Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc. today announced that Rocket Saves the Day, a brand-new original movie from its kids & family label Atomic Cartoons, will debut in the U.S. on PBS KIDS on December 26. The fun, 2D-animated adventure for preschoolers and their parents is based on the New York Times bestselling Rocket book series created by Tad Hills and published by Random House Children’s Books.
Rocket Saves the Day is a hero’s journey in which an enthusiastic young pup named Rocket and his new best friend, Little Yellow Bird, embark on a quest to save their town through the power of reading. Throughout the journey, Rocket and his friends learn how to put letters and sounds together to make words — the building blocks of reading. Its animation style embodies a unique and distinctive hand-drawn look that mirrors Hills’ textured illustrations.
“Tad Hills created such a rich and wonderful world in the Rocket books. They engage kids’ imaginations and celebrate the joy of learning, and we knew immediately that they would translate beautifully to animation,” said Matthew Berkowitz, Chief Creative Officer, Atomic Cartoons/Thunderbird and Thunderbird President. “PBS KIDS has been an incredible partner on the production. As our latest Atomic original release, Rocket Saves the Day exemplifies the kind of content we aspire to bring to life— an entertaining romp of an animated adventure, and inspiring kids to read!”
Adriano Schmid, VP, PBS KIDS Content, PBS, adds, “PBS KIDS’ characters spark fun and learning, and we’re thrilled to welcome Rocket to the family. We hope kids and parents will enjoy the movie together on December 26, and build reading skills along the way.”
Developed and written by Emmy-winning kids’ TV screenwriter Rachel Lipman (Rugrats, Dinosaur Train, Hey Arnold!), Rocket Saves the Day was adapted for television by Peabody-winning producer Lynn Kestin Sessler. Along with Joel Bradley and Trevor Bentley for Atomic, Tad Hills, Lynn Kestin Sessler and Rachel Bader serve as executive producers. Atomic’s Heather Renney serves as supervising producer.
Rocket Saves the Day is the latest owned IP announced by Thunderbird, which manages and controls global media distribution rights to the movie. Thunderbird Distribution will debut Rocket Saves the Day to prospective international buyers at the MIPJunior/MIPCOM content market in Cannes (October 14-19).
pbskids.org | atomiccartoons.com
