Hi, this is Daniel Garber at the Movies for culturalmining.com and CIUT 89.5 FM.

Kids grow up hearing scary fairytales about the forests — it’s where witches live in gingerbread houses, and the big bad wolf is waiting for them… but are forests really dark, gloomy and dangerous? No! They’re places for exploring, foraging and keeping our planet safe. There are plants that can keep us clean, foods that can keep us healthy, and trees that can talk to us — well, kind of. But who holds these secrets of the forest?

Secrets of the Forest is a new TV series for kids that provides a fascinating, fun and informative look at nature in our forests. Using expert guests, animation and time-lapse photography, in addition t the live action, it wipes away the myths, and provides a scientific way to learn more. The show is hosted by 10-year-old Taviss Edwards and is  directed by Melissa Peters. 

Melissa has a decade’s experience in kids’ TV as a host on TVO Kids’ The Space and later as writer and director of shows like Mittens and Pants, Backyard Beats, and The Fabulous Show with Fay & Fluffy. Taviss is a gifted young equestrian and actress who has also appeared in A Ghost Ruined My Life.

I spoke with Taviss Edwards and Melissa Peters here in Toronto via Zoom.

Secrets of the Forest is available on TVO Kids,  TVOkids.com, YouTube and various digital TV services.