Israel-based Keshet International (KI) has acquired exclusive worldwide distribution rights to Sir Mouse, a new children’s animated co-production from Belgium’s Fabrique Fantastique, Germany’s Scopas Medien and Irish studio Salty Dog.

Based on the Mouse and Dragon book series written by Dirk Neilandt and illustrated by Marjolein Pottie, the 26 x 11-minute comedy follows an unlikely friendship between a bossy mouse and a gentle dragon. The series challenges gender stereotypes and asks the audience to question perceptions of traditional fairytale clichés.

On the broadcasting side, Sir Mouse has been commissioned by ARD in Germany, KETNET in Belgium and RTE in Ireland, with delivery expected in 2019. KI’s distribution deal excludes these regions.

Keshet ramped up its foray into kids content last March by partnering with Tel Aviv-based Ananey Communications Group to bring a group of kids shows to the global market. (Ananey also exclusively represents Viacom’s kids brands Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Teen Nick in Israel.)

That partnership was followed by the appointment of Nicola Andrews last June as senior sales and commercial director for Keshet’s kids and family business based in London. Headed by CEO Alon Shtruzman, KI is the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group.