Okido (magazine)

Okido is a British quarterly illustrated art and science magazine aimed at 3- to 8-year-old children. The magazine is published by Doodle Productions Ltd and was created in 2007 by artist Rachel Ortas and scientist Sophie Dauvois. They are now assisted by Art Directors Alex Barrow and Maggie Li.

History

The magazine was funded by a Wellcome Trust Small Arts Grant from 2007 until 2009. In 2009, Okido was funded by a Wellcome Trust Large Arts Grant. In 2011, Okido became self-funded. Starting in 2014, Okido was published by Doodle Productions Ltd. In 2015, an animated TV series called Messy goes to Okido was developed by Okido for the BBC / CBeebies.

Content

Each issue of Okido magazine covers one theme and contains no advertising. Past themes have included: hair, body noises, music, weather, colors, friends, animals, space, babies, and health. Each issue's theme is explored through creative illustration, play, stories, stories, poems, songs, crafts, games, doodles, recipes, and activities. The design of the magazine is meant to encourage children to draw and interact with each page: each issue contains eight pages of doodle activities and a pull-out cardboard game. Regular character stories include "Messy Monster" by Rachel Ortas, "Zim Zam Zoom" by Alex Barrow, "Yoga Monkey" by Paul Noble, and "Squirrel Boy" by Beth Morrison. Each issue also includes stories from guest illustrators.

Messy Goes to Okido

In September 2015, Messy Goes to Okido, which has been developed from the magazine, was launched as a 52-part television series aimed at three- to five-year-old children.

References

• "OKIDO | The Arts & Science Magazine for Kids". www.okido.co.uk. Retrieved 5 October 2015. 
• "Messy Goes to OKIDO - CBeebies - BBC". Retrieved 5 October 2015. 
• Sally Williams. "Okido: a new cult children's comic". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 October 2015.