Nickelodeon presents the ‘little people’s’ annual celebrity choice awards

Who says kids are lightweights in the entertainment world? Consider the industry clout of “Home Alone’s” Macaulay Culkin. Or New Kids on the Block. Or Bart Simpson. Or you!

In Nickelodeon’s Fifth Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, even non-Hollywood kids get a say in determining who’s who in the entertainment world. A sort of “Little People’s Choice Awards,” the show recognizes the 15-and-under set’s preferences determined by a nationwide poll of more than 2,500 people in that age group. The twelve categories include favorite song, favorite male and female athletes and favorite TV and movie actors and actresses. This year, a special category--the Kids’ Choice Hall of Fame--will be determined through a special phone number where mini-moguls can call (with parental permission, of course) to further the career of either Paula Abdul, Michael Jordan or Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“The Fifth Annual Kids’ Choice Awards,” Monday 7- p.m., Wednesday 5- p.m. and Saturday 8:30 p.m. Nickelodeon. For all ages.

MORE KIDS’ SHOWS

Linda Alvarez, Kent Shocknek and Carla Aragon host Schools Running on Empty (Today 3-3:30 p.m. KNBC), a locally produced special that looks at the impact of budget cuts on Southern California schools. For parents.

In a special episode of Big Brother Jake (today 6-6:30 p.m.; Friday 7-7:30 p.m. the Family Channel), the sitcom about a former Hollywood stuntman who goes back to Brooklyn to help run a foster home, the love of two foster brothers is tested when they learn a secret about their past. For all ages.

In Disney’s 1985 film The Journey of Natty Gann (today 7-9 p.m. early Monday 3-5 a.m.; Saturday 9-11 p.m. the Disney Channel), a young girl, accompanied by an intelligent wolf, travels west during the Great Depression to find her father. For all ages.

April 22 is Earth Day, and the animated musical Earthday Birthday (Monday 7-7:30 a.m. and 4-4:30 p.m. HBO) celebrates by encouraging children to help save the planet. Animated fairies, baby dinosaurs and forest animals help get the message across. For 2- to 11-year-olds.

Kids on Kids on Kids (Tuesday 7:05-7:30 p.m. HBO) talks freely with the youth of America on topics ranging from love to what they want to be when they grow up. For all ages.

Disney’s Magic in the Magic Kingdom (Tuesday 8-8:50 p.m. and 3-4 a.m.), a salute to magicians, features appearances by Harry Anderson of “Night Court” and George Burns. For all ages.

First Love, Fatal Love (Thursday 4-4:30 p.m. HBO) tells the true story of Kim Frey, a young woman who contracted AIDS in college. Narrated by Frey herself, the documentary stresses that people who care about themselves and their partners use proper precautions and get regular AIDS tests. For ages 13 and up.

In “Palm Trees and Icebergs” (Saturday 6-6:30 a.m. KNBC), a Young People’s Special, two young locals contrast the landscape and lifestyles of Hawaii and Alaska. For 6- to 11-year-olds.

Tom Selleck and Whitney Houston host Over the Influence (Monday 8-10 p.m.; early next Sunday 2-4 a.m. KTLA), which looks at nationwide programs to get kids to abstain from alcohol and drugs. For ages 13 and up.

It’s not necessarily intended as a children’s movie, but the 1986 comedy-drama Stand By Me (Saturday 6-8 p.m. KCOP) appeals to young and old--and not just because it stars then- pint-sized heartthrobs Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix and Corey Feldman. For ages 11 and up.