Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has been commissioned to produce a new 2D animation series Max & Rabbit ("Max & Lapin") for Canal+, France. The series for 3- to 5-year-olds features the dynamic duo "Max and Rabbit" as they accompany young viewers through daily situations. Using clever and effective tools Max & Rabbit deals with emotions, helps kids to listen, accept, verbalise and find charming fun solutions for every little problem they may encounter.
"Max & Lapin" is based on the best-selling children’s books by French author Astrid Desbordes, illustrated by Pauline Martin and published by Nathan. With thirteen titles published to date the books have also been translated and sold in numerous countries including China, Italy, Israel, Poland, Greece and Korea.
Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala in la Cartoucherie, Valence (France) will commence production of the new 26 x 5-minute episodes in September 2024. "Max & Rabbit" directed by Clément Céard is set for delivery in Q4 2025 and Dandelooo will handle the worldwide distribution.
Emmanuèle Pétry, Producer & Head of International, Dandelooo praised the great teamwork that was assembled for the occasion: “With this new commission, we are thrilled to continue the creative collaboration for this beautiful IP with Nathalie Leffray and Christine Cauquelin from Canal+, building on the great teamwork established during the production of the serialized fantasy series 'The Upside Down River'," commented.
On her part, Christine Cauquelin, Director of Programs and Channels for Documentaries, Youth and Animation at Canal+ praised the original material as well as its characters:“Canal+ is thrilled to start a new collaboration with the Dandelooo team. The 'Max & Lapin' books by Astrid Desbordes and Pauline Martin have conquered our hearts thanks to their modern look, the soft tongue in cheek tone which brings humor. We believe the series will fully match our desire to tell stories to the youngest because the characters are kind, smart and a bit mischievous. We have no doubt that our audience will love this new series," added.
"Max & Rabbit" is the world seen from a child’s perspective and follows the adventures of four-and-a-half-year-old Max and his rabbit as they navigate everyday situations. If you see a purple rabbit tucked under Max’s arm, you’ll probably think it’s a cuddly toy. You’d be wrong! Rabbit is a real rabbit - especially for Max. They talk to each other, confide in each other, give each other advice, console each other and bicker. But only Max knows, of course.