PBS KIDS Releases OMAS & FRIENDS App for Preschoolers

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Image credit: THOMAS & FRIENDS 2014 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

PBS KIDS RELEASES THOMAS & FRIENDS APP FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Available on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, app allows kids to watch videos and play games from the series

ARLINGTON, VA, December 18, 2014 Just in time for the holiday season, PBS KIDS has released a new THOMAS & FRIENDS app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play is the first THOMAS & FRIENDS app to offer full-length episodes, in addition to games that promote key problem-solving skills and foster social-emotional growth for preschoolers. The app features three games in which kids can build, fix and create train tracks and scenes. THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play also offers a train-themed video player, allowing kids to watch clips and full episodes from THOMAS & FRIENDS, and related parent information. Produced by HIT Entertainment, THOMAS & FRIENDS airs weekdays on PBS stations (check local listings).

PBS KIDS is excited to offer a THOMAS & FRIENDS app that combines video and game-play to help preschoolers develop key problem-solving skills, said Sara DeWitt, Vice President, PBS KIDS Digital. In THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play, kids and parents can watch their favorite Thomas moments and then venture to the Island of Sodor to practice what they learned from the show.

THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play Features:

Videos: Children can watch full episodes and clips of THOMAS & FRIENDS in an engine-themed video player.

Track Builder Game: Focusing on storytelling, creativity and exploration, kids can build their own interactive train track for Thomas and his friends.

Track Repair Game: Kids learn to repair train tracks to help the engines make deliveries through problem solving and self-efficacy skills.

Steam Team Snapshots Game: Children practice storytelling and socio-emotional skills as they create and photograph their own animated scene on the Island of Sodor.

THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play is part of PBS KIDS' ongoing commitment to using the power of media to help kids succeed in school and in life.

THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play is available for $2.99 on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com/PBSKIDS.

Images of THOMAS & FRIENDS Watch and Play can be found on PBS PressRoom.

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, mobile, and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including the PBS KIDS video player, now offering free streaming video accessible on computer- and mobile-device-based browsers. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math, and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

About HIT Entertainment

HIT Entertainment is one of the worlds leading preschool entertainment companies, specializing in building powerful brands based on engaging stories. HIT Entertainment's world-class portfolio includes Thomas & Friends , Mike the Knight , Fireman Sam , Bob the Builder, Barney , Angelina Ballerina , Pingu and Rainbow Magic .

HIT Entertainment excels at creating and building globally successful brands which capture the hearts and imaginations of preschoolers and their families. This is achieved through exceptional storytelling in multiple formats, enhanced by creating high quality character-based products and experiences with best-in-class partners. HIT Entertainment's lines of business span television and home entertainment production, content distribution, digital media, and live events and attractions. HIT Entertainment, a division of Fisher-Price, and a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT), has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. For more information visit www.hitentertainment.com

Contacts:

Maria Vera, PBS; 703.739.3225; mvera@pbs.org

Meredith Gandy, 360 PR; 415.216.3441; mgandy@360pr.com

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LINK:	http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2014/pbs-kids-thomas-app/...
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