Linda Hill, a travel agent, is working to transform a dragon-like character named Kaleido into a children’s TV star, embarking on creative ventures to make this vision a reality.
- Hill has already developed a book series centred on Kaleido, crafted a puppet, and is overseeing merchandise production, including a potential theme park ride.
- Kaleido is designed to educate and ease children’s travel anxieties, utilising playful narratives that align with educational curriculums and practical travel scenarios.
- Accomplished voice actor Sally Preisig will lend her talents to the character, ensuring a familiar and engaging voice for young audiences.
- The project was introduced to industry peers at the Classic Package Holidays Festival, seeking collective support to highlight the benefits of travel agencies.
Linda Hill, notable for her 35-year tenure in the travel industry, is passionately spearheading an initiative to elevate Kaleido – a fantastical character – into a staple of children’s television. The character, envisioned to assuage children’s travel-related anxieties, is at the heart of Hill’s multifaceted project. Kaleido’s adventures are meticulously planned to commence in a travel agency, aiming to instil confidence in young travellers and an appreciation for the role of travel agents.
Hill’s strategy includes a series of books developed in collaboration with a children’s author and an illustrator, ensuring a comprehensive and visually captivating storyline. Additionally, the creation of a puppet further extends Kaleido’s charm beyond traditional media. Her ambitious plans include launching a dedicated website to supplement the character’s reach and produce related merchandise, with the ultimate aspiration of establishing a theme park ride, offering an immersive Kaleido experience.
Kaleido, described as resembling a dragon or dinosaur, embarks on educational voyages that guide children through essential travel processes, such as airport check-ins and navigating large cruise ships. These mini-lessons seamlessly integrate with the school curriculum, making learning both relevant and enjoyable.
The esteemed voice actor Sally Preisig, known for her role in the children’s programme ‘Tweenies’, will voice Kaleido, enhancing the character’s appeal with her extensive expertise in children’s entertainment. Hill has engaged with Shirley Husband and Maurice Hynds for story and illustration, ensuring a well-rounded and captivating presentation of Kaleido’s adventures.
The unveiling of the Kaleido concept to travel industry professionals took place at the Classic Package Holidays Festival in Belek, Turkey. Here, Hill encouraged peers to embrace the project, highlighting the narrative’s potential to portray travel agencies as essential components of future travel planning, with Kaleido leading children on journeys from a trusted travel agency starting point.
Kaleido symbolises a modern approach to children’s media, aiming to integrate fun with education, while promoting the indispensable role of travel agencies.
