Singapore – Cartoonito, the preschool brand of Cartoon Network, has been launched across Southeast Asia, as well as in Japan and Korea. The Japan launch of the brand was made on 1 March, while the Korean and SEA launch was made on 28 March. ‘Cartoonito’ offers a modern approach to preschool programming, built to support each child’s unique potential with its educational framework called ‘Humancentric Learning’.
Tentpole shows in Southeast Asia and Korea include Lucas the Spider, Dino Ranch, Monchhichi and Esme & Roy. These sit alongside a growing slate of new and library series in a line-up that celebrates individuality and originality, while championing creativity, compassion and inclusion. These shows will also sit in a dedicated Cartoonito programming rail on the regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A launch event is scheduled in Singapore in April.
Meanwhile in Japan, the line-up includes Thomas and Friends, Pingu, and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Celebrity singer Kaela Kimura sings the theme song during the daily block. Cartoonito will launch in Australia and New Zealand in early July, and in South Asia later in the year.
All ‘Cartoonito’ shows follow a curriculum designed by early childhood education expert Dr. Laura Brown to support the four pillars of ‘Humancentric Learning’: creativity, caring, curiosity and courage. The brand aims to inspire kids to use their imagination, to learn from their mistakes and to treat others with empathy and respect.
Leslie Lee, head of kids for WarnerMedia in Asia Pacific, said, “When we introduced Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’ earlier this year, the channel shifted to become more inclusive to boys and girls. Now with Cartoonito, our demos are even wider – creating a safe environment for even younger children to enjoy every morning with their parents and caregivers. While the content and on-air packaging are extremely appealing to youngsters, it is how the block is carefully curated and programmed which makes it stand out.”
