Cartoon Network “Deltora Quest”

The Japanese fantasy-adventure series Deltora Quest is slated to air in Australia and New Zealand on Cartoon Network, starting this April to coincide with the re-launch of the book series of the same name.

Cartoon Network will also handle free-to-air and broadband distribution, as well as DVD and merchandising rights in these territories, through a deal secured with DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), the U.S.-based production division of Dentsu. The 52x30-minute series is based on the international top-selling book series, which Scholastic is re-launching in Australia and New Zealand around the same time the series is slated to premiere.

Cartoon Network is one of the most popular entertainment channels among kids and is currently seen in over 2 million homes in Australia. The Network is distributed on Austar, Foxtel and Optus. Launched in Australia in 1995, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s (TBS) Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment.

Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently seen in over 61 million cable homes in the region. Online, Cartoon Network reaches 4.2 million unique visitors a month in Asia Pacific.

"Cartoon Network is continually strengthening its number one position in Asia Pacific with a solid mix of original productions and acquisitions. Deltora Quest will further deliver on our promise of animating kids' lives with the best in animated entertainment."

The Deltora Quest fantasy-adventure book series, one of several Deltora series penned by Australian writer Emily Rodda, was first published in 2000 by Scholastic Australia, and has since become a best-selling international children's favorite, winning numerous awards. The series out-sells the Harry Potter books in many international markets. True to the books, the Deltora Quest animation series follows the adventures of three companions, Lief, Jasmine and Barda, as they journey across the mysterious land of Deltora to recover magical artifacts and defeat Guardians of the evil Shadow Lord.