Most parents know kids reserve all their biggest fears and trickiest questions for just before bedtime. Enter The Pajanimals, four friends who tackle common kid concerns that creep up at night, for instance, not wanting to take a bath or trying to get to sleep without your favorite blankie.

Parents may recognize The Pajanimals from the short sequences that aired as part of the evening programming block on PBS KIDS Sprout, which ended with the Pajanimals singing "La La Lullaby." The sequences made the transition to a full PBS Sprout series in October, 2011.

Each 10-minute episode offers a winning combination of calming conversation, imaginative fantasy sequences, whimsical sets, and gently-paced songs. Puppet characters Apollo, Squackie, CowBella and Sweet Pea Sue support each other and talk through whatever problem happens to be preventing them from drifting off to dreamland that night. The series addresses preschoolers' concerns with kindness and respect, and each episode ends with a reassuring resolution so that kids can get on to the business of a peaceful night's sleep.

Little viewers will appreciate the comforting explanations offered by The Pajanimals, and parents are sure to appreciate the soothing tone that can help tame a sometimes frazzling bedtime routine.