Hold on Gaston! – TFOU and Dandelooo’s New Animated Series In Development
TF1’s children’s programming block TFOU together with
award winning production company and long-time partners of the TFOU d’Animation
Screenplay Contest Dandelooo, are excited to announce the development of the
animated series Hold on Gaston!. Adapted from the bestselling book series ‘Little
Unicorn’ by writer and illustrator Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, published by
Hachette Enfants, this whimsical and unicorn-filled 2D adventure aimed at children
aged 4 to 7 will be available in 52 x 11-minute episodes.
Since its debut in 2018 the ‘Little Unicorn’ book series, have become a phenomenal
success and has continued to capture the hearts of readers in France and across the
world. With 55 titles published and over 1.7 million copies sold in France alone,
the phenomenon has spread worldwide, with translations now available in 28
languages.
Welcome to Univille-on-Joy! In this peaceful village surrounded by green hills life is
really nice. There lives Gaston (and his friends), a young unicorn like many others…
well, almost. Gaston is unique: his rainbow mane changes colors according to his
emotions… ooops!
Emmanuèle Pétry and Jean-Baptiste Wery, Producers and Founders of
Dandelooo said: “Hold on Gaston! is a fantastic opportunity to tell fun, colorful stories
for children aged 4 to 7 while addressing a core theme: emotions and how to manage
them. Because for Gaston, life is a big wheel of emotions that he turns with appetite
and playfulness. It’s his intensity that will drive the stories and captivate viewers.
Beyond the narratives, the charm of Hold on Gaston! comes from the imaginative
world created by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine. Alongside Chloé Sastre and Romain
Gadiou, she successfully revitalized the unicorn thematic by designing a world filled
with hills. They presented us with a world of lush green hills where Gaston, with his
round little belly, colorful mane, and horn pointing towards the unknown, is ready to
take us on a wild ride… and we absolutely love it! That’s what immediately won us over
and will surely delight Gaston’s fans.”
Yann Labasque, Head of TF1 Group’s Youth Programming added: “The book
series ‘Little Unicorn’ has always been among one of our favorites. We were
particularly captivated by the colorful and whimsical world, created by author Aurélie
Chien Chow Chine, and above all, the boundless energy of Gaston the main character.
Gaston experiences his emotions deeply, whether he’s happy, sad or angry, which
makes him incredibly endearing and authentic.
His adventures are entertaining and offer valuable life lessons. Thanks to his
expressiveness and sincerity, Gaston creates a connection and speaks to all children.
He reminds us how important it is to live each moment to the fullest. Whether these
moments are happy or challenging, his vivid emotions and unique way of interacting
with those around him resonate with each young reader and soon with young viewers
on TFOU.”
Aurélie Chien Chow Chine, Author and Illustrator of the Little Unicorn book
series commented: “Seeing Gaston come to life as an animated character is a dream
come true, especially for me, coming from the animation world. I’m thrilled that we will
be able to watch him live out his emotions in brand-new adventures. An animated
series is a beautiful extension of the children’s books, offering a new encounter with
our beloved characters through voices, expressions, and gestures. I’m delighted that
TF1 is accompanying us on this new journey. Their youth programming team and I
found a wonderful synergy for telling stories filled with laughter, fear, joy, and even the
occasional tear—in short, emotions… so, Go Gaston!”
Sarah Koegler-Jacquet, Managing director of Hachette Enfants added: “When
Aurélie Chien Chow Chine introduced us to Gaston’s emotional adventures, we were
immediately captivated by this universal, timeless, generous, sincere, and incredibly
endearing character! This enthusiasm was shared by children and parents alike from
the publication of the very first books in France and internationally. Seeing their
beloved hero embark on new animated adventures will undoubtedly delight both young
and old alike and ensure his place as a timeless and much-loved character.”
