Build-A-Bear to Debut New Original Animated Series

On December 26, Build-A-Bear is releasing the new original animated series KABU, about a fun group of stuffed animal friends, on its YouTube channel.

“Our wish for KABU is to provide an entertaining, engaging and fun way to playfully explore some of the challenges of childhood and parenting today while supporting and hopefully reinforcing the concepts and benefits of friendship, collaboration and kindness,” said Sharon Price John, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We believe this intention is in keeping with our mission as well as aligned with what Build-A-Bear has consistently delivered for almost 30 years—the creation of memorable, amazing experiences for kids and kids at heart.”

In the series, the group of friends navigate the ups and downs of growing up, including friendship, challenges, disagreements and responsibilities. Each episode explores relatable situations that the friends work through together to find a “collaBEARative” solution.

KABU’s key characters are inspired by classic Build-A-Bear animals such as Bearmey, Bearnard and Pawlette the bunny. Their character designs were reimagined for the series through a kawaii art style. As such, the KABU series name is based on the word “cub” in Japanese, the origin of the kawaii style.

This art style has also inspired a collection of new plush animals that will be simultaneously launched at Build-A-Bear Workshops around the globe on December 26.