Short lends voice to 'Cat in the Hat'

NEW YORK, March 25 (UPI) -- PBS says it plans to air "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That," a new U.S. animated series intended to support science learning for preschoolers.

The collaboration between PBS Kids and Random House is scheduled to debut Sept. 6.

"Voiced by award-winning actor Martin Short, Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat guides friends Sally and Nick -- with a little help from the Fish, Thing 1 and Thing 2 -- on fun-filled adventures where they make natural-science discoveries, from how bees make honey to why owls sleep during the day," said a news release announcing the show Thursday.

"In the same way the original 'The Cat in the Hat' book has introduced generations of children to the joys of reading, 'The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That' will encourage children to explore the wonders of science and nature," Kate Klimo -- Dr. Seuss's Random House publisher and executive director of development for Random House Children's Entertainment -- said in a statement.

"Kids' favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life on screen in this zany adventure that will spark a love of learning and an interest in science," added Lesli Rotenberg, senior vice president of children's media at PBS. "We are on a mission to cultivate positive views about science and scientists among the next generation -- the American children who will become tomorrow's innovators."