OF, BY AND FOR THE CHILDREN : Child stars go up against their peers in game show for the environment

It’s never too early to get environmentally conscious--that’s the premise of The Ecology Kids Challenge, a game show special hosted by Action News’ Steve Rambo. In the show, part of KCBS’ “2 Protect Our Planet” programs, local schoolchildren match wits with child stars (including Josh Saviano of “The Wonder Years” and Nicole Dubuc of “Major Dad”) about environmental issues. Contestants are asked to answer a series of questions about the environment and the winner receives a computer.

“The Ecology Kids Challenge”

Sunday at noon, KCBS

For 10- to 14-year-olds.

MORE KIDS’ SHOWS

Sunny day, sweepin’ the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet ... it’s the 22nd season of Sesame Street, returning this week with new lessons on race relations and the same old fun with Big Bird, the Cookie Monster and the rest of the gang. (A conversation with the show’s executive producer, Page 85.)

The first episode of the new season airs at the following times: Monday at 10 a.m., Tuesday at 9 a.m. and Wednesday at 8 a.m. on KCET; Monday at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on KOCE; Monday at 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. on KVCR. For 2- to 5-year-olds and their families.

If you’ve never heard of a “Bunyip,” don’t panic. It’s the name of the imaginary friend in Hector’s Bunyip (Monday at 1 p.m. on KCET), a “Wonderworks” episode about a young foster child. For ages 8 and up.

Who says fish can’t be heroes? The Three Fishketeers (Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Disney Channel) is a trio of finned animated characters who set out across the ocean floor and seek fame and fortune--just for the halibut. For 2- to 11-year-olds.

The biggest cheese in the Disney lineup--Mickey Mouse himself--turns 60 Nov. 18. To celebrate, Here’s to You, Mickey Mouse (Tuesday at 8 p.m., the Disney Channel) profiles Mr. Mickey’s six decades in show biz. Soleil Moon Frye, a.k.a. Punky Brewster, and Mark Linn-Baker of “Perfect Strangers” host. For all ages.

The Marzipan Pig (Tuesday at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., HBO), one in the series of “HBO Storybook Musicals,” is based on Russell Hoban’s book about a candy pig who falls behind the couch--which becomes a story about nature’s cycles. For 4- to 9-year olds.

If you’re already exited about Christmas, don’t miss The Berenstein Bears’ Christmas Tree (Friday at 6:35 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., HBO), an animated special starring the famous furry family. For 4- to 9-year olds.

If your name were Alice, and if one day you saw a large white rabbit dressed in a waistcoat disappear down a mysterious rabbit hole, would you follow him? Yep. The miniseries Alice in Wonderland (Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., the Disney Channel) is a star-studded version of the classic Lewis Carroll fantasy. For all ages.

Buttons and Rusty: The Turkey Caper (Saturday at 4 p.m., USA) is an animated special in which a bear cub and a baby fox learn all about the first Thanksgiving. For 2- to 11-year-olds.

The Championship, a “Young People’s Special” (Saturday at 6 a.m., KNBC) tells the story of a special soccer match that teaches a group of girls a lesson about being good sports. For families; 8- to 14-year-olds.

Molly’s Pilgrim (Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at 3:35 p.m., the Disney Channel, and Friday at 6:30 a.m. and 4:50 p.m., Showtime) is a Thanksgiving story about a young Russian Jewish immigrant who is treated like an outcast by her classmates--until she teaches them that people are the same on the inside. For 6- to 11-year-olds.