is planing to release an all-new direct-to-DVD movie entitled "Abby in Wonderland" in September 2008. This original film will star the Muppets of Sesame Street in a magical retelling of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland". The feature-length musical adventure stars Sesame Street's fairy-in-training Abby Cadabby in the titular role of Alice, while the rest of the Sesame gang joining in too (with Elmo as the rabbit, Grover as the Mad Hatter, Cookie Monster as the Cheshire Cat, and Bert and Ernie as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum).

However, aside from the formal DVD release, this all-new film will also be treated to a limited theatrical run through the Kidtoons family matinee series. "Abby in Wonderland" will be featured in special screenings throughout the month of September at participating movie theatres - check the Kidtoons theater listings to find a theater near you. The film will be shown on more than 120 screens throughout the United States; and will give fans an opportunity to experience this brand-new feature-length film in a fun and unique way!

I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information on the DVD and theatrical release of this exciting new Sesame Street film becomes available.

Sesame Street Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Two New History Books

2009 will mark the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. To celebrate the landmark occasion, Sesame Workshop is planning to release two bran-new books that take a loving look back at the incredible history of the world's most famous street.

"Sesame Street: A Celebration of Forty Years of Life on the Street" by Louise Gikow is a 256-page hardcover book that gives an inside look at every aspect of Sesame Street - beginning with the initial idea for the the show and the creation of the pilot episode and moving through its evolution over four decades. The book will also provide an insider's view on many of the delightful Muppet and human characters, as well as the writers, directors, producers, and all the other creative people involved in the legendary series. "Sesame Street: A Celebration of Forty Years of Life on the Street" is set to be released by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers on November 1, 2008 -- and you can already pre-order your copy from Amazon.com.

Viking Press is also planning to release another book that explores the history of Sesame Street. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by Michael Davis, will take an extensive look at the development, rise and enduring success of television's most influential children's show by capturing the oral history of the beloved show. For over five years, Davis conducted more than 200 in-depth interviews with Sesame Street's key players in order to collect the definitive story of the show. This 384-page hardcover book is planned for release on December 26, 2008 -- and you can also pre-order your copy from Amazon.com.

So mark your calendars and be sure to pick up both of these exciting new books when they hit stores later this year. These books are sure to be a treat for any Sesame Street fan; and I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as more details on these titles become available.

3 Animated Bert & Ernie Shorts on Upcoming Sesame DVD

As I reported earlier, Sesame Workshop is planning to release "Sesame Street: Count on Sports", an all new direct-to-DVD feature, on July 22, 2008.

In this DVD, Bert and Ernie host ESSN (Ernie's Sports Show News). The duo show a variety of segments that teach math through the fun and exciting world of sports. Count von Count plays golf and races in the Transylvania 300. Prairie Dawn shows off her soccer skills and joins Dominic Dawes for a little gymnastics. Grover explains "short" and "tall" with the help of Vince Carter. And Elmo plays a game of imaginary tennis with Venus Williams.

In addition to the 44-minute sport-based feature, I have been told on good authority that the DVD will also include three never-before-seen episodes of "Bert & Ernie's Great Adventures". Each five-minute short stars Bert and Ernie as they share stories from their past adventures. Each adventure is brought to life with imaginative clay-animation, as viewers are transported into the vibrant world of the duo's imagination where their stories spring to life. While these all-new shorts are planned to receive distribution through international television outlets later this year, the series is only planned to reach American audiences as bonus features on various Sesame Street DVD releases -so you'll want to check out "Sesame Street: Count on Sports" to see this new series.

"Sesame Street: Count on Sports" is already up for pre-ordering at many online retailers, so you can reserve your copy today! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on this, and other Sesame Street, titles as more details are available.

Play With Me Sesame Get's Healthy on New DVD

Sesame Street fans will be excited to hear that Genius Products is planning to release another "Play with Me Sesame" DVD in August. "Play With Me Sesame" is like having a personal play date with the Sesame Street gang. Mixing classic Sesame Street clips with all-new games and activities, the series promotes play, participation and fun.

The Sesame Street Muppets will engage viewers while teaching healthy habits in "Play With Me Sesame: Furry, Fun and Healthy Too". Material will cover such topics as exercise, brushing teeth, eating right and getting plenty of rest. Viewers will be able to move and groove with personal trainer Grover, visit the dentist with Frazzle, and play Bert's 'Oatmeal Game.' The 50-minute DVD will hit stores on August 12, 2008, and also include an exclusive bonus CD-ROM full of interactive Sesame Street fun.

So if you're a Sesame fan you want to be sure to pick up this exciting DVD when it hit stores in August. I will keep you posted with more news on the future of "Play with Me Sesame" on DVD as more information surfaces.

Two Sesame Music Reissues Coming in June

Continuing their recent partnership with Sesame Workshop, KOCH Records has announced plans to re-releases two classic Sesame Street albums - "Hot! Hot! Hot! Dance Songs" and "The Best of Elmo" - on CD later this summer. These currently out-of-print albums are among Sesame Street's best selling audio releases and feature hours of great Sesame Street music. Both albums are set to be hit store shelves on June 24, 2008. These new CD releases have been updated with new artwork matching the new look of Sesame Workshop consumer products and CDs, and each CD will include a color booklet contain the lyrics to all the songs!

KOCH is planning more Sesame Street releases and, as always, I will keep you updated as information on future album releases surface. So be sure to pick up these albums when they hit stores in June (and with a suggested retail price around $10 each, how can you say no?). Below is a copy of the official track listing for each of these titles.

	Hot! Hot! Hot! Dance Songs 1. Hot, Hot, Hot 2. Cat Had a Birthday 3. Doing the Penguin 4. Me Lost Me Cookie at the Disco 5. No-No-No! 6. Silly Squirrel Dance 7. Lambaba! 8. New Way to Walk 9. Do de Rubber Duck 10. Happy Tappin' With Elmo 11. Do the Dog 12. Mambo I, I, I 13. Clucky Clucky Chicken 14. Do the Benny Hop 15. Macarena
	The Best of Elmo 1. Sesame Street Theme 2. Elmo's Song 3. Happy Tappin' with Elmo 4. One Fine Face 5. Off to School 6. Elmo Wrote His Name 7. Splish Splash 8. Imagination 9. Drive My Car 10. Be Doodle Dee Dum 11. Elmo's Rap Alphabet 12. In Your Imagination 13. Take a Breath 14. Just One Person 15. Sing

Rosita to Appear on CBS and ABC this Weekend

Rosita, the loveable Muppet of Sesame Street fame, will be making several morning talk show appearances this weekend in an effort to promote the recent launch of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes" initiative.

Rosita will first appear with Sesame Workshop CEO Gary Knell on CBS' "The Early Show" on Saturday, May 3rd at 9:25am to talk about the "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative.

Rosita will then make an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America: Weekend Edition" on Sunday, May 4th at 7:30am to chat with Lee Woodruff about the new TLC programs. "Good Morning America" will also air an interview with Dr. Jeanette Betancourt (Sesame Workshop Vice President for Education, Research and Outreach) and a real military family that benefited from from the TLC programs.

So check your local listings for details, and be sure to tune in this weekend to catch Rosita on "The Early Show" and "Good Morning America".

Sesame Street Sweeps the 35th Daytime Emmy Nominations

Earlier today the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 35th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television, and Sesame Street has (yet again) received an impressive amount of nominations. This year the series earned a remarkable 13 nominations – including the nomination of Kevin Clash for outstanding performer in a children's series. This year's ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC on Friday, June 20th, from Hollywood’s famed Kodak Theatre (8:00pm ET).

Sesame Street's 2008 Daytime Emmy Nominations
• Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series
• Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series (for Kevin Clash as Elmo)
• Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series
• Outstanding Directing in a Children's Series
• Outstanding Original Song in a Children's/Animated Series (for "Get Up, Get Out!")
• Outstanding Original Song in a Children's/Animated Series (for "See the Signs")
• Outstanding Achievement in Main Title Design
• Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling
• Outstanding Achievement in Makeup
• Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction
• Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing - Live Action and Animation
• Outstanding Achievement in Multiple Camera Editing
• Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control

For the complete list of nominees, be sure to check out the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' official website at emmyonline.org; and don't forget to catch the 35th Annual Daytime Emmys to see how many awards Sesame Street will take home this year. We congratulate the entire Sesame Street family on their remarkable achievements and wish them the best of luck at the Emmy ceremony in June.

Sesame Place Prepares for Summer '08

Sesame Place, the nation's first and only theme park based on the wonderful world of Sesame Street, is preparing for another season of guests, attractions, shows, and excitement. Located in Langhorne, PA (just outide Philadelphia), the park features more than 14 acres of fantastic fun for the whole family.

Sesame Place has a batch of new surprises for the 2008 season - including an brand new Sesame Street-themed carousel. The park will debut the new "Sunny Day Carousel" next month. Located in the center of the park, the carousel will feature 36 custom-created colorful, Muppet-like horses, two Snuffleupagus benches, plenty of Sesame Street music and all your favorite characters. The 2008 season will also feature some special in-park stars such as animal expert Jack Hanna (May 10 & 11), Sesame Street's Bob McGrath (May 31 & June 1) and Disney Channel's Christy Carlson Romano (June 7 & 8).

Sesame Place offers all sorts of stimulating activities and attractions – including exhilarating water attractions, the thrilling rollercoasters, interactive playlands, live stage shows, daily parades, personal character meet-and-greet, Sesame Street-themed shops and stall, and a life-size replica of the one and only Sesame Street that visitors can actually explore and experience firsthand.

Sesame Place opens for their 28th summer season on May 3, 2008! To learn more about the park visit SesamePlace.com or call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO.

Oscar the Grouch Celebrates Earth Day on Sprout Morning Show

Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch is set to make a special appearance on Sprout's live morning program, "The Sunny Side Up Show", on April 24, 2008. Oscar (performed by Caroll Spinney) will be joining hosts Sean and Chica the Chicken on the live show as part of their week-long Earth Day celebration.

Oscar is isn't the first "Sesame Street" star to appear on "The Sunny Side Up Show", Big Bird appeared as a co-host on the program last fall, and Prairie Dawn made a Valentine's Day appearance earlier this year. "The Sunny Side Up Show" airs on the PBS KIDS Sprout television network from 9:00am to 12:00pm ET (check listings for details). So if you get Sprout and you're a Grouch fan, be sure to tune in on Thursday to see this special Muppet appearance.

Sesame Street Enters Season 39 in Hi-Def

Since its 1969 debut, Sesame Street has helped entertain and educate audiences around the world. In the US alone, approximately 8-million people tune in to visit the street each week and there are over 74-million "graduates" of the program. Sesame Street is now entering its 39th season, set to debut on PBS on August 11, 2008.

The upcoming season will be produced in high-definition. Sesame Workshop has gone HD with the help of Sony, who is supplying the show with the hi-def cameras and equipment. Now audiences will be able to experience the world of Sesame Street in a whole new way - seeing the detailed textures of the Muppet monsters' fur and each of Big Bird's bright yellow feathers.

"What has been so special about Sesame Street all these years is that it reflects a real inner-city community" said Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer of Sesame Street; "The decision to shoot in HD has been so exciting because it has brought the Street to life, making our neighborhood of adults, children, monsters, grouches and 8-foot birds come alive."

Big Bird, Oscar, Cookie Monster, the Count, Grover, Bert, Ernie, Snuffy, Telly, Rosita, Baby Bear, Zoe, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the gang will return this season with a whole new set of adventures, lessons, songs, games and sketches. The season will also introduce Leela, a new human character on the street. Performed by Nitya Vidyasagar, Leela will run the local laundromat.

Ever since the first episode in 1969, celebrities have been a featured part of the show. This season will be no exception as several big name stars have already recorded appearances for the new season of Sesame Street. Sandra Oh will visit Cookie Monster in the role of the Cookie Fairy, and Neil Patrick Harris is said to appear as the "Fairy Shoe Person". Brian Williams will appear to report on an epidemic of selfishness on Sesame Street. Rapper/actor LL Cool J will appear in a segment with Oscar, Elmo and Abby Cadabby; and singer/songwriter Feist will sing a variation of her hit song "1234", reworked as "1234 Monsters Crawling 'Cross the Floor".

Hopefully this information will help tide you over until the season premiere in August (or at least until more information is released). So mark August 11th on your calendars (consult your local listings for details on air times in your area) and prepare for a hi-def season of adventures, education and fun from your friends on Sesame Street! I will keep you updated with information and details on the upcoming season as I get them.

Sesame Street Resource Video Helps Military Families Deal with Change

Sesame Workshop is planning to launch the second phase of the "Talk, Listen, Connect" program later this month. The program, including an all-new resource video, is designed to help military families deal with serious issues that affect the children of injured military veterans.

The second phase, entitled "Deployments, Homecomings, Changes", will help families who are now dealing with multiple deployments and parents returning with serious injuries.

More than a million children have parents who are in the military and have been deployed in the last six years; in 2006 Sesame Workshop produced a special video designed to help military families cope with the strains of deployment. Today more than 18,000 military personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan have been wounded or seriously injured; Sesame Workshop plans to give support to families that now have to deal with the reality and serious effects of these situations.

In the new video production, Muppet monster Rosita struggles to cope when her father, Ricardo, returns home in a wheelchair. The video will feature Rosita and her parents; along with Elmo and his "military dad", Louie Monster.

Sesame Workshop will begin to distribute the free video and resource pack to military starting on April 29, 2008. Sesame Workshop also plans to make the new video and resources available, for free, via the internet.

For more information on the "Talk, Listen, Connect" series, and to view the first set of resource videos ("Talk, Listen, Connect" and "When Parents are Deployed"), be sure to visit the initiative's official website. I'll keep you updated as more information on this, and other Sesame Street projects, surface.

Henson's Fantastic World Come to Louisiana

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" opened last week at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The traveling exhibit, which gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson, is now on the third stop of its a four-year, 12-city national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

In conjunction with the exhibit's Louisiana debut, the museum has produced a unique audio tour to accompany the displays. The special audio podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life and creations of Jim Henson. The 38-minute tour features personal insights from Karen Falk, Craig Shemin, and Cheryl Henson; plus appearances by Dave Goelz and the Great Gonzo. You can download the entire 22 chapter audio podcast for free via the Smithsonian's podcast website or through the iTunes Store. This set of MP3s provides listeners unique insights on the creations and displays found within the exhibit.

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be on display in Louisiana until June 22th, at which point it will head off to the Smithsonian's International Gallery in Washington DC (where it will be open from July 12 - October 5). For more information on the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and the Henson exhibit visit the museum's website at Lasm.org; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete four-year tour schedule.

K'NEX meets Sesame Street

This summer KID K'NEX will expand their product line with a brand-new series of play sets featuring the lovable Muppets of "Sesame Street". KID K'NEX products allow kids to build a world of fun and imaginative characters. Each "Sesame Street" play set set will include colorful, oversized building pieces that will allow you to construct and recreate your favorite "Sesame Street" character (or use your imagination to mix-and-match part to create your own unique creature).

The series will launch with five new KID K'NEX building sets. The basic building sets include "Abby Cadabby", "Bert & Ernie", "Grover/Super Grover", "Cookie Monster & Hooper's Store", and "Elmo and his piano". Aside from just the standard character parts, each set also includes accessories and fun activity cards featuring additional building ideas and character variations that can be constructed with the parts.

K'NEX is also planning to release an accompanying series of "Sesame Street" Lid Kids canister – including "Oscar the Grouch", "Cookie Monster", "Elmo", and "Ernie". Each Lid Kids canister features the colorful, oversized, easy-snap KID K'NEX pieces in a fun-faced container. These uniquely packed sets also include fun stickers and an educational activity sheet along with all the nessesary character building pieces. Each canister will be released with a suggested retail price of just $10.99.

The first wave of "Sesame Street" KID K'NEX building sets will be available in July 2008 at retail stores nationwide. KID K'NEX building sets are designed for children ages 2-5 years. I will keep you updated as information on these exciting and creative new toys continues to surface.

Count on Sports with Sesame Street

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning an all-new DVD release entitled "Sesame Street: Count on Sports". This new Sesame Street DVD will teach math through the fun and exciting world of sports! Hitting stores on July 22, 2008, this DVD will feature the Muppets of Sesame Street with such guest stars as gymnast Dominique Dawes and NBA player Vince Carter. This 44-minute DVD will feature your favorite Sesame Street friends as they host a variety of sport-themed segments that promote mathmatical concepts - such as counting, shapes, and such critical concepts such as over/under and forward/backwards.

Grover and Vince Carter demonstrate "short" and "tall"; Prairie Dawn shows off her soccer skills and joins Dominic Dawes for a little gymnastics; the Count plays golf and races in the Transylvania 300; Elmo challenges Venus Williams to a game of imaginary tennis; and Ernie hosts ESSN (Ernie’s Sports Show News). I've also been told that the DVD will also include a bonus segment featuring Elmo with players of the 2007 New York Jets as a special DVD bonus feature.

This entertaining and educational DVD is already available for pre-ordering at many online retailers, so reserve your copy today! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on this, and other Sesame Street, titles as more details are available.

New "Sesame Street" Film Coming to Theaters

As announced earlier, a brand-new direct-to-DVD movie entitled "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" will be released on May 13, 2008. This original film, written and directed by Muppeteer Joey Mazzarino, will feature Elmo, Telly and Abby Cadabby as they take in-depth and imaginative look at dinosaurs. Viewers will also get to see what would happen if Elmo, Telly and Abby became dinosaurs themselves! Featuring all-new songs and tons of prehistoric fun, this 40-minute film is sure to be a treat for any Sesame Street fan.

But aside from a DVD release, the all-new "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" special will be treated to a limited theatrical run at select movie theatres through Kidtoons, a family matinee series. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!" will be featured in special screenings throughout the month of May at participating Kidtoons movie theatres. The Kidtoons movie series provide a fun family experience including special cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before each feature. You'll want to check the Kidtoons theater listings to find a theater near you, as "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" will be the main feature at the Kidtoons screenings in May 2008. This is a unique opportunity for fans to see this brand-new film up on the big screen and experience all the gigantic Sesame Street fun in a larger-than-life way.

The DVD will include the animated song "If Elmo Had A Dinosaur" plus a special dinosaur edition of "Journey To Ernie" as a bonus feature. You can pre-order your copy of "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" at Amazon.com for the low price of just $12.99 or just wait to pick up a copy in stores on May 13th. I'll be sure to keep you updated if more information on this upcoming Sesame Street feature surfaces.

New Book to Chronicle the History of Sesame Street

Viking Press is planning to release an new book that explores the incredible history of the world's most famous street. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" will chronicle the inspiring 40-year history of Sesame Street. The book, authored by former TV Guide editor Michael J. Davis, will take an extensive look at the development, rise and enduring success of television's most influential children's show. This 384-page hardcover book will be released by Viking Press later this year -- tentatively planned to hit store shelves in December 2008. For more than five years, Davis has conducted over 200 in-depth interviews with Sesame Street's key players in order to collect the definitive story of this beloved show. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" is sure to be a treat for any fan of Sesame Street, and I'll be sure to keep you updated as more details on this exciting book continue to surface.

Sesame Street DVDs Coming Your Way!

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products have a slue of exciting new DVD titles planned for release later this year. I've got some exclusive scoops on several of these upcoming DVD titles - including a first look at some of the cover art. These DVDs have it all - dinosaurs, saving the planet, summer vacations, Christmas celebrations, and a magical trip to Wonderland!

As reported earlier, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Telly Monster will explore the subject of dinosaurs in an all new direct-to-DVD production, appropriately titled. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs!". This DVD will show the adventures of the Elmo, Abby and Telly as the power of imagination allows the trio to see what it would be like to be dinosaurs. The 40-minute DVD will feature all new content, including the animated song "If Elmo Had a Dinosaur" plus a dinosaur-themed installement of "Journey to Ernie" as a bonus feature. "Sesame Street: Dinosaurs" is planned for released on May 13, 2008 and will be available wherever Sesame Street DVDs are sold.

Sesame Workshop is partnering with Wal-Mart to release a new DVD this spring. Elmo, Zoe, Baby Bear, Papa Bear and others will explore environmentalism in a new direct-to-DVD production which is also set for release on May 13, 2008. This new DVD, entitled "Sesame Street: Love the Earth!", will focus on ways to make a difference and become environmentally conscientious. This particular DVD will be exclusive to Wal-Mart and Sam's Club (if you don't have a Wal-Mart nearby, can always order a copy through Walmart.com).

As reported earlier, a trio of "Elmo's World" episodes will become available on June 24, 2008 with the release of "Elmo's World: Summer Vacation". This 51-minute DVD will feature three previously unreleased episodes of "Elmo's World" - the beach, skin, and cameras.

The Sesame Street characters are set to appear in a retelling of a classic story in the all-new film "Abby in Wonderland". Giving Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" a Muppety twist, the new DVD will star everyone's favorite Fairy-in-training, Abby Cadabby in her very own film. The musical film is currently in post-production and aimed to reach audiences in just a few months. While Abby takes on the role of Alice, the rest of the Sesame gang joins in (such as Elmo in the role of the Rabbit, Grover as the Mad Hatter, Cookie Monster as the Cheshire Cat, and Bert and Ernie as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum). While the exact release date of this title has not been confirmed yet, I've been told that fans should expect to see Abby's first direct-to-DVD feature hitting stores in September 2008.

Lastly, the wonderful Christmas special "Elmo's Christmas Countdown" is planned to have its DVD debut in October 2008. The special, which had its television premiere during the 2007 holiday season, is planned to reach stores in time to help welcome in Christmas 2008. This special is loaded with songs, skits, celebrities, Muppets and plenty of heartwarming Holiday spirit.

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these, and other, Sesame Street DVDs as soon as more information becomes available.

Elmo Prepares for a Vacation on Upcoming DVD

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release a band-new DVD entitled "Elmo's World: Summer Vacation" on June 24, 2008. This 51-minute DVD will feature three complete episode of "Elmo's World" focusing on the beach, skin, and cameras. "Elmo's World" stars the loveable Muppet Elmo along with his goldfish Dorothy and his silent human friend Mr. Noodles. The episodes on this DVD also feature appearances by Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, The Count, and others. The DVD, which is set to hit store shelves this summer, is starting to appear on the web for pre-ordering so you can reserve your copy today. I will be sure to keep you posted with more information on this, and other Sesame Street, titles as more details become available.

Sesame Street Comes to Sea World

The Muppets of Sesame Street will soon drop anchor at SeaWorld San Diego. Starting this spring, the marine-life park will unveil new Sesame Street attractions including three unique Sesame-themed rides, a live musical stage show, and a new 4-D movie experience.

The park will debut the original 4-D movie entitled "Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!" The new film stars a cast of Muppets - including Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster and Big Bird - as they swim through the ocean and fly through the sky. Guests will not only see and hear the action, but they'll feel it in their seats. The original Sesame Street film will start playing regularly at the park's Mission Bay Theater beginning on March 15, 2008.

Also scheduled to start a run at SeaWorld later this month is a live musical production starring Big Bird and his Sesame Street friends. "Big Bird’s Beach Party", a show originated at the Sesame Place theme park, will debut at SeaWorld’s Pets' Playhouse stadium and will run throughout in the spring and summer.

Opening in May is the new "Sesame Street Bay of Play" area. The two-acre play area (replacing what was previously Shamu's Happy Harbor) will be a amazing themed area filled with Sesame Street rides, character appearances, shops, stalls and other attractions. The area will open with three rides -- "Oscar's Rocking Eel", a pair of intertwining eels, one orange with purple stripes and another green with white polka dots, take visitors on a spinning and rocking "underwater" ride as Oscar the Grouch watches from a trash can submarine; "Elmo’s Flying Fish", where visitors pilot planes shaped like Elmo-based animals (the Sesame Place theme park features an identical ride); and "Abby's Sea Star Spin", a teacup ride featuring Abby Cadabby.

And if this isn’t enough fun and excitement, guests also will have a chance to join Elmo and his Sesame Street friends for breakfast. This character dining adventure, aptly titled "Breakfast with Elmo and Friends" will feature a variety of Sesame Street characters mingling and posing for pictures with diners before (and during) the breakfast buffets at SeaWorld’s Garden Plaza.

So if you're planning a visit to Sea World San Diego this summer, be sure to check out all the new Sesame Street shows and attractions. And if you've been looking for an excuse to visit the park, well, here you go! To learn more about Sea World be sure to visit SeaWorld.com.