Cartoonito Tales is an in-house produced storytelling-themed series commissioned for audiences aged three to six (and their parents) across Africa, Middle East and Europe, with production being done in London last year.

Renowned South African actress, Anna-Mart van der Merwe (7de Laan, Soul City and Die Storie van Klara Viljee) has been selected as the local narrator for the series in Africa.

“Being a part of this project was an amazing experience and I was delighted to be selected to narrate this series. It is also fantastic to see an international broadcaster localising its content to bring their stories closer to their audiences”, said Van der Merwe.

Celebrating storytelling for preschoolers, Cartoonito Tales brings classic and much-loved novels to life with a modern twist in a way that today’s children can engage with. Each story starts in the real world and transport children to a magical one when characters venture through a mysterious mouse hole. The series has an array of tales to delight young kids like Pinocchio, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and The Magic Flute.

Cartoonito Tales’ creator and executive producer is Turner’s creative director, Brett Davey and it is written by in-house production co-ordinator Emma Boucher. Following the continued success of series one, since its launch in 2011 in UK and across many territories, Turner Broadcasting has already greenlit a second season of this top-rating preschool series.

Alan Musa, VP and GM, Middle East and Africa for Turner Broadcasting System said: “We are happy to broaden our Cartoonito offering with a new locally flavoured show in South Africa. Cartoonito Tales is set to enlarge our high-quality preschool offer delighting audiences across Africa as a hub of fun and imaginative entertainment, whilst still engaging and stimulating the minds of young children.”

The Cartoonito brand launched in Africa as a block on Boomerang in October 2011 and since its debut has become very popular. It features a variety of high quality preschool programming including Baby Looney Tunes, Bananas in Pyjamas, Jelly Jamm, Ha Ha Hairies and now Cartoonito Tales. On-air the block is hosted by six cutely shaped characters collectively called the Cartoonitos. As the familiar faces of the block, the Cartoonitos bring Cartoonito its unique and identifiable personality.

Cartoonito Tales will premiere on the Cartoonito block on Boomerang, channel 302 on DStv, airing every Thursday from 8 November at 20:20 as bedtime stories for children.