Aimed at 3-5 year olds, Tree Fu Tom magazine will complement the Early Years Curriculum, focusing on physical development.

Immediate Media has launched Tree Fu Tom magazine, based on the popular CGI CBeebies programme of the same name.

On the newsstand from tomorrow, 11th September 2013, the title, produced by the company’s award-winning youth and children’s editorial team, recognises the crucial part that physical movement has to play in early years development. Offering positive, rewarding learning experiences, the magazine is completely inclusive. Developed from the techniques use to help dyspraxic children, the interactive movements in Tree Fu Tom are designed to assist and enhance the development of all children.

Set in ‘Treetopolis’, the magazine takes readers on an adventure with Tom, the main character, who calls upon them to be heroes and help him by performing ‘Tree Fu’ moves to create magic. Developed alongside an expert in the field of Developmental Dyspraxia*, it is the only title giving children the opportunity to experience all-round physical development including spatial concepts, balance and fluency of movement.

Each issue will carry an exclusive covermount that also supports physical development and role-play. The launch issue comes with a Tree Fu Tom figurine, a wind up bug and crayons. The editorial style is pacy and exciting with a powerful narrative and is packed with stories, puzzles and stickers which encourage physical movement.

“It’s been great fun making the magical and physical aspect of Tree Fu Tom come to life within a magazine,” says Sara Oldham, Editor of the magazine. “We’ve consulted with leading experts to find new ways of engaging children with activities that require physical movement to create a unique learning tool which will enhance the development of all children at a crucial time in their growth.”

“Children love Tree Fu Tom because it is brilliant at immersing them within a magical world,” adds Pauline Cooke, Publisher of Immediate Media Co’s Pre-school titles, “where they can get involved and feel they are needed to help. Parents love it because it encourages their children to be active and appreciate nature – so we know this magazine’s lively approach to learning is going to be a fantastic addition to Immediate’s pre-school portfolio.”

• BBC Tree Fu Tom magazine will be available at all major retailers and independents around the UK from 11 September 2013, priced at £2.50

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Uncategorised

Tags: Immediate Media, Young Children's Comics and Magazines