Scholastic Entertainment is partnering with Gaumont to co-develop and co-produce Rocket Park, an animated preschool series inspired by Sofia Sanchez, a 13-year-old Down syndrome self-advocate, actress, model and inspiration for the children’s books You Are Enough and You Are Loved, written by Margaret O’Hair, illustrated by Sofia Cardoso and published by Scholastic.
“We are thrilled to work with Sofia Sanchez to amplify her voice and create a space for the many kids and families who identify with her story, and proud to partner again with Gaumont to bring Rocket Park to the screen,” said Scholastic Entertainment President Iole Lucchese (exec producer, Clifford the Big Red Dog). “We hope to spread the messages of love and acceptance, and introduce more children to Sofia’s books.”
SVP & General Manager Caitlin Friedman (exec producer, Stillwater) added, “Rocket Park builds upon Scholastic Entertainment’s mission to develop an inclusive slate of programming for all children, just as Scholastic publishes stories where all kids can find themselves in the pages.”
Consisting of 11-minute episodes and original music, the uplifting new series will focus on four kids who work together to help their community and, in doing so, teach young viewers about the power of embracing and celebrating differences, accepting others and themselves, and loving friends and family for exactly who they are.
“I can’t wait to teach children how to be good helpers,” said Sanchez. “This is going to be so much fun!”
The project is currently in development, with Scholastic Entertainment and Gaumont attached to produce. Rocket Park follows the companies’ collaboration on the successful launch of Stillwater for Apple TV+, based on the Zen picture book series by Jon J Muth and winner of the Peabody and two Daytime Emmy Awards.
“We are delighted to continue partnering with Scholastic Entertainment through this new project and look forward to building on the success of our award-winning series, Stillwater, currently available on Apple TV+,” said Nicolas Atlan, President of Gaumont U.S. “We are excited to be working with the talented Sofia Sanchez. As an inspiring young ambassador of inclusion and empowerment, utilizing her authentic voice and unique perspective, she will be key in helping to bring the joyful characters of Rocket Park to life.”
Dublin-based sketch comedy and improv writing and performing duo Amy Stephenson and Shane Langan will serve as showrunners for Rocket Park. Awarded “Best Preschool Writer” at the 2019 Irish Animation Awards, Stephenson and Langan’s other preschool credits include Becca’s Bunch, Jessy & Nessy, Kiva Can Do, Alva’s World, Ladybird Lu and Silly Sundays.
Lucchese, Friedman and VP of TV Development Jef Kaminsky (Signs of Survival) will executive produce for Scholastic Entertainment. Atlan, Gaumont Vice CEOs Sidonie Dumas and Christophe Riandee, EVP Creative Content – U.S. Terry Kalagian and VP Creative Development – Animation & Family Michelle Sullivan will executive produce for Gaumont.
Spreading Sanchez’s universal message of belonging, You Are Enough is an inclusive and empowering picture book that includes a vast set of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences and abilities, reminding readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident and be proud of who you are.
The upcoming companion book, You Are Loved (March 2023), introduces readers to all different types of families — from Sofia’s adoptive family to blended families, those with two moms and two dads or single parents, mixed race families and kids raised by grandparents, guardians or older siblings — and shares the important message that families are more than the people you live with, but the people you choose, and who love you just the way you are.
