Educational media startup Encantos is teaming with chef and cookbook author Aliya LeeKong to develop preschool brand Issa's Edible Adventures.
"At Encantos, we always want kids and families to be inspired by our characters, stories and brands," said president and creative chief Susie Jaramillo. "Issa's Edible Adventures has all the ingredients we love: a multi-talented, passionate creator, and adorable lead character, and a universal message that everyone can connect with about food and family."
, which was influenced by her background as the child of Tanzanian and Indo-Pakistani parents. "My parents spoke different languages, so I was never quite sure to which side of my family a particular dish or word belonged, but everything about food was celebratory and joyful in my home," said LeeKong in a statement. "The idea that cultures can blend with one another to create amazing food is one that is instinctive to me.