'Sesame Street' to begin its 39th season

Published: June 20, 2008 at 7:21 AM
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First Lady Laura Bush (C) and her daughters Jenna and Barbara (L to R) are greeted by Elmo at the 5th annual Sesame Street Workshop gala, in New York on May 30, 2007. The event honored the First Lady for her work in promoting early literacy.    (UPI Photo/Ezio Petersen)
First Lady Laura Bush (C) and her daughters Jenna and Barbara (L to R) are greeted by Elmo at the 5th annual Sesame Street Workshop gala, in New York on May 30, 2007. The event honored the First Lady for her work in promoting early literacy. (UPI Photo/Ezio Petersen) | Enlarge Enlarge
NEW YORK, June 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. children's TV program "Sesame Street" announced it will welcome its first Indian-American cast member when its 39th season begins this summer.

The character Leela is described as someone who embraces her heritage and culture as she begins her new life in the neighborhood, working in the laundromat next to Hooper's Store. The show said she enjoys singing, dancing and helping her friends on "Sesame Street."

In addition to adding a new face to "Sesame Street," producers said the beloved preschool series will also spend more time on math literacy this season.

"The amount of 'math talk' children are exposed to during the preschool years directly correlates with their future understanding of mathematical language and concepts," Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, vice president of education and research for Sesame Workshop, said in a statement. "This season's curricular focus is designed to help children put their mathematical thinking into words and talk about how they solve problems."

Celebrity guests like Heidi Klum, David Beckham, Jack Black and Jessica Alba have also signed on to appear on the show in coming months.

The season premiere is to air Aug. 11 on PBS Kids.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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