Amazon unveils autumn slate of kids originals
David Farnor | On 11, Sep 2017
Amazon has unveiled its autumn slate for kids originals, ranging from mice to sea monsters.
“Our autumn slate will bring customers more engaging and heartwarming stories to enjoy with their families,” says Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios.
The line-up includes the debut of its adaptation of Sigmund and the Sea Monsters and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, plus the return of previous commissions Wishenproof and The Stinky & Dirty Show.
“We’re honored to reintroduce If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Sigmund’s iconic character to a new generation of kids and families,” adds Sorensen.
Here’s the full rundown of what’s on the way:
Wishenpoof: Season 2 – 26th September
Wishenpoof centers on Bianca (Addison Holley), a fairy who can grant wishes using Wish Magic. The series highlights her thought process, as she thinks, decides and solves problems in her own creative way. Each episode features a new song by Bianca for viewers to sing along with and imaginative stories to follow. Created by Angela C. Santomero (Blue’s Clues) and produced by Out of the Blue Enterprises, the show features guest voice talent Jason Priestly (Beverly Hills, 90210) as Bianca’s dad. The series’ learning approach is based on Ellen Galinsky’s “Seven Essential Life Skills” framework that focuses on skills to help children reach their full potential by having empathy for others, tackling challenges, communicating effectively, thinking critically, and to never stop learning. Season 1 is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by customers.
Sigmund and the Sea Monsters – 13th October
Sid & Marty Krofft’s Sigmund and the Sea Monsters follows two beachcombing brothers, Johnny (Solomon Stewart) and Scotty (Kyle Breitkopf), who find Sigmund – a real live sea monster. The two brothers befriend the harmless and funny Sigmund and hide him in their clubhouse. However, keeping him a secret may be nearly impossible since the town’s overzealous Captain Barnabas (David Arquette) is obsessed with proving that sea monsters are real. With the help of their cousin, Robyn (Rebecca Bloom), this team of friends makes it their mission to protect their new friend and have a great and memorable summer. Based on the 1970s live-action series, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters is directed by Ron Oliver and is executive produced by Sid and Marty Krofft. The series will also feature a cover of the original theme song, Friends, by The Roots.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – 7th November
When you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll probably ask for a glass of milk, and then… who knows what he’ll ask for next? Based on the beloved books by Laura Numeroff (Dennis the Menace) and Felicia Bond, and executive produced by Emmy Award-winning writer Ken Scarborough (Arthur), If You Give a Mouse a Cookie follows the adventures of Mouse, Oliver, Moose, Pig, Cat, and Dog, as they discover that when you’ve got a curious Mouse for a friend, one thing always leads to another, then another, and then another. The show’s learning approach was developed in consultation with authors Mimi Ito and John Seely Brown and revolves around a cause and effect narrative structure that sparks imagination and the creativity engendered by knowing that possibilities are endless. The pilot and book are both rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by customers on Amazon.
The Stinky & Dirty Show: Season 2 – Autumn (Date TBC)
Based on the I Stink! book series by Kate and Jim McMullan, The Stinky & Dirty Show follows the adventures and mishaps faced by best friends and unlikely heroes, Stinky, the garbage truck, and Dirty, the backhoe loader. They are a dynamic duo of resourcefulness who learn that when things don’t go as expected, asking “What if?” can lead to success. The series is written and developed by Guy Toubes (The Adventures of Chuck & Friends, Littlest Pet Shop, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi), exec-produced by Toubes and Holly Huckins, and animated by Brown Bag Films Ltd (Octonauts). Season 2 will once again feature original music from acclaimed folk singer and songwriter Dan Bern and celebrity voice talent, including Whoopi Goldberg (The View), Mark Hamill (Spacey), Jane Lynch (Glee), Andy Richter (Arrested Development), Joan Cusack (Shameless) and Wallace Shawn (Toy Story). The series’ learning approach is based on Jessica Lahey’s New York Times best-seller, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, specifically modeling resourcefulness, resilience, teamwork, and the benefits of failure. Season 1 is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
All series will premiere simultaneously on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and US, before being released worldwide at a later date.