Preschoolers get ready for more ‘Dora’ and ‘Bob’

In anticipation of “Dora the Explorer’s” second season, Nickelodeon will broadcast a new episode of the top-rated preschool series on commercial television at 10 a.m. Monday. In “Dora Saves the Prince,” our bilingual heroine and her friend Boots the monkey enter a book to rescue a young prince whom a witch has locked in the high tower. Dora enlists the help of her trusty Backpack and Map, and, a la “Blue’s Clues,” viewers at home to use memory, observation, shape recognition and counting skills to complete the task and ensure a happy ending.

“Bob the Builder,” another top-rated Nick Jr. preschool series, has just joined CBS’s Saturday morning lineup. This British stop-frame model animated series boasts one of the catchiest theme songs on TV. Builder Bob and his crew of shiny, happy machines (they are much friendlier and more even-tempered than the trains in “Thomas the Tank Engine”) work together to complete projects, solve problems and lay the foundation for close friendships. The series avoids gender stereotyping with the character Wendy, who is a capable and resourceful member of Bob’s team.

There are currently three “Bob the Builder” videos available, with “Bob’s White Christmas” to be released Oct. 16.

‘Puss in Boots’ opens Lifeline’s 15th KidSeries

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries raises the curtain on its 15th year with the fractured fairy tale “Puss in Boots.” Shole Milos, who has directed some of the ensemble’s best productions, including “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel” and last season’s “The Story of Ferdinand,” directs this musical adaptation of the Grimm brothers’ timeless story about a most unusual friendship.

In this version, a farmer divides his estate between his sons. One of them, Bubba, receives a cat, which he tries to get rid of until the clever feline starts talking to him.

The play runs through Nov. 25. Showtimes are 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays. The theater is at 6912 N. Glenwood. For ticket information, call 773-761-4477.