Life Clues with Angela Santomero

Written by Lara Arocho, MSSW, LCSW

In the world of children’s media, few names are as recognizable as Angela Santomero. A true creative powerhouse, Angela has turned her child development training into a mission to make positive media. Her work has profoundly influenced both education and pop culture, earning her dozens of prestigious award nominations and wins. From creating hit series like Blue’s Clue’s and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, to penning best-selling books, Angela’s success is an inspiration to industry creatives at every career level.

A resume as dazzling as Angela’s comes with a lot of titles, from executive producer to creator to author. And this week, she added one more experience to the list – sitting in the Children’s Media Association’s Red Chair! The Red Chair Event, an intimate conversation with Amy Friedman, was held in partnership with Kidscreen at the Kidscreen Summit in San Diego on February 6, which was also the release date of Angela’s newest book, Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life. 

Even a brief interaction with Angela reveals plenty of “clues” about her. She’s down-to-earth, sincere, and friendly. She oozes with warmth and believes in the power of kindness. She has great respect for children, and she’s a champion of positivity for people of all ages. Angela recently chatted with Children’s Media Association about her shows, the industry, and some of her own “life clues.” We’re sure that what she shared will inspire you as much as it inspired us. 

Looking back on your own childhood, were there any clues that you would have a career in children's media?

So many clues! I was always around kids – my little brother was born when I was 14 (clue!), I was a long-time babysitter (clue!), a preschool camp counselor (clue!), and part-time preschool teacher in college (clue!).  I also worked at the toy store FAO Schwarz in high school (clue!) and wrote a paper in 8th grade on Mister Rogers (clue!).  

What are some of the most important clues children's media creators can learn from kids?

So many of the themes of the stories we write in children's media are centered around what we can learn from kids! Some of the clues are being "child-like" and asking a lot of questions, listening attentively and pausing, being imaginative, and being present and catching fire-flies in the summer or snowflakes on your tongue in the winter.  

Did you pick up any clues from your own family that helped shape your creations? 

So many of the characters and stories are about my kids or my family growing up. The bickering Salt and Pepper shakers? My parents. Also, Mrs. Pepper was pregnant when I was pregnant and the stories from Blue's Clues and Daniel Tiger on a new baby sibling came directly from my experiences! Also, silly jokes and sayings come directly from my kids –  the idea of Bianca on Wishenpoof saying "focusstrating" (focus + concentrating at the same time) is from my kids. Blue being non-verbal and so smart – my kids. The idea of creating a show that embraces the power of a kid's voice through pausing and interactivity came from the idea that I didn't feel that my voice was heard enough – so sometimes the ideas are for my own inner child.

Blue, Daniel Tiger, and Super Why are three of your most beloved creations. Can you tell us one "life clue" each character has taught you?

I love this question! Blue taught me that being non-verbal and little can still make you the smartest in the room. Daniel Tiger taught me that LOVE always wins. Daniel is heart with arms and legs. Leading with your heart is always the way to be. Super Why taught me there is more than one way to be a superhero. Being smart is a super power, and reading can teach us so many things.  

What is one takeaway you hope readers will get from Life Clues?

Adults can learn from kids’ TV! As children's media creators, our stories impact so many people – kids and adults, alike! Kids are brilliant and learning from them will bring us so much joy.  

Stay tuned to Children’s Media Association for coverage of Angela speaking at the Red Chair event, and click here to order her newest book, Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life.