Poko is a series about doing simple things that really aren't so simple when you're young. Each story features Poko confronting a childhood milestone, like kicking a soccer ball or learning to share his wading pool. These are Mythic Quests for pre-schoolers.

About Poko

POKO tells the story of a fun-loving little guy who is busy discovering the world around him. Together with his dog, Minus, and his favourite stuffed monkey, Mr. Murphy, Poko has great adventures all around the house!

Behind Poko

The team of writers, educators, broadcasters and moms and dads who created POKO saw a need in today's television landscape for a pre-school series that makes kids laugh. POKO is also about helping its young audience develop emotional intelligence - the ability to be motivated and optimistic by being aware of one's own emotions and those of others. The half-hour-long show was a finalist for the 2005 Shaw Rocket Prize and airs on CBC. www.cbc.ca/kidscbc

The Jury Speaks!

"POKO was good because it teaches little kids how to love their friends. It also teaches them to share."

"POKO is a wonderfully imaginative pre-school series. I love the fact that kids at home are encouraged to use their imagination along with Poko on TV," said Dea Connick Perez, Vice President of Programming & Operations for Discovery Kids. "Poko and his friends live in a colourful and magical world where almost anything is possible. It is definitely one of the more inventive series out there."

About Halifax Film Company

The Halifax Film Company has produced a number of award-winning series including the hit comedy show This Hour Has 22 Minutes and is currently developing a feature film based on retired Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire's book, Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda. Jeff Rosen, the creator and executive producer of POKO, has worked on numerous children's TV shows, including the worldwide hit Theodore Tugboat and Wonder Why? www.halifaxfilm.com

Jeff Rosen, Creator and Executive Producer

"Speaking for everyone at Halifax Film, we are delighted POKO is a repeat nominee for the Shaw Rocket Prize. It acknowledges the dedication of the many people who work on this remarkable series. Poko is also delighted, and so is his dog, Minus. Mr. Murphy, Poko's stuffed monkey, seems very happy too and smiles a lot - although it may be gas."

Rosen continued, "The trophy is a rocket and the winner receives $50,000. As an adult who makes children's programming it's the metaphorically perfect prize: a space ship full of cash."

Shaw Rocket Prize

Now in its second year, the Shaw Rocket Prize is the largest of its kind in Canada. The winner of the $50,000 prize will be chosen by a national student jury through the Royal Conservatory of Music's Learning Through The Arts media literacy program. The winner will be awarded on May 3, 2006 at an event in Toronto.