Disney Creates a ‘90s Kind of Wonderland in Educational Series

Creating a “Wonderland for kids of the ‘90s” is the goal for the folks behind the new series Adventures in Wonderland, premiering this week. Featuring musical numbers, animation, puppetry, miniatures and colorful sets, the show also includes 1990s updates of the “Alice in Wonderland” characters.

Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are reincarnated as rappers!

Although “Adventures in Wonderland” promises lots of fun and games, it does have a serious purpose: To teach young children vocabulary and language skills through songs and stories. The show employs education consultants and is recommended by the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Assn., whose president calls the series “wholeheartedly entertaining as well as educationally sound.”

“Adventures in Wonderland,” weekdays 7:30-8 a.m. (special prime-time presentation 7:30-8 p.m. Monday) the Disney Channel. For 4- to 6-year-olds.

MORE KIDS’ SHOWS

Becca reaches her sweet 16th birthday on Life Goes On (Sunday 7-8 p.m. ABC) and faces a major romantic decision with Tyler. For ages 12 and up.

Tritia Toyota and Chris Conangla host The 1992 Music Center Spotlight Awards (Sunday 5-5:30 p.m. KCBS), which profiles four high-school age finalists in a local talent competition. For all ages.

“Seeds of Hope,” the first in a series of four America at Risk documentaries (Sunday 8-9 p.m. KTLA) about social problems today, looks at problems faced by teen-agers. Edward Woodward hosts. For ages 13 and up.

“Please God, I’m Only 17” is a CBS Schoolbreak Special (Tuesday 3-4 p.m. CBS) repeat about the consequences of drunk driving. For 12- to 17-year-olds.

Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke and Diane Lane star in the 1983 drama Rumble Fish (Tuesday 8-10 p.m. KTTV), based on the S.E. Hinton novel about the relationship between two brothers. For ages 14 and up.

Linda Ellerbee moderates A Conversation With Magic (Wednesday and Saturday 8-9 p.m. Nickelodeon), an unscripted discussion about AIDS between kids and Magic Johnson. The program will focus on the emotional challenges the virus poses to Johnson and his family. For 8- to 14-year-olds, with their parents.

Families First With Bill Moyers (Wednesday 9-10:30 KCET) reports on the crisis in social services in America, with a special focus on non-traditional ways of keeping troubled families together. For parents.

Shattered Lullabies (Wednesday 9-10 p.m. Lifetime) examines the high infant mortality rate in the United States and what can be done about it. For ages 16 and up.

An episode of Life & Times (Thursday 7:30-8 p.m. and midnight-12:30 p.m. KCET) profiles the founder of “Tuesday’s Child,” a non-profit support group for chldren with AIDS. The show looks at the impact of pediatric AIDS on children and their families. For parents.