TV-Loonland is pleased to announce that British channel BBC has acquired the full TV Rights for animated series Penelope (54x5 minutes) for airing on its digital pre-school channel CBeebies. PENELOPE, for which TV-Loonland is handling multi-territory distribution, is a co-production by Nippon Animation, NHK Enterprises and Shirogumi Inc. The series is set to premiere on CBeebies in Spring 2009.

CBeebies will join a prestigious line-up of broadcasters including ABC Australia, France 5, JIM JAM Italy, MNET South Africa alongside Scandinavian broadcasters DRTV Denmark, TV2 Norway, RUV Iceland and MTV3/Channel Juniori Finland.

Originating from the popular Gallimard books by Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben, the series tells the story about everyday life for the 3-year old, sweet-natured, chatterbox Penelope. The tales of this little blue koala bear who has an insatiable curiosity about all things around her are full of fun and told with humour and affection. Through its constant questioning PENELOPE makes children develop a sense of logic and anticipation as well as let them explore action and consequence through the use of direct speech, expression and comprehension.

Justine Bannister, TV-Loonland´s Head of International Distribution and Acquisitions, commented: “With CBeebies we have found the perfect partner to introduce PENELOPE to the UK pre-school audience. With its educational characteristics and the ability to inspire a child´s imagination, we are confident that the series will form a valuable part of their kids programming.”

Kay Benbow, Head of CBeebies Production, Animation and Acquisitions: "I am delighted to welcome this charming animation to CBeebies. The beautiful design and gentle flow of the stories will work perfectly for our younger viewers."