WeatherHunters, Inc. and Silver Creek Falls Entertainment win Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award for ‘Weather Hunters’

CHICAGO — Producers WeatherHunters, Inc. and Silver Creek Falls Entertainment, Inc. are the 2026 recipients of the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award for “Weather Hunters,” available on PBS Kids. The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during the ALA’s Youth Media Awards Announcements in Chicago.

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to the producer of the most distinguished digital media for an early learning audience produced in the United States during the preceding year.

The Hunter family introduces the amazing world of weather and its natural phenomena through STEM explorations and relatable stories. The committee was impressed with connections made by our shared experiences of weather and meteorology. The show integrates African American history with a loving family. Extension articles, games and activities add to the show’s quality and educational impact.

“The committee is excited to recognize ‘Weather Hunters’ for inspiring curiosity, fostering exploration, and bringing the wonder of scientific discovery to life,” said Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee co-chair Deanna Romriell.

Two Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Honor titles were named:

“Reading Rainbow,” produced by Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM) PBS and Kidzuko.

Mychal Threets brings library joy to this revamp of the beloved childhood favorite. Each 26-minute episode highlights a picture book through a read-aloud, discussion, related titles, activities and children’s reviews. The inclusion of libraries and the joy of reading make this an appealing addition to children’s digital media.

“Terrestrials” produced by WNYC, Radiolab.

“Terrestrials” is a podcast for science-minded listeners featuring rad topics with diverse perspectives in an accessible interview format. Host Lulu Miller talks with a spectacular array of experts, discussing everything from farts to octopus escapes to gravitational waves. Don’t miss the catchy original tunes!

The members of the 2026 Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee are Co-Chair Deanna Mae Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, Utah; Co-Chair Keary Bramwell, Grace Lutheran School, River Forest, Illinois; Elizabeth Gray, Yolo County Library, California; Jennifer Minehardt, Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Emily Mroczek, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Illinois; Darla R. Salva Cruz, Northport-East Northport Public Library, New York; Rebecca A. Saxon, Eugene Public Library, Oregon; Gabrielle Stoller, Meridian Library District, Idaho; and Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library-North Branch, Connecticut.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc.

For more information on the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

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