TV worth watching

Parents, teachers and librarians are always on the lookout for worthwhile TV programs for children and now another one has come along. Martha Speaks, based on the picture book series by Susan Meddaugh, is an animated series coming to a PBS Digital channel. Martha the talking dog introduces fairly long and complicated words to young children while telling an entertaining story. The appeal of the new show to children in Kindergarten and the early grades of school should be high, but unfortunately the show is only available on a digital channel--at least for now. PBS is promising a DVD version in the spring, and episodes are available on i-tunes both of which should be good additions to many children's libraries. Keep your eyes open.