Wimee’s Words

Prior to the pandemic I wasn’t excited about virtual programming. It felt like the opposite of what we do, which is to actively engage kids in creative play. But then I got a call from Kevin Kammeraad in March of 2020 asking me to be part of an alternative program he was putting together at the Kent District Library. I have considered Kevin to be a brother and manager of the “Grand Rapids branch office” of The ScribbleBooks Company pretty much since we met. Kevin and I share the same philosophies about creativity, interacting with, and inspiring kids. We’ve collaborated on many projects over the years and have enjoyed the benefits of a virtual office watercooler for decades.

What began as a livestream alternative to in-person visits is now a PBS television show! Wimee’s Words got its start as a web-based, interactive kids show that encourages imagination, vocabulary building, and storytelling through puppetry, music and wordplay. The approach to the content is thoughtful, creative, silly and fun. I love the diversity of talents and ideas contributed to the program by the team. The livestream even allows viewers to actively engage with the creation of the program. A few hundred shows later, here we are.

Wimee’s Words is now airing every day on all Michigan PBS stations and on the PBS website and app! New York has just been added with more stations on the way. Tune in to the livestream, on your local PBS station, or watch online to share some creative playtime with Wimee and his friends!

Watch full episodes online at: https://www.pbs.org/show/wimees-words/episodes/

Lots more to see at https://www.wimee.tv