King Rollo is decidedly young at heart, a naive but kindly royal, who explores his kingdom with a childish eye eager to learn about the ways of the world. Queen Gwen helps him from the palace next door to his, and King Frank, and a royal Magician.

There is also Cook, the royal cook, who arguably rules King Rollo's kingdom for him given the amount of advice and assistance she offers. Rollo also has a wise cat called Hamlet regularly shows more savvy than his master does too!

"King Rollo" is another bright David McKee creation, Mr McKee being the prolific author and artist whose most famous creations are Mr Benn and Elmer The Elephant. The King first appeared in print in 1979. The tv series didn't follow until 1985.

Rollo gave his name to the Production Company formed by McKee and his associates Clive Juster and Leo Nielsen. King Rollo films have brought Tony Ross' Towser and Eric Hill's Spot into animated life. They are still at the top of their game and have recently acquired a BAFTA for their splendid adaptation of the Maisy Mouse books.