Mana-T Studios Teams with Bernice Vanderlaan for New Series

Puerto Rico-based Mana-T Studios has partnered with award-winning writer and story editor Bernice Vanderlaan (Alma’s Way, Remy and Boo) to develop Elenita the Chicken Whisperer.

The preschool series follows the adventures of Elenita and her flock of eccentric chickens, who teach her important life lessons while connecting her with nature. Elena Montijo, creator and art director at Mana-T Studios, bases Elenita’s stories on real events from her childhood.

Vanderlaan also grew up on a farm and had two pet chickens. She will further develop Elenita the Chicken Whisperer (Elenita La Encantadora de Gallinas) for presentation to perspective partners and streaming platforms.

Over her 25-year career, Vanderlaan has developed and story edited both live-action and animated programs, including Remy and Boo, Nina’s World, Angry Birds Stella, Angry Birds Blues, The Chica Show and Life with Derek. She has also written for series such as Alma’s Way, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That and Max and Ruby.

“Elenita’s enormous heart and her playful flock of chickens sparked my imagination right away” Vanderlaan said. “I am thrilled to join such a creative group of chicken whisperers!”

Montijo added, “We are very excited to have Bernice as part of the Elenita team. Her writing style is so complimentary to our vision.”