Star Wars for preschoolers, My Friend Boo, Tangerine & Cow

George Lucas is working on a new Star Wars animated series and this one is for preschoolers and kindergarteners, per IESB. No really it isn't April 1 just yet.

Lucas and the folks at Skywalker Ranch are in pre-production on a series based on the Star Wars: Galactic Heroes, a line of Star Wars toys aimed at younger kids.

The series is reportedly operating under the working title Squishies, and there is a director on board. While Cartoon Network has had great success with the animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars, there is no word about a network deal.

My Friend Boo is a new preschool-aimed animated series that focuses on environmental issues, in an age appropriate way, such as water conservation and climate control.

Supported by the European Commission's fund for the environment, the series is produced by illustrator/animator/author Curtis Jobling (production designer on Bob the Builder, author/illustrator Frankenstein's Cat) and debuted in five European countries last week.

The series will be available in 11 languages across Europe from June. My Friend Boo will also be available in schools, social clubs and via other European organizations, such as Europe Region of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Each episode is accompanied by free downloadable education packs for teachers/schools. The series follows a group of young kids and their magical dog Boo, who takes them on environmental-centric adventures.

Imira Entertainment completes sales of the Normaal Animation produced 2D animated comedy Tangerine & Cow (78x7), just ahead of MIPTV. Z@pp (The Netherlands) acquires the public free TV rights for the series, with Cartoon Network taking the pay TV rights for Spain and TV Catalunya (Catalunya) the free TV rights.

Additionally, RTP (Portugal) and Channel 5 (Lithuania) also picked up the series, while Al Sayyar (Middle East) takes the TV and home entertainment rights.

Further home entertainment and licensing deals have been signed with Kids Planet (Netherlands and Belgium), and Pourquoi Pas (France). Based on Jacques Azam's comic book Chico Mandarine, Tangerine and Cow is a co-production of Imira and Normaal.