For immediate release | January 24, 2022

Fred Rogers Productions wins Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award for “Alma’s Way”

CHICAGO – Producer Fred Rogers Productions is the 2022 recipient of the Award for “Alma’s Way”. The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, held virtually January 21 - 24.

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to the producer of the most distinguished digital media for an early learning audience produced in the United States during the preceding year. Award and honor Media recipients will receive their awards in Washington, D.C., during the ALA Annual Conference in June.

“Alma’s Way” provides an authentic view of a Puerto Rican family living in New York. Throughout the show, viewers are immersed in Alma’s daily life in the Bronx. As Alma reflects on her experiences, children learn to problem-solve, explore their emotions, and value the diversity in their communities.

“The committee was impressed by the diverse and authentic voices represented in the show and the extensive set of caregiver resources developed for meaningful joint media engagement,” said Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee Chair Celeste Swanson.

Two Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Honor titles were named:

“Goodnight, World!” produced by Sesame Workshop and Headspace.

This original “sleepcast” features familiar Sesame Street characters helping young children calm down and fall asleep. Alan, the owner of Hooper’s Store, leads listeners through stories, guided meditations, and breathing exercises. Episodes end with quiet music or soundscapes as listeners drift off to sleep.

“Tab Time,” produced by Kids at Play and Scale Productions

“Tab Time” welcomes viewers ages 3-5 for a thematic exploration into concepts that are relevant to children’s lives, including family, music, and movement. Ms. Tab’s warmth encourages the use of imagination. Episodes take the viewer on a journey through songs, crafts, and healthy snacks in a fun and inviting environment.

The members of the 2022 Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee are Chair Celeste Swanson, The Lane Libraries, Hamilton, Ohio; Valerie Byrd Fort, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina; Becky Fyolek, Crystal Lake Public Library; Crystal Lake, Illinois; Jeremiah Henderson, Canyon Creek Elementary, Bothell, Washington; Melanie Koss, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois; Jennifer Minehardt, New York Public Library, New York; Dr. Tess Prendergast, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Emily A. Small, New York Public Library, Brooklyn, NY; and Maria Dolores Vega, Broward County Library, Coral Springs, Florida.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is driven by more than 4,000 members dedicated to the support and enrichment of library service to children. Our members include youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty. ALSC supports its members in engaging communities to build healthy, successful futures for all children. To learn more about ALSC and how to join, please visit our website at www.ala.org/alsc.

For more information on the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

Contact:

Macey Morales

Deputy Director

American Library Association

Communications and Marketing Office

mmorales@ala.org