Director: Yevheniy Yermak (Seasons 2–4), Aleksey Shaparev (Season 1)
Production: Animagrad Studio / FILM.UA Group
Genre: Children’s Animation, Educational, Comedy
Episodes: 104 (4 seasons, 26 episodes each)
Runtime: ~6 minutes per episode
Language: Non-verbal (universal gestures and sounds)
Country: Ukraine
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Plot: Arctic Curiosity and Discovery

Eskimoska is a Ukrainian 3D animated series that follows the adventures of a curious little girl named Eskimoska and her friends—Smarty and Strongman—in the snowy expanses of the Arctic. Each episode presents the trio with a mysterious object washed ashore, prompting them to explore its purpose through imaginative play and problem-solving. The characters communicate through expressive gestures and sounds, making the series accessible to a global audience without language barriers.​

Production and Creative Team

The series was produced by Animagrad Studio, part of the FILM.UA Group, known for its high-quality animation projects. Yevheniy Yermak directed seasons 2 through 4, bringing a consistent vision to the series after Aleksey Shaparev’s initial direction in season 1. The production aimed to create an educational yet entertaining experience for preschool-aged children, focusing on cognitive development and social skills. ​

Themes and Educational Value

Eskimoska emphasizes themes of curiosity, friendship, and discovery. By encountering unfamiliar objects, the characters model investigative behavior and creative thinking. The series subtly introduces young viewers to basic scientific concepts and cultural artifacts, fostering an early appreciation for learning and diversity.​

International Reach and Recognition

The series achieved international distribution, notably becoming the first Ukrainian animated series sold to China, where it aired on Huashi TV. This milestone highlights the show’s universal appeal and the effectiveness of its non-verbal storytelling. Eskimoska also received nominations at international festivals, including the Noida International Film Festival in 2015.​

Critical Reception

Critics have praised Eskimoska for its charming animation and educational content suitable for preschoolers. The series’ unique approach to communication and storytelling has been noted as a strength, allowing it to transcend language barriers and resonate with a diverse audience.​

Conclusion

Eskimoska stands out as a delightful and educational series that combines engaging storytelling with developmental benefits for young children. Its success in international markets underscores the potential of culturally specific content to find universal appeal through thoughtful execution and universal themes.​

Rating: 7/1

A heartwarming and educational series that offers valuable lessons wrapped in Arctic adventures.

Addition

In addition to its engaging storytelling and educational value, Eskimoska has made significant strides in international distribution. The series was notably the first Ukrainian animated series sold to China, where it aired on Huashi TV, marking a milestone in Ukrainian animation’s global reach . Furthermore, under the title “Naya’s Arctic Adventures,” the series became available on DVD in major North American retail chains such as Amazon and Walmart, expanding its audience and showcasing the universal appeal of its non-verbal storytelling .​

The success of Eskimoska also led to community engagement initiatives, including events where children participated in creating what was dubbed the largest cartoon in Ukraine. These events not only promoted the series but also encouraged creativity and collaboration among young audiences . Such initiatives underscore the series’ impact beyond entertainment, fostering educational and cultural development.