Tobi! To Make World Premiere in March

NEW YORK: Tobi!, a new preschool series from Little Airplane Productions, which is also behind hits such as The Wonder Pets and 3rd & Bird, is to make its world premiere on March 7 on Nickelodeon in Australia and Treehouse TV in Canada. 

The series will debut on UNICEF’s annual International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, the day in which UNICEF asks broadcasters to air programming for, about or by children. The preschool show follows Tobi, a little boy who wants to make his world a better place. Each episode is a visual poem that helps preschoolers understand one pressing global issue, such as human rights, the plight of endangered species or homelessness. These complex social topics are approached gently and with great sensitivity under the direct supervision of Little Airplane’s supervising director of research and curriculum, Dr. Laura G. Brown. Every episode was research-tested for comprehension, appeal and age-appropriateness using Little Airplane’s proprietary research approach, known as Show and Tell Research. Tobi! was created by Josh Selig, Jim Chong and Jennifer Oxley. 

“Tobi! is designed to help prepare a new generation for the social, ethical and environmental challenges that we all face,” said Selig, the president and founder of Little Airplane Productions. “We decided to launch our new series on UNICEF’s International Day of Broadcasting because we believe that our goals with this project are in alignment with UNICEF’s mission to ‘advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.’"

"Tobi’s desire to improve the world around him is an important sentiment to impart to children everywhere,” added Karen Cirillo, the executive producer for children’s broadcasting initiatives, Internet, broadcast and image section division of communication at UNICEF.  “Having Tobi! premiere on UNICEF’s International Children’s Day of Broadcasting is an honor, since the show is a wonderful example of positive role models in children’s television."

Deirdre Brennan, the director of programming for Nickelodeon Australia, commented, “Josh and the Little Airplane team have again succeeded in using their incredible creativity to educate and entertain preschoolers around the world. I believe that the time is right to offer families an appropriate tool to explore global issues and nurture a sense of social responsibility within children from a young age. Nick Jr. is very proud to support the series launch in line with UNICEF’s annual International Children’s Day of Broadcasting, and beyond.”

“We couldn’t be happier to work with Little Airplane Productions on this project,” added Brenda Nietupski, the director of programming at Treehouse. “As a parent-trusted network for preschoolers, Treehouse is proud to welcome these empowering shorts that encourage young kids to be caring global citizens through rhyme and hip music.”