In a culture where education and entertainment rarely meet in the same sentence, MVP Kids is proving they can, and must. The Phoenix-based family education brand, known for its evidence-based approach to building character and emotional resilience in children, has announced the next phase of its ambitious “Journey to Character” initiative: a 52-episode animated series created in partnership with one of the world’s leading kids’ studios.
The announcement comes as MVP Kids’ materials, including its books, puppets, and turnkey social-emotional-learning (SEL) curriculum, now reach over 1,000 classrooms and 150 Head Start programs across the United States.
A Movement Rooted in Storytelling and Science
Founded to “walk alongside caregivers and educators,” MVP Kids blends research, storytelling, and play to help children ages 0–12 develop empathy, confidence, and resilience. At the heart of its model is a cast of 16 diverse characters, the MVP Kids, each with unique personalities, family backgrounds, and challenges that mirror real life.
Since first debuting prototypes at BookExpo America in 2017, the company has published 85 titles and 100+ SKUs, ranging from board and picture books to chapter adventures and educator guides. Its Instill SEL Toolkits, used in classrooms and at home, provide over 100 lesson plans that translate big developmental ideas, kindness, perseverance, self-regulation, into actionable, age-appropriate learning.
“Our purpose is simple: help parents and teachers raise real MVPs — kids of strong character who are confident, kind, and resilient,” said the founder. “We built an ecosystem of stories, puppet-based play, and lesson plans that make life skills feel natural in daily routines.”
From the Page to the Screen
The next evolution of that ecosystem is Team RoboBuilders, a forthcoming 52-episode animated series co-created with John Semper, the acclaimed writer-producer best known for Spider-Man: The Animated Series. The project is being developed in collaboration with Toonz Media Group, a global powerhouse in children’s content production and distribution.
Toonz has already committed $2.5 million toward the show’s initial $5 million budget, with MVP Kids raising the balance to begin full production. Once greenlit, the studio plans to release a new episode every week after a nine-month ramp-up, bringing the company’s “Journey to Character” to screens and classrooms worldwide.
The series will integrate the same research-based principles that have made MVP Kids a classroom favorite: modeling empathy, perseverance, and cooperation through storytelling that feels inclusive and genuinely entertaining.
Diversity Without Division
Unlike many children’s properties that simplify inclusion into token gestures, MVP Kids’ representation runs deep. Its characters span visible and invisible differences, from a child with a cochlear implant to a paraplegic athlete, and reflect diverse cultural, ethnic, and family backgrounds, including adoptive and foster households.
“A signature of the brand,” the founder explained, “is a whole-child approach that’s evidence-informed but free of political spin. We want families to find common ground in shared values and real-world life skills.”
That philosophy has already resonated with millions of families nationwide through three consecutive Chick-fil-A Kids’ Meal promotions (2022–2024), which introduced the MVP Kids books to households across America.
Building the Future of Character Education
Looking ahead, MVP Kids’ roadmap extends well beyond publishing and entertainment. The company plans to expand its reach across education, consumer products, and home learning, from backpacks and music to immersive family experiences.
“Parents and teachers don’t need more theory — they need trustworthy tools that work on a Tuesday,” the founder said. “Whether it’s a 10-minute puppet activity, a dinner-table story, or an episode that makes kids laugh while they learn, MVP Kids meets families where they are.”
By merging SEL research with accessible storytelling, MVP Kids is building not just a brand but a generation, one grounded in empathy, courage, and character.
About MVP Kids
MVP Kids is an education and entertainment company empowering children ages 0–12 to develop character and resilience. Through story-driven books, puppet-assisted activities, and classroom toolkits, MVP Kids equips parents, teachers, and therapists with practical SEL resources used in over 1,000 classrooms nationwide. The company is developing Team RoboBuilders, a 52-episode animated series with Toonz Media Group to bring its “Journey to Character” to global audiences.
Learn more at MVPkids.com
