The Let's Go Show (Sprout)

THE LET'S GO SHOW, Sprout's afternoon programming block for preschoolers, includes episodes from popular TV shows like Dragon Tales, The Hoobs, Bob the Builder, and Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. Between segments, host Miles (Milton Barnes) and his puppet sidekick -- a spunky puppy named Banjo (voiced by Ali Eisner) -- invite kids to imagine their way into new adventures as they set off on a musical journey of discovery in Carla, their cardboard car. Each day's journeys provide lots of learning opportunities for Miles and Banjo -- and their young viewers -- through songs, crafts, and kid-friendly science experiments.

Miles and Banjo's imaginative trips -- they explore different styles of music and learn new songs at Music Hill, experiment with science to learn about the world around them at Wonder Why Valley, fuel up with healthy snacks (fruits, veggies, yogurt, and other nourishing yummies) at the Sprout Diner Field, and more -- will have kids eagerly joining in the fun. (The show's craft ideas, recipes, and science know-how are available on its Web site, which offers lots of follow-up activities to share with the kids.) Miles often engages young viewers' interest by posing interactive questions and asking for their help in finding the way. Kids are encouraged to shout out when they've spotted the signs for an upcoming stop or help decide which items Miles and Banjo will need on the day's outings. And, of course, singing and dancing always call for a boisterous team effort.

Although each three-hour programming block follows the slowly developing storyline of Miles and Banjo's daily adventure, the frequent breaks in the action for brief "episodes" of the familiar featured shows make great stopping points for parents who want to limit their preschoolers' screen time. Overall, The Let's Go Show's mixture of adventure and education will have kids clamoring for experiments and craft projects like the ones Miles and Banjo do, opening the door for lots of guided, hands-on learning for parents and kids to share.