"Invention Story" has already signed on Surge Licensing to secure a raft of consumer products deals in North America.

Henan York Animation and Mondo TV have teamed to create a new 3D-animated comedy-action series for kids, called "Invention Story," which will introduce its young audience to science concepts.

The series, targeted to 5- to 9-year-olds, will follow the adventures of an intelligent, thoughtful and creative fox who, in each episode, comes up with a new invention that amazes the rabbit population in Carrot Town, his adopted home. Everyone, that is, except the mayor, Silas Hopner, who briefly had a reputation as an inventor long ago and is jealous of Kit. His main aim now is to foil Kit or steal his ideas. By following the little fox in his efforts to build each new invention, kids will find out more about science and how it works.

The first season of "Invention Story" (104 x11) is slated to debut in 2018, and the partners feel so confident in the concept that they have already committed to the creation of five seasons of the show.

"'Invention Show' offers all the excitement and fun of the best children's animation, combined with the thrill of discovery at seeing science in action," says Matteo Corradi, chief executive officer, Mondo TV. "We're delighted to be working with Henan York Animation on a show with such amazing potential in both the broadcast and licensing arenas."

Talks are already under way with major broadcasters, and Mondo TV has tapped Surge Licensing to bring the brand to North American shelves. At Licensing Expo this month, Mondo will be presenting the brand alongside Surge for licensing in a range of categories including toys and publishing.

"Working with Mondo TV on this delightful and highly original concept has already been a great experience," says Song Siyuan, vice president, Henan York Animation. "With the strong concept underpinning the show and a commitment to five [seasons] from the production partners, we feel this is a series that will be strongly supported by both viewers and licensees."