The PBS Kids Morning Show

The PBS Kids Morning Show was a programming block created by PBS Kids. It aired for three hours in the morning from 6:00 to 9:00am ET, as the first block of the day (The Good Night Show aired from midnight to 3PM prior, but that does not count). It was hosted by a high-strung but friendly turquoise ladybug named Lulu, a digital puppet. The block dissolved forever on August 21, 2002.

Premise
From the PBS Press Room:


 * "On weekday mornings, preschoolers and their families can sprout out of bed singing with this block of programming that focuses on children starting the day with music. During the three-hour block, host Lulu, an animated ladybug that lives in the PBS Kids® clock, introduces preschool-friendly music videos and musically themed shows from PBS' trusted programming library, including Dragon Tales,™ Sesame Street,® and Barney & Friends.™ Musical Mornings also includes the exclusive premiere of Bounce, a short-form series hosted by Lynese Browder, a board certified music therapist from New York. Throughout Musical Mornings, live-action segments show real kids in their morning routines, with tasks like waking up, getting dressed and eating breakfast. The PBS Kids Morning Show features long-time Henson puppeteer Kelli Berglund and songs written and produced by Mike Himelstein. Lulu marks the television debut of a digital puppet using the groundbreaking real-time performed animation technology developed by The Jim Henson Company." (link)

Goals

 * "The Morning Show helps parents start their preschooler’s day in an upbeat manner, exploring the joy of music, and helping to reinforce key morning routines. As part of the block, music therapist Lynese Browder hosts Bounce, which encourages children to connect to their emotions, thoughts and words through music."

Interactive Components

 * "Preschoolers and their parents can visit PBSKids.org and view video clips of Lulu singing some of her favorite songs. The site also includes activity pages featuring Lulu."

Co-Viewing Components

 * "Themed songs including “Morning Checklist” and “Getting Ready” encourage families to watch together as parents help their preschoolers get going each morning. Segments featuring real kids practicing their morning routines help parents reinforce these habits with their own preschoolers."

History
Musical Mornings and The Sunny Side Up Show were announced by Sprout on September 10th, 2007, as part of the channel's 2nd anniversary programming (along with Bounce and Clifford the Big Red Dog). Both blocks first appeared on PBS' lineup on September 26, 2000.

The block failed to bring in ratings that executives wanted, and quietly closed in 2002, although segments continued to air.

Cast

 * Lulu is a turquoise CGI-animated ladybug. She loves to sing and introduce episodes of PBS Kids shows. She is voiced by Kelli Berglund.
 * Lynese Browder accompanies Lulu and she also sings songs about various topics. She had her own children's show exclusive to DVD entitled Bounce, a show targeted to children on the autism spectrum.
 * Balloo is a yellow and red CGI-animated humanoid ball-like mascot. He loves to hang out with Lynese Browder and knows all the songs from Bounce.