Hamilton, Ont.-based Turtlebox Productions (Ainara’s Bookshelf) has started production on a new stop-motion show for preschoolers called Bumpy!.

TVOKids has scooped up the bite-sized toon (10 x 3.5 minutes) for a digital rollout on its YouTube channel (250,000 subscribers) and smart TV app next summer.

Carmen Albano (Detention Adventure) and Celeste Koon (Armadillo Avalanche) created the concept, which stars a monosyllabic alien with a fascination for everyday objects on Earth.

The premise sees Bumpy teaming up with his new bestie, a four-year-old girl named Li Li, to learn about everything from a ball to a chair. The series touches on educational themes including shapes, colors and STEM concepts.

The show’s visuals are designed to attract eyeballs, said TVOKids commissioning editor Kirsten Hurd. “The kids and caregivers who watch our content value having access to a wide variety of stories and animation styles, and the unique look and characters in Bumpy! will bring something new to TVOKids’ audiences.”

Toronto-based Stop Motion Department is helming the animation work.

Turtlebox secured financing for Bumpy! from the Shaw Rocket Fund and the Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund.

This story originally appeared in Kidscreen