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Here’s what co-creators Chris Gifford (above) and Valerie Walsh have to say about Go, Diego, Go!

Where did the idea for a Diego show come from?
Nick Jr. asked us if we were interested in doing a pilot for Diego. We didn't pitch the idea but I think we always felt that Diego deserved his own show. The character was quite popular with our audience and we liked the idea of creating something that focused on preschool science and animal facts.

What is your creative process like?
Before the start of a season we sit down with curriculum advisors and our research department to discuss curriculum goals. Together we figure out what it is that we want to teach in every episode. Then we discuss overall creative goals: how we want to develop different characters, what kinds of themes we want to explore, music, etc.

Each story starts with choosing an animal. The writer spends a good deal of time learning about the "target" animal. They speak to at least one expert, and then do more research in the library and on the web. We try to find out as many unusual and unique things that we can; very often interesting movements or personality traits inform the story in an important way. Curriculum dictates a certain number of "story beats" but then we go beyond that to see how we can incorporate Latin American culture. Very often we include things that we've learned about the animals through folktales and mythology.

How are Dora and Diego different?
Diego is more interested in learning about animals and using that information to achieve his goal. Dora is more interested in solving problems and figuring out ways to overcome a variety of curriculum-based obstacles. Dora lives in a more magical world, with giant chickens, grumpy old trolls, and blue monkeys. Diego's world is more naturalistic and the choices he makes are informed by real animal facts. Perhaps the biggest difference is that Dora has Boots, but Diego's main "sidekick" is the viewer.

What will kids learn about animals from watching the show?
Their habitat, what they eat, interesting physical attributes, and unique survival techniques.

How do you choose what animals will be in each episode?
The rule is that the animal must be from Latin America; beyond that the most important thing is that the animal be able to drive an interesting story.

Why do you think kids like learning about animals so much?
I think kids like to see themselves in different animals; they're intrigued about what they have in common with the animals as well as ways in which they are different. There's a mystery about the animals that is attractive and a certain danger and power surrounding them. We try to add these elements without being scary. Also kids like to learn unusual facts and love knowing things that their parents or friends don't know!

How important are the gadgets and high-tech resources to the show?
Scientists use tools and resources and so does Diego--although Diego's gadgets are sometimes a little more exotic or wacky. But we also try to incorporate real high-tech scientific tools like GPS devices and sonar trackers. We also model the importance of using low-tech tools, like a magnifying glass or binoculars.

Do you see Diego as a role model for kids?
Sure. We hope kids respond as much to his love for and curiosity about animals as they do to his adventurous, fearless spirit.

What do you hope kids will get out of watching Go, Diego, Go!?
We hope they'll get a better understanding about the natural world, a feeling that learning is important to attaining goals, and a pride in helping Diego on his adventure.