Offering a Social Studies Curriculum, Multiplatform Show Will Invite Young Children to Explore World Cultures
Today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS KIDS announced the new animated series LUNA AROUND THE WORLD, produced by 9 Story Media Group and created by Emmy Award-winning animator, writer and artist Joe Murray (Rocko’s Modern Life, Camp Lazlo). This new multiplatform series will debut nationwide in fall 2018 on PBS stations, the new 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and PBS KIDS digital platforms. With a social studies curriculum, LUNA AROUND THE WORLD will encourage kids ages 4-7 to explore and appreciate cultures from all over the world, and build global citizenship and social skills.
“Our approach with LUNA AROUND THE WORLD is to offer engaging stories and adventures that are fun, developmentally appropriate and align with our whole-child approach to content,” said Linda Simensky, Vice President, Children’s Programming, PBS. “Luna is a trusted guide who will encourage children to learn about the world beyond their own neighborhoods. The series seeks to foster an appreciation for cultural diversity, developing social and civic skills and promoting global stewardship.”
LUNA AROUND THE WORLD follows the adventures of three friends – Leo, a wombat from Australia; Carmen, a butterfly from Mexico; and Andy, a frog from the U.S. – as they traverse the globe with their parents’ traveling performance troupe, “Circo Fabuloso.” At each of the Circo’s stops, Luna the moon guides the trio as they experience the local language, music and daily life. The gang’s adventures take them across continents – from London to Cairo to Beijing – where they explore the food, architecture and other features that make each region unique.
“LUNA AROUND THE WORLD is designed to ignite kids’ curiosity about the world and inspire them to learn about the many different cultures that call it home,” said series creator Joe Murray. “Through this show, my goal is to give all children the opportunity to explore cultures other than their own, and to learn about the similarities that unite all of us – through challenges that kids can relate to, with the universal language of laughter woven into each story.”
LUNA AROUND THE WORLD brings an innovative approach to social studies for young viewers. The series takes kids on an informative and imaginative exploration of global culture to make connections between communities all over the world, integrating concepts of anthropology, history, ecology, geography, sociology and economics.
“We are thrilled to be working with PBS KIDS and the incredibly talented Joe Murray to bring LUNA AROUND THE WORLD to life,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with PBS KIDS over the years on several shows, including DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, PEG + CAT, WILD KRATTS and NATURE CAT, and it’s exciting to take our partnership to the next level. The PBS KIDS team is best-in-class at what they do, and showcasing LUNA AROUND THE WORLD across their various platforms will have tremendous reach with kids.”
Along with the television series, LUNA AROUND THE WORLD will offer digital content for kids, parents and teachers, debuting in fall 2018. LUNA AROUND THE WORLD games will be available at pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. A LUNA AROUND THE WORLD app will also launch after the series’ debut. Parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.
Each episode of LUNA AROUND THE WORLD will include two 11-minute stories as well as interstitial content – including live-action segments about arts and cultures, and animated folktales and songs. The series is currently in production of 38 half-hour episodes and a one-hour special.
9 Story Distribution International is managing the distribution and merchandising rights for LUNA AROUND THE WORLD worldwide outside Canada.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Numb Chucks and Peg + Cat, 9 Story represents over 2,500 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With one of North America’s largest animation studios, 9 Story employs over 300 creative and production staff in its Toronto facility and has produced over 900 half-hours of award-winning children’s content. In 2015, 9 Story acquired the award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, which employs almost 300 staff members across Dublin, Manchester and Los Angeles. Brown Bag is recognized for producing leading animated children’s series such as Octonauts, DocMcStuffins, Bing and Henry Hugglemonster. 9 Story is owned by senior management ZMC (Zelnick Media Capital) and media entrepreneur Neil Court. www.9story.com
Contacts:
Maria Vera Whelan, PBS; 703.739.3225; mverawhelan@pbs.org
