The new series will aim to showcase the key principles of STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

The U.K.'s CBeebies network has given the greenlight to FremantleMedia Kids & Family for "Bitz & Bob," a comedy adventure series that combines funny and whimsical stories with key principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

The preschool-targeted series will center on 8-year-old Bitz and her younger brother Bob as they get creative and make creations in Bitz's "Maker-space" treehouse, which they then weave into magical stories that bring her inventions to life.

"Bitz & Bob" incorporates the guidance of two experts from the STEAM sector in the U.K. and U.S., Helen Heggie, director, STEMFirst, and Dr. Lisa Regalla, deputy director, Maker Ed.

"The compelling stories we are creating in 'Bitz & Bob' seamlessly integrate key aspects of STEAM into the series narrative to create artful solutions to engineering challenges," says Rick Glankler, president and general manager, FremantleKids & Family. "Whether they know it or not, kids are applying engineering principles on a daily basis, from creating paper planes to learning to ride a bike. This new show truly re-defines what engineering means, and our funny and 'girlstrous' lead character Bitz provides multiple fun and persuasive reasons to break down barriers and encourage young girls to get more involved."

To complement the series, a short-form, live-action companion show, "Bitz & Bob: Let's Make It," will provide children with step-by-step instructions to create the things they see in the main series, as well as bite-sized pieces of information on the specific engineering principles at work in each episode.

"We always aim to inspire on CBeebies, and I hope that 'Bitz & Bob' will encourage a new generation of engineers," says Kay Benbow, controller, CBeebies. "Bitz is a wonderful female role model, she is full of creative ideas and energy that will take our viewers on adventures that we know will fire their imaginations."