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Tinga Tinga Tales tells big stories with big surprises

Tinga Tinga Tales

From Monday 1 February on CBEEBIES

You may think you know the reason why Elephant has a long trunk, or why Tortoise has a broken shell but, actually, the reason for each is a whole other story! Inspired by traditional African folktales and the art of Tanzania, Tinga Tinga Tales opens up a fantastical world of colour, characters and transformation.

Based upon animal creation stories from all over the African continent, Tinga Tinga Tales brings to life tall tales of how favourite animals came to be the way they are today. Ever wondered why Elephant has a trunk, or why Tortoise has a broken shell, or why Flamingo stands on one leg, or why Lion roars? Tinga Tinga Tales will answer everybody's questions!

Especially for three- to six-year-olds, Tinga Tinga Tales is a land full of big stories and big surprises. From the producer of the multi award-winning Charlie And Lola, Tiger Aspect's Claudia Lloyd was captivated by the Tinga Tinga art style when she visited Africa for Comic Relief. Duly inspired, she set about developing a series for children telling African folk stories using the art that she'd come to love. Tiger Aspect then established an animation studio in Nairobi, employing and training local designers, writers and animators to create this colourful, vibrant series.

Each episode is packed with engaging animal characters and a stunning visual style. This is a world of stripes and spots, rainbows and patterns; a world where humans don't exist and animals live by their own rules; a world of myth, legend and friendship; a world where you can fly too close to the sun, jump off clouds, and summon musical storms; where you can sing and dance with the dawn chorus, or fall asleep under the stars. A magical world where animals transform before your very eyes!

Delivered with wit and charm, the stories embrace the universal themes of community and friendship. Together, hero Monkey and his friends, Elephant, Tortoise, Tickbird, Hippo and Lion, will take viewers on a unique safari of adventure and story-telling.

The big six: a quick who's who in Tinga Tinga

Monkey

Red Monkey is the little hero. He is the only character who talks directly to the audience. He introduces and sums up every episode. Just like the audience he's a playful, inquisitive child who wants to know "why". Red Monkey is fun, excitable and adventurous. Fun and games are what Monkey is about, and sometimes this lands him in innocent mischief. His side-kicks, Orange Monkey and Yellow Monkey, are never far behind. The Monkeys are playful and mischievous, but never malicious.

Favourite catchphrases: "And from that day on..." and "But that's a whole other story."

Tortoise

Tortoise is quick of mind but slow of foot. One of the oldest characters, Tortoise has seen everything there is to see in the land of Tinga Tinga. His experience and age bring him wisdom and knowledge. Tortoise often provides the solution to many a problem ... if he manages to get there in time! His best friend is Elephant – they make for a comedy combination: brains and bulk. Elephant regularly steps or sits on Tortoise by mistake (as do most of the other animals), cracking and re-cracking his shell.

Tortoise's catchphrase: "I am not a rock! I'm a Tortoise!"

Elephant

Elephant is the biggest, most adorable and well-intentioned animal in the land of Tinga Tinga. He has a heart the size of a mountain and a brain the size of pea. Everybody loves Elephant. He's the first to offer help, but the last to understand what is going on. He's the "town crier" of Tinga Tinga, trumpeting news, danger or an invitation to a party. His best friend is Tortoise, who will often help Elephant get his head around the trickier problems in life or help him understand the punch line of a joke.

Elephant's catchphrase: "Big head see, tiny brain."

Hippo and Tickbird

Hippo and Tickbird are Tinga Tinga's female double act. They are inseparable. Hippo has terribly ticklish skin and Tickbird eats all the tickly ticks off of her back. Hippo is big with a big mouth and Tickbird is tiny with a big mouth too. Not much goes by in the land of Tinga Tinga without a comment from Hippo and Tickbird.

Hippo is the diva of the waterhole – the Gospel queen of Tinga Tinga. She loves to wallow and laugh. Tickbird's ticking constantly has Hippo in fits of giggles which all the other animals find infectious... Hippo is proud of her big, beautiful curves and her shiny, black skin.

Tickbird is Hippo's tiny companion. Always perched on Hippo's back, Tickbird tends to behave maternally towards her big best friend.

Hippo's catchphrase: "Stop Tickling, Tickbird!" Tickbird's catchphrase: "Keep still Hippo!"

Lion

Lion is royalty in Tinga Tinga. He is the King. All the other animals refer to him as "Your Majesty". When Lion speaks, he does so with authority and fairness. He is strong and majestic – the epitome of justice. The Monkeys dare each other to stand up to Lion. Crocodile foolishly challenges Lion. Hyena and Baboon try to trick Lion. But every animal knows that you mess with Lion at your peril.

Lion often uses his roar to calm things down or attract the attention of the other animals, often in Swahili, followed by English. If Lion is called in to help out with a problem, it must be serious. Lion shares his wisdom but he gets annoyed when animals have behaved badly and done things at odds with nature's way.

Lion's catchphrase: "Kimyeni! Silence!" and "Lala Salama. Sleep well."

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