Magic Light’s BAFTA-nominated animated pre-school series, Pip and Posy, returns for spring 23 with a second series of 52 episodes.

Pip and Posy, the award-winning animated series for three to five-year-olds, is returning to Channel 5’s Milkshake! for a new set of playful and amusing adventures from 24th April.

The first pre-school series from multiple Oscar nominee Magic Light Pictures, Pip and Posy is inspired by the popular books from award-winning illustrator Axel Scheffler. It continues Magic Light’s 14-year association with Axel, which has produced ten high-profile animated specials including The Gruffalo, Zog and, most recently, The Smeds and the Smoos.

Packed with warmth and comedy, the series is a joyful celebration of friendship, its laughter and games and its ups and downs. The second series introduces a new character and locations.

Making friends is key to the development of children’s social skills and emotional intelligence, and Pip and Posy shows pre-schoolers how to see the world from someone else’s point of view, and how to build lasting friendships with kindness, resilience and flexibility.

Michael Rose, executive producer and co-founder, Magic Light Pictures, said: “We’re very proud that the first series of Pip and Posy has been such a fantastic success, getting great viewing figures and a nomination for a BAFTA Children Award for Best Pre-school Animation. Milkshake! and Sky Kids are the perfect homes for these wonderful stories of friendship and play.”

Louise Bucknole, general manager and vice president, Kids & Family UK & Ireland at Paramount added: “We’re delighted to welcome season 2 of the award-winning show, Pip and Posy on Milkshake! Combining creative play, friendship and problem-solving in beautifully crafted stories, Pip and Posy has resonated well with our young viewers and we look forward to sharing the latest adventures of the loveable pair.”

The first series has been sold to multiple international territories including RAI Yoyo (Italy) ZDF (Germany), FTV (France), ABC (Australia), SVT (Sweden), Hop! Channel (Israel), NPO Zapp (Netherlands), CTV (Czech Republic), Asiana (South Korea), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland) and TVO (Canada).

Magic Light Pictures holds the global distribution and merchandising rights to Pip and Posy (excluding publishing) and has launched a full consumer products programme to complement the property. Products already rolling out include tie-in publishing from Nosy Crow, as well as puzzles from Ravensburger, dress up with Amscan, audio figurines with Tonies and a range of home accessories.

The Pip and Posy characters appeared at Whipsnade Zoo over Easter, are headlining Parkdean Resorts’ Milkshake! Mornings at key times during the holiday season and will be touring nationwide in Milkshake! Live: Milkshake’s Monkey Musical throughout the year.