On the occasion of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Bayard Jeunesse Production announces the development of a brand-new animated series featuring Little Brown Bear, one of the most iconic children’s characters in France, Europe and Canada.
Aimed at children ages 3 to 5, this 2D series of 78 brand-new 5-minute stories reimagines for the screen the tender, reassuring and universal world of the famous little bear, a companion to children’s first discoveries for fifty years.
A Heritage Brand with a Proven Audience
Created in 1975 in the magazine Pomme d’Api, Little Brown Bear has spanned generations to become an absolute reference in early childhood. A character in whom young children see themselves, Little Brown Bear helps them grow with confidence through stories inspired by their everyday experiences.
Today, Little Brown Bear remains the icon of toddlers: over 800,000 books sold each year (28 million books sold in 25 years), 3 million magazines sold annually, nearly 20 million streams on audio platforms, 208 animated episodes broadcast to several generations of children, and over 970 million video views on YouTube.
Bayard Jeunesse Production is now embarking on a new phase in the audiovisual development of Little Brown Bear, a character who celebrated his 50th anniversary in 2025 and enjoys exceptional popularity among families. This new series aims to introduce Little Brown Bear to new audiences while preserving what made him a cult hero, and embracing the best of today’s world, to create a work that is resolutely accessible, sensitive and contemporary.
A Series where Everyday Life is a Celebration
This new adaptation offers a contemporary approach of early childhood, focusing on emotions, sensory discovery and the wonder of everyday life.
Each episode follows Little B (Little Brown Bear), a three-and-a-half-years-old, on a child-sized adventure: building a treehouse, enjoying a soft-boiled egg, splashing around in a bubble bath, or climbing all the way up… on Mummy’s shoulders. Simple moments experienced in real time, without cuts, to keep the attention and help comprehension of young viewers.
The series places strong emphasis on gentle, immersive storytelling, where the camera adopts the child’s perspective, attentive to small details and the mysteries of everyday life: a cat, a ladybird, the sound of the wind, a fluttering leaf, a line of ants.
Surrounded by the loving care of his parents, his cat (a true member of the family), and his friends Mielle and Panda — his neighbours turned best adventure companions — Little B lives in a bubble of tenderness, close to nature. He’s the one who draws everyone around him into his games and explorations: to avoid bedtime, he suggests a game of hide-and-seek with the moon. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, always filled with laughter and togetherness.
The series advocates for a caring and shared approach to parenting, featuring modern, involved parents, and pays special attention to diversity and inclusion through characters with varied backgrounds—remaining true to Bayard Jeunesse’s mission to help every child grow with confidence.
Little Ones live Big Stories too
Since 1986, Little Brown Bear has been a gentle and reassuring gateway into the world of screens. This new series stays true to that founding mission : to offer toddlers their very first animated series, in little bear steps, through a sensory and emotional experience that celebrates curiosity, independence, free play and the joy of growing up.
« At Bayard Jeunesse Production, we believe in the power of stories that transcend generations. This new adaptation of Little Brown Bear reflects our commitment to investing sustainably in audiovisual content with strong editorial value, capable of meeting the expectations of today’s children while drawing on brands deeply rooted in the daily lives of families. » – Alexandre Hénin, Head of Audiovisual and Audio at Bayard Jeunesse and Milan
