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Origin of the SeriesAnimalia was the book that first brought Graeme Base to international attention.
It looked, for a while, like it would never be finished. Bob Sessions of Penguin Australia wished to publish it, but he couldn't fund it. For the first year nothing happened. Then an American art book publisher, Abrams, saw some of the unfinished work at Frankfurt Book Fair and agreed to publish an American edition.
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About the Author
Graeme Base was born in England on 6 April, 1958, and moved to Australia in 1966 with his family. Once in Australia, he attended Box Hill High School, and then Melbourne High School.
From about the age of 12, Base knew what he wanted to be, telling people at every opportunity: 'I'm going to be a commercial artist'. It seemed a heaven on earth. You drew pictures, and you got paid for them. When he had completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC), he went to Swinburn College of Technology and did a graphic design course for three years. He was hoping to do a fourth year, as there was a degree attached to the course, but it seems he was urged to leave earlier. He then went into advertising, where he was paid well, and hated every moment of it. Most of his work was newspaper ads which he described as 'killing'. He went through three jobs in the two years he was in advertising. He was fired from his third, and last, job for incompetence. With time on his hands, he began creating and painting a collection animals, drawing up on his love for the natural world and his whimsical sense of humor. The result was Animalia.
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Core Literacy StandardsAnimalia – The Land Where Literacy Lives
In Animalia, the Core holds The Animalia Bill of Writes [sic], a manifesto written by the main character in Animalia, Livingstone T. Lion, that defines all of the communication skills needed to survive in Animalia. Livingstone has never publicly admitted it, but The Bill of Writes may, in fact, have been inspired by the NCTE/IRA Standards themselves!
One thing you may not have noticed (and this is intentional on our part) is that the show is all about literacy. Under its entertaining surface, each episode depicts key elements of skillful language use -- reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and investigating. In fact, the whole series takes its inspiration from America’s national literacy standards, as enunciated by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. 1. Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works. 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience. 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics). 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes. 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes. 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts. 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience. 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge. 9. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles. 10. Students whose first language is not English make use of their first language to develop competency in the English language arts and to develop understanding of content across the curriculum. 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities. 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
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Character Analysis
Alex and Zoe ALEX and ZOE, the human pre-teens, are the touchstones for our audience. They guide us into each adventure and, along with G'Bubu and Iggy, lead the way to solving the problems in Animalia. Livingstone is the main advisor and mentor to the two kids.They are familiar with their own world, but they don't know this one. They are strangers in this strange land and they have a lot to learn. But through her journal and his sketchbook, they interpret (for us) their feelings about what is happening. In early episodes, Alex and Zoe feel superior to the animals. "After all," think the kids, "We're humans, and everyone else here is an animal." They soon come to realize that they have a lot to learn... 
Livingstone T. Lion Livingstone is the Ruler of Animalia. He's not a stuffy, pompous king. He's more of a regular guy, self-deprecating, unassuming. A little scruffy and eccentric. Charming and funny in his glib, word-playing sort of way. Livingstone rides his tricked-out and strange-looking bicycle through the streets of Animalia City. He may be a king, but he's a lion of the people. Ruling the kingdom of Animalia is a bit like being the mayor of Mayberry. Everybody knows everyone on a first name basis, so there's not a whole lot of formality to the king thing. Livingstone rules by suggestion, not by force, not by edict. He's a gentle leader, who loves telling jokes and great stories. But despite his approach, he does have a quiet authority over all of Animalia. Rather than giving orders, he nudges his animal subjects in the direction he thinks they need to go. He never tells Alex and Zoe exactly what they need to do, but he points them in the right direction, and they usually pick up on the hint. Livingstone is a wordsmith with knowledge of words and their meaning. He has an appreciation and understanding of the power of language. Livingstone is an avid reader. He loves books and stories that feature animals in significant roles. He explains: "I enjoy a good animal yarn. I also enjoy playing with yarn. It's a cat thing.” 
Reenie Rhino Reenie is a female rhino who serves as the head librarian at Animalia's Great Library. She is nobody’s fool. In fact, she’s the most important female animal character in Animalia. Her role in this world is equal to that of Livingstone. She does not supplant him, or pretend to be a ruler of Animalia. But the Library itself is an energetic, exciting headquarters of information, and as head librarian, she has a book club, promotes “storytelling contests” and other literary activities and has access to the coolest, most valuable information available anywhere – both online and physically in the Library. She is not doddering; she is vibrant and intelligent. Being a rhinoceros, Reenie is a large creature but she carries herself with a delicate poise. Reenie is smart, warm, friendly and just under three tons, shoes off. 
G'Bubu Gorilla A gorilla...the kids' best pal. He comes across as a 15 year old. He's jungle smart and savvy, knows his way around the jungle and the city. He's an enormous creature, who primarily walks on all four legs like a gorilla. G'Bubu possesses the strength of... a gorilla! At first glance, he might look imposing. But G'Bubu isn't looking for a fight or a confrontation. He's out for a good time, and lumbers with remarkable agility throughout Animalia, often taking his pal, Iggy, along for the ride. He loves music, the louder the better. G'Bubu lives in an elaborate Swiss Family Robinson-styled treehouse, where he plays the drums to the annoyance of his neighbor, Tyrannicus. G'Bubu loves comics, and his Treehouse holds a large collection of Animalian comic books. 
Iggy D'Iguana An iguana. G'Bubu's feisty, funny sidekick. Iggy is a little guy, a chivalrous, miniature Don Quixote reptile with a Castilian accent. He's the same age as G'Bubu (about 15-years old). Iggy thinks he's much bigger than he is. The result is a package of bravado far in excess of its owner's actual size and abilities. Iggy pledges his undying loyalty to his friends, vowing to defend them from all dangers, but when push comes to shove, he is the first one to clear out of harm's way. He talks a good game, though, claiming to be ready to fend off all aggressors, with his catchcry of ‘Cervantes!’ or die gallantly in the attempt. Indeed, he is like his hero Cervantes' gallant dreamer/knight, Don Quixote, except Iggy ultimately prefers love, not war. And he loves to play his snootleblotter. In his own defense, Iggy reminds us: "Hey, I may be small, but I'm weak!" 
Tyrannicus Tiger A tiger. A contemporary of Livingstone. Sly, smart, and a smooth operator, Tyrannicus is always working the angles. He's ready to take advantage of anyone and everyone in order to make a buck or further his own best interests. Tyrannicus is a major source of disruption in Animalia. He's an opportunist who is very successful at turning almost any situation into his own personal gain. Tyrannicus is a pushy and conniving character, a manipulating bully who hides his true nature behind a guise of smarmy charm. Tyrannicus is a thorn in everyone’s side, and he always has been. He gets involved in all disputes -- and if there aren't any, he stirs some up -- and always takes the side that promises to be the most lucrative. Most Animalians are wary of Tyrannicus. They know his smooth-talking capabilities can play games with the truth. He uses language to complicate, obfuscate and befuddle everyone else. Tyrannicus feels threatened by the presence of Alex and Zoe (who are wise to his conniving schemes) and he leads a one-animal campaign to have the kids banished from Animalia. 
Fushia Fox The much put-upon assistant to the amoral Tyrannicus Tiger. Fushia knows a lot of things about Tyrannicus's manipulations and shady business practices. As a fox, she's sly, savvy, curious, a great listener, and is always eavesdropping on her boss. When he messes things up, she is always there straightening things out, mitigating his bad deeds. This fox knows more about what's going on in Animalia than just about anyone. Fushia is a bit like Radar O'Reilly from M*A*S*H. She knows what her boss wants before he knows it himself. She's not naive; she knows her boss is a world-class manipulator. But Fushia is (secretly) probably a better manipulator than Tyrannicus. Through out the series arc, Fushia becomes a “double agent,” working to foil Tyrannicus’ and The Creeper’s plans. 
Allegra Alligator An alligator. Age 15, but still going through her terrible two's. She's the leading female troublemaker in Animalia. Allegra is a wanna-be teen diva without any talent. She's loud, pushy, demanding, rude, sloppy, self-absorbed, selfish, critical, manipulative, vain and emotional. Yes, she's the complete package: a total teenage terror. Plus sharp snapping teeth. Allegra is a swamp-dwelling prima donna. She's Miss Piggy gone awry, with teeth. Her home is a dilapidated shack that's slowly sinking into the muck. She stays close to home because her slimy complexion requires the moisture and dank atmosphere of the swamp. Allegra wants fame and everything that goes with it. Her goal is to be the center of attention, no matter what the situation, no matter what the cost. She has a loud voice but no mastery of the language. Allegra doesn't always know what she's saying, but she says it with volume. She misuses words, but with total conviction, usually interspersed with her catchphrase “Bang-a-lang!” Allegra has delusions of adequacy. She wants to become a superstar. She plans to become a singer, a writer, an actor -- a media marvel. 
The Media Mice The Media Mice are the local news gatherers and TV reporters. They work for the Animalia Broadcasting Network and tend to sensationalize the news. 
Melford Mouse The male anchor, is the Ted Baxter of Animalia. He couldn't ad lib his own name. 
Melba Micely MICELY is more together...and wants a new co-anchor. She has her own daytime talk show, like Oprah. There is an issue plaguing the news division --one of editorial competence. The Media Mice have none. Their broadcasts consist of gossip and hearsay, mixed in with the occasional scrap of actual news. It's a challenge for Alex and Zoe and the animals to figure out what that truthful scrap of news might be. The Media Mice, in rare moments of clarity, realize the error of their ways, admit their mistakes, and vow to hold themselves and the media of Animalia to a higher standard. At least, until tomorrow.
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Episode GuideIn the following summaries we’ll take a quick glance at the plots for each episode. Woven into each of the stories are various aspects of what educators call “language arts,” a required school subject in every American elementary school (grades 1 to 6). To help support ANIMALIA, a “Language Arts Curriculum” based on the series will be available to teachers and schools. A brief summary of the Key Curriculum of each episode is provided as part of the following synopses. Episode 1: HELLO, WE MUST BE GOING
In this episode, we meet ANIMALIA’s ruler, LIVINGSTONE, who befriends the kids and asks for their help in repairing the CORE, the magic orb that is at the center of ANIMALIA’s well-being. Alex and Zoe are taken under the wing of gentle but strong G’BUBU Gorilla and his best pal, the boastful IGGY D’IGUANA. We also meet the librarian REENIE, the Elephants, the Zebras, the Hogs, the Media Mice, and the series’ two significant trouble-makers: ALLEGRA and TYRANNICUS, who take an immediate dislike to the human arrivals. Key Curriculum: To experience language structure, language conventions, media techniques, figurative language, and genres (in this case fantasy literature) and will critique and discuss print and non-print media. Episode 2: GOODBYE, WE MUST BE STAYING
Key Curriculum: To apply research skills and to understand media literacy and critical viewing and critical thinking skills. EPISODE 3: THE MIST OF TIME
Key Curriculum: To support a student’s experience with the genre of “myths and legends” by watching (or preferably reading) a wide range of literature from many periods and genres. In addition, a student will synthesize data from a variety of sources and communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their EPISODE 4: CATCHER IN THE RHYME
Key Curriculum: To help children learn to adjust their use of spoken, written and visual language to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes. Also, to experience language structure, language conventions (in this case, rhymes), media techniques, figurative language and to experience criticism and discussions of non-print texts. EPISODE 5: FORGET-ME-NOT
Key Curriculum: To demonstrate how to apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate and appreciate texts (print and non-print). And, to illustrate how prior experience, interactions with other readers and writers (and viewers), affect their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, word identifications strategies, and textual features. EPISODE 6: LONG STORY SHORT
Key Curriculum: To show children how to gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources and to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience. And, to help children participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative and critical members of literacy communities and to see the power of language in their lives as they come to master its uses. EPISODE 7: RIGHTING THE WRITING
Key Curriculum: To help children understand the writing process, and model how to use stories, essays, letters, poems, journal entries, sketchbooks, reports, biographies, dialogue and scripts to communicate with different audiences. Also, to demonstrate how written language is used to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes. EPISODE 8: BUTTERFLY WINTER
Key Curriculum: To demonstrate participation as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of literacy communities. EPISODE 9: SPEECHLESS IN ANIMALIA
A Corespore blasts off, rendering Animalians incapable of speech. The animals can make nothing but feral sounds. Alex and Zoe must recover the Corespore in hopes of restoring verbal communication to Animalia. Key Curriculum: To show children how to use their prior experience and their knowledge of words, symbols and graphics to form ideas and interpret their experiences through written and spoken forms of communication. EPISODE 10: DON IGUANA
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Parent/Teacher Activity Guide
To support your classroom and library use of this programming, noted educational consultants Harvey and Elaine Daniels have developed a Teachers Activity Program designed to reinforce the skills presented in every episode. Every episode of Animalia is animated by these important ideas, and you’ll see the spirit of the standards woven throughout the series. Indeed, if you’ve watched any of the episodes, you’ve seen the Core, the large orb found just inside the Great Library and maintained by Livingstone T. Lion. Because of the Core, Animalians can read, write, think, speak, organize their thoughts, use various forms of language, interpret their experiences and record their history. Metaphorically, the Core is the curriculum on which the entire series has been based. And when “corespore” erupt from the Core, the animals realize just how important each communication skill is to their very survival! To view the Parent Teacher Activity Guide, click here
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For more information, please check out the For Teachers section. For ANIMALIA resources, CLICK HERE Release ScheduleEpisodes 1 – 10 Available Now – Click here to order!
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In the Metro Library, human kids ALEX and ZOE enter a strange portal that carries them to the talking-animal world of ANIMALIA, where they are mistaken for invading monsters by the general population. 
When Corespore blast off, Alex and Zoe must track them down and restore them to the Core or the Animalian population will return to its feral, uncivilized state. Zoe is torn between her fascination with ANIMALIA and her need to return home. 
After THE CORESPORE OF TIME blasts off, G’Bubu is swept back in time, to an ancient era when his gorilla ancestors fought for control of the trees against their mortal enemies, the tree frogs...big, big tree frogs.
During a poetry recital, Allegra’s expresses her disinterest in “rhymes” by throwing a tantrum that sends a Corespore flying. The result: all Animalians are compelled to speak in nothing but rhyme. And if they fail to come up with a rhyme, they get stuck and freeze in place. Zoe and Alex must recover the Corespore before the Animalians are stuck forever!
When Erno and Elni Elephant, who never forget anything, suddenly forget everything, Alex and Zoe go on a search for Corespore in a place where lost Animalian memories go: Memory Canyon. The kids discover ancient catacombs where records of Animalia’s long lost history are stored. They find the Corespore in time to restore the elephants’ lost memories, and in time to thwart Tyrannicus’ latest plan to take over the kingdom.
An important message is incorrectly communicated and the kids must find the truth about Livingstone’s disappearance. Livingstone tells Reenie he’s leaving Animalia for the day to visit his Uncle Leo, but Reenie doesn’t pay close attention, and she relays the wrong information to others. This Animalia-wide version of the game “Telephone” results in pandemonium, and Tyrannicus takes advantage of the situation by arranging to have G’Bubu banished and having himself proclaimed king.
When a Corespore blasts off from the Core, words go missing all over Animalia. Tyrannicus uses this situation to evict G’Bubu from his tree house, while Allegra and her gator gals search for the thief who allegedly stole the mammoth “ALLEGRA” sign that she just installed on the roof of her home.
Tyrannicus seizes control of the Fluttervision population and becomes the purveyor of multi-channeled television viewing, and hooks most Animalians in the process. But the control of the butterflies sends nature in Animalia into a tailspin, and the kids must restore the natural balance before the butterflies vanish from Animalia.
When Tyrannicus’ promotional campaign for Allegra’s concert becomes too boisterous to tolerate, Livingstone calls out for “Quiet!” -- and he gets it, in spades.
To prove his bravery to Zoe, Iggy follows the lead of his literary hero Don Quixote and dons a disguise to become ‘Don Iguana’ the Avenger of the Night and Animalia’s hero. 
By now, you have reached the conclusion that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Animalia and the teaching of literacy. The series is adventurous, fast paced and funny. It was developed to engage your students as edu-tainment. It carries positive social messages and highlights key character traits like cooperation, persistence and creativity.
