Say Hello to the New Characters!

You may have noticed some new faces or names in Letterland. To find out more, click on the Letterlanders below.
New-characters_Thumb_AA

Abbie Apple


New-characters_Thumb_II

Izzy Ink


New-characters_Thumb_OO

Oscar Octopus


New-characters_Thumb_MsO

Ms. O

New-characters_Thumb_MsU

Ms. U

New-characters_Thumb_JJ

Juggling Jen

New-characters_Thumb_TT

Talking Tess

New-characters_Thumb_QQ

Quizzing Queen

Abbie Apple

Name change: Annie Apple > Abbie Apple.

New-Characters_Scene_a
Introducing Abbie Apple

Annie Apple lives in an apple orchard in Letterland, but she also likes to travel around the world. When she visits other countries, she listens to people’s accents. She noticed that in some accents, the ‘a’ in her name ‘Annie’ did not have the same sound as ‘Apple’. This made her sad as her Sound Trick did not work as it should! So, Annie asked if she could change her name! Everyone in Letterland agreed. Her new name is Abbie. The Sound Trick works well everywhere, and she is a happy apple again!

Why we made this change:
To improve purity of short ‘a’ sound at the start of the name, as nasals can influence the vowel sound in some accents.

Izzy Ink

Name change: Impy Ink > Izzy Ink.

New-Characters_Scene_i_sub
Introducing Izzy Ink

Impy Ink has been in Letterland for a very long time. As you know, eventually ink pens run out! But don’t worry, his friend Izzy Ink knows all the same tricks! She is an incredible little ink pot. Impy is happy to pass on his important job to Izzy Ink!

Why we made this change:
To improve purity of short ‘i’ sound at the start of the name, as nasals can influence the vowel sound in some accents.

Oscar Octopus

Character change: Oscar Orange > Oscar Octopus.

New-Characters_Scene_o_sub
Introducing Oscar Octopus

One hot day at the docks, Oscar Orange rolled out of his letter shape. A clever octopus spotted an opportunity to pop up in the letter shape and make the ‘o’ sound! Oscar Orange was shocked. “That’s my letter!” he said. But he was so impressed with the octopus that he offered him his job! Oddly enough, the octopus was called Oscar too! So now you can spot Oscar Octopus saying ‘o’ in words!

Why we made this change:
To improve purity of short ‘o’ sound in the character name. In some accents ‘orange’ does not have a pure short ‘o’ sound and is more like an r-controlled sound.
New-Characters_Scene_o-son_sub
Introducing Oscar's Lovely Brother

When Oscar Orange gave Oscar Octopus the opportunity to make his sound in Letterland, his Bothersome Little Brother wanted to do the same. He always wants to be the same as his big brother. So, now the little brother you will see in Letterland is Oscar's Lovely Brother.

Why we made this change:
Continuity of story logic to accompany new character - Oscar Octopus.

Ms. O

Character change: Oscar Orange > Oscar Octopus.

New-Characters_Scene_MsO_sub
Introducing Ms. O

Mr. O, the Old Man has decided to retire from his post. But he is old and wise, so knows he needs someone to replace him, who knows the ocean. Then he remembered his good friend Ms. O, the Ocean Expert who knows so much about the ocean and the coastline. She knows how to protect the ocean wildlife, including the otters and octopuses in Letterland. Mr. O is overjoyed she will take over from him in this new role.

Why we made this change:
Improving gender balance in key Letterland roles.

Ms. U

Character change: Mr. U > Ms. U

New-Characters_Scene_Ms-U
Introducing Ms. U

Mr. U, the Uniform Man used to be in charge of the umbrellas but has handed over his job to his daughter Ms. U, the University Student. Not only does she understand how to care for the umbrellas, she is also a student of music and will bring lots of lovely new music to Letterland. She happily looks after the umbrellas in Letterland, as they are so useful for keeping her musical instruments dry! Ms. U can play the flute, the tuba, and also the ukulele!

Why we made this change:
Improving gender balance in key Letterland roles.

Juggling Jen

Character change: Jumping Jim > Juggling Jen.

New-Characters_Scene_j_sub
Introducing Juggling Jen

You might have known Jumping Jim in Letterland. Jim got so good at jumping and juggling, that one day he decided to jump off on a journey around the world, showcasing his skills! He invited his good friend Juggling Jen to take his place in Letterland. Juggling Jen is also good at jumping and juggling, but she's good with just about every job too! She's a jet pilot, a journalist, and a jockey to name but a few jobs Jen can do!

Why we made this change:
Improving gender balance in key Letterland roles.

Talking Tess

Story change: Tess is now Head of Technology.

New-Characters_Scene_t_sub
Introducing Talking Tess

Talking Tess no longer just fixes telephones and TV's in Letterland. She has learned so much over the years, that now she has been promoted to Head of Technology. She still loves to talk all the time as she travels around with her touchscreen tablet!

Why we made this change:
Positive role model for a modern era.

Quizzing Queen

Name change: Quarrelsome Queen > Quizzing Queen.

New-Characters_Scene_q_sub
Introducing Quizzing Queen

Over the years Quarrelsome Queen has become much less quarrelsome. Her hobby of writing quiz questions and her quest for knowledge have really helped. She's quite quiet and she would like to be called "Quizzing Queen" from now on. But don't disturb her too much – she can still quarrel when she wants to!

Why we made this change:
More positive role model.