Boutique French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo is now in development with France TV on its latest preschool project, Billy the Cowboy Hamster (78 x 7’). Based on the six-book series by Dutch author-illustrator Catharina Valckx, Billy the Cowboy Hamster follows three friends, Billy, Jean-Claude the worm and Little Rain the stone marten as they embark on thrill-seeking adventures.
Directed by Swiss illustrator and animation artist Antoine Rota (Kaeloo), Billy the Cowboy Hamster will be produced at Dandelooo’s studio Ooolala at La Cartoucherie in Valence, France. The show will be introduced to viewers 4-7 in 2021.
The books are published by l’école des loisirs, with over one million books sold in France and in numerous other countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, China and Japan.
“We have found this wonderful unique character in our own greenhouse series: The Treehouse Stories and are eager to bring him alive on screen, along with his best friends Little Rain the stone marten and Jean-Claude the worm,” commented Dandelooo founders Jean Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Petry. “This special series filled with affection, kindness and tenderness will immerse kids with its fun, quirky and absurd humor.”
Synopsis: Growing up in the Wild West and raised on his father’s exciting tales, Billy has a burning desire to hit the trail in his cowboy outfit! And since every new day presents him with an opportunity for an adventure, he’s determined not to miss out. Billy rustles up his faithful friend Jean-Claude the worm and his accomplice Little Rain the stone marten and hits the trail. But just like life, the Wild West is unpredictable, and Billy is faced with unforeseen situations — like a prickly cactus patch. With his big heart and unfailing ingenuity, Billy finds his own solutions to overcoming these obstacles, proving he is a great little hamster in the making growing up every day while spreading joy and friendship.
