Kids shows that may give elders a kick, too

Some of this fall's new kids shows aren't just for kids. Take, for instance,

Word World

, an innovative show that morphs words into objects in a way that will amaze mature minds.

Or iCarly, a show older kids will be drawn to and one that shows the future of combining TV with the Web.

Here's a sampling of what's coming in September:

Word World (Weekdays, PBS)

Ages: Preschool

What it's about: Objects are made of their letters in this innovative program - the letters "B-R-I-D-G-E" form a bridge, for example, or the letters "D-U-C-K" morph into a duck.

In each episode, the animated Word-Friends have adventures that help develop pre-reading skills and show the importance of such things as sharing and patience.

Super Why! (Weekdays, PBS)

Ages: Preschool

What it's about: When a problem arises, Whyatt Beanstalk (Jack's younger brother) calls his three friends to the Book Club, where they all become reading-powered superheroes, leaping into books to glean information - and solutions.

The show, created by Angela C. Santomero (Blue's Clues), is designed to help preschoolers learn reading fundamentals.

WordGirl (Wednesdays, PBS)

Ages: Elementary schoolers

What it's about: When there's trouble in Preposterocity, animated fifth grader Becky Botsford turns into superhero WordGirl, who uses her extensive vocabulary to prevent villains from "word domination."

The series exposes viewers to new words in a humorous way.

Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies (Saturdays, PBS)

Ages: Preschool

What it's about: Animated baby animal characters meet with an elephant known as Mama Mirabelle (voiced by Vanessa Williams) to learn about nature. They watch home movies of themselves that are combined with real wildlife movies from National Geographic.

Stories feature animal behaviors and include African music and other songs, some of which Williams performs.

iCarly (Premieres Sept. 8, Nickelodeon)

Ages: 9 to 14

What it's about: Billed as a show within a show, iCarly combines TV and the Web. Miranda Cosgrove (Drake & Josh) stars as Carly Shay, who hosts a Web show assisted by her best friend (Jennette McCurdy) and their tech-savvy buddy (Nathan Kress).

Viewers may submit their own videos - talents, sketches, interviews, animated shorts, whatever - at www.icarly.com, and the submissions could appear on the show. A Web component features blogs, e-mails and unaired footage.

Eon Kid (Saturdays starting Sept. 22, CW)

Ages: 6 to 11

What it's about: Eon Kid chronicles the adventures of 11-year-old Marty, who discovers the lost Fist of Eon. The fist gives him superpowers but puts him in danger in a world of bounty hunters, battle-bots and others.

Back at the Barnyard (Saturdays, Nickelodeon)

Ages: 6 to 12

What it's about: Based on the movie Barnyard, this series features the mischievous adventures of fun-loving farm animals who often have to work their way out of predicaments. Chris Hardwick voices Otis while Wanda Sykes is Bessy, Jeff Garcia is Pip, and Tino Insana is Pig.