CBeebies unveils preschooler first

CBeebies, the BBC’s youngest children’s brand, is at work on three new commissions including what it claims is the broadcaster’s first ever live-action comedy drama for preschoolers.

The series, headed for both BBC2 and the CBeebies digital channel next year, focus on community, relationships and musical expression.

Preschool comedy drama Grandpa In My Pocket (26×15′) follows a seven-year-old and his ‘seriously grumpy’ grandfather, a man in possession of a magic shrinking cap able to make him small enough to hide in unlikely places, where he can enact his own brand of curmudgeonly mischief.

The series is created by Adastra Creative, a relatively new company formed by Mellie Buse and Jan Page, who have head-written, scripted and developed kids shows including Charlie and Lola, The Hoobs, Angelina Ballerina and Thomas the Tank Engine.

3rd & Bird! (52×30′) is a new animated series from Josh Selig (The Wonderpets!) about community, being coproduced by CBeebies Productions and Little Airplane Productions.

The series uses photo-puppetry animation and follows Samuel Lovebird, a young bird learning all about his family, neighbours and friends.

Rounding off the trio is the BBC Scotland-produced Carrie & David’s Popshop (30×20′), an interactive music show presented by Carrie and David Grant, stars of BBC show Fame Academy.

Michael Carrington, creative director of CBeebies, said: “Young children will be captivated by these three new series which have been created to support their personal development and inspire their creativity and sense of fun.”