Dublin-based animation studio Daily Madness Productions is bringing two new sweet and prickly playmates into the lives of young viewers with Pins and Nettie, a new mini-series for kids under five focused on games to play at home, premiering on YouTube Friday, April 17.

The new series stars two little hedgehogs named Pins and Nettie — usually, there’s nothing they love more than to go exploring in the suburbs where they live, but their usual adventures are now on hold. For the time being, they need to stay home.

Pins and Nettie will launch Friday with a special episode titled “Together and Safe,” which has been specifically created to acknowledge and identify feelings of anxiety (sadness, anger and fear) caused by the current COVID-19 crisis in a way that is suitable for the youngest audiences. The episode will also lead viewers through a very simple mindfulness exercise designed to help empower children in moments of anxiety, which has been a key aspect in Daily Madness’ development of the series.

“Together and Safe” was written by Pins and Nettie co-creator Shannon George (Gigantosaurus, Kody Kapow, Blue’s Clues) with the support of educational consultant Karen Leavitt (Blue’s Clues, Sesame Street), to provide children and families with reassurances as well as moments of joy to help them through the current situation. The premiere is narrated by Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls).

In new episodes rolling out each week, Pins and Nettie (with their friend, the Narrator) will learn about a fun new game they can play either indoors or in their front garden — kid-friendly favourites like Simon Says, I-Spy and Hide-n-Seek.

“Animation is an amazing tool for connecting to people and, right now, with children across the world experiencing social distancing and lockdown scenarios, being able to connect with our youngest of audiences has never been so important. We want all the little ones at home right now to know they’re not alone … that Pins and Nettie are experiencing the exact same situation, too,” said Lindsey Adams, series co-creator and director. “We hope that with our two little heroes and their weekly activities, we can bring a little bit of extra joy to families each week.”

Daily Madness will continue to release new episodes of Pins and Nettie every Friday on the hedgies’ brand-new YouTube Channel until the lockdown is lifted and children can return to playgroups, visit their relatives and friends again … and our spiny new friends can return to their usual adventures further from home.