M6 wants a lot more of Zig & Sharko

The French broadcaster has commissioned a fifth and sixth season of the 2D-animated series (pictured above) from its kids channel Gulli. Producer Xilam Animation plans to deliver the 52 x seven-minute seasons in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Set on a deserted island, the slapstick toon follows a hyena’s many failed attempts to eat a mermaid who’s protected by a shark. Xilam says the show is a top-performing IP on YouTube, with more than 39 million subs and 22 billion views across eight channels.

Alex Aster pens a YA fantasy for Barbie

Mattel has locked down the bestselling author to write a book called Barbie Dreamscape that’s due to hit retail on July 28. It marks the first time the toyco’s three-year-old publishing division Mattel Press will launch a YA novel for the juggernaut doll brand. Dreamscape explores how Barbie copes with being declared “fateless” at her enchanted school graduation, and Aster will no doubt channel her experience penning hit fantasy titles like the Lightlark books (which have sold more than four million copies in the US) and the Emblem Island series for tweens into the project.