Los Kitos (TheToons), are a bi-lingual cast of characters that made their original debut in an educational comic strip (“edu-comic”) over eleven years ago and now are widely recognized in 375 newspapers in seventeen countries. Conceived by Martha Montoya, one of the most influential Hispanics in the U.S. according to Hispanic Business Magazine, Los Kitos are also featured on a weekly national radio show in the U.S and in six other countries, and have appeared in a variety of other media and promotional platforms since their 1995 inception.
The characters of Los Kitos facilitate communication of important educational content such as current events, science, history, literature, and nutrition, to name a few. Los Kitos are usually featured in both English and Spanish languages to encourage bilingual comprehension and accessibility by native speakers of both the Hispanic market and the mainstream US population.
THE CHARACTERS
Pikito
The pink character, with a turned up nose and one tuft of hair, derives his name from the Spanish diminutive meaning small kiss, or besito. Thoughtful and considerate “Pikito” is a natural leader of Los Kitos.
Kolito
The little brown dog with big floppy ears, normally smiling with his tongue out and tail wagging, derives his name from the Spanish word, cola, meaning tail. Though untrainable , “Kolito’s” good nature and loyalty to “Pikito” makes him a perfect companion to the sometimes moody child.
Mima
Inspired by her Andean grandmother, “Mima” is determined to accomplish something important in her life. She is not afraid to try new ideas and can be counted on to come up with outrageous plans to help her friends. Mima normally wears bows in her hair, has a tail, and whiskers.
Picarito
The blue character “Picarito” has a mischievous look with a turned-up nose, raised eyebrows and black hair. His name is derived from the Spanish word for rascal. He comes from a musical Caribbean background. More attuned to the creative than the intellectual, “Picartio” is a footloose member of “Los Kitos” who happily joins in any adventure.
Pigoleto
The snub-nosed character is “Pigoleto” whose name is a mix between its pig-like appearance and a Latin word ending. The family pet, “Pigoleto” shares Picarito’s love for music and dancing and brings visual humor to “Los Kitos”.
Solito/Lunita
Solito (the sun) and Lunita (the moon) are regularly featured in the Los Kitos comic. Though seemingly background characters, they give readers clues about the mood of “Los Kitos.”
TEACHING HISPANICS ABOUT LIFE IN A NEW COUNTRY
Los Kitos are immigrants of the world! They are always looking forward to new challenges and how to focus on them in the most positive way.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Primary: Hispanic kids 5-15 years old
Secondary: Hispanic Parents/Adults
MEDIA
Daily Radio Show airs on Radio Cadena Univision in the Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas/ Ft.Worth, McAllen, Las Vegas, and El Paso markets.
Los Kitos comic strips are distributed in over 375 newspapers.
Bilingual magazine, Notikitos, with a circulation of 50,000, is published bi-monthly for children throughout Southern California.
Custom publishing programs for corporations and non-profit organizations to educate the Hispanic community on how to adapt to life in the US. Past partners include: the United States Postal Service, State Farm Insurance, Bank of America, Procter & Gamble, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, and the National Council of La Raza.
Los Kitos is the exclusive provider of children’s pages in the online versions of leading Spanish language newspapers and websites in the US totaling 20 million visitors per week.
MEET LOS KITOS