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Sea Princesses
Sea Princesses
Sea Princesses
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Sea Princesses
  • Princesas do Mar (2004)
  • Uma Sombra na Água (2006)
  • As Cartas de Vento (2007)
  • A Balada da Princesa Esquecida (2009)
AuthorFábio Yabu
Cover artistFábio Yabu
CountryBrazil
LanguagePortuguese
Genre
PublisherPanda Books
Published2004 – 2010
Media type
No. of books4

Sea Princesses (known as Princesas do Mar in Brazil) is a series of children's books created by the Brazilian writer and cartoonist Fábio Yabu. The series focuses on an underwater world where each species of marine animal is ruled by royal families composed of a human-like race known as the Salinos, who live hidden from surface humans, with the stories centered on the children of these royal families.

The first book was released in 2004 by publisher Panda Books, and due to its initial success, was expanded into a media franchise in the following years with new books being made as well as products that included toys and magazines. The books later spawned an animated series in 2007 that was co-produced by Neptuno Films from Spain and Southern Star Entertainment from Australia, which lasted 2 seasons, ending in 2010.

Plot

[edit]

The series is set in a place deep under the sea known as the World of Salacia, a hidden kingdom founded by a goddess named Salacia, home to a race known as the Salinos who lived in harmony with the sea creatures. However, when the sea creatures began to feel threatened, Salacia chose different families to rule over each sea creature, with their own kingdoms and palaces. At the same time, Salacia created a series of laws for the Salinos to follow, the most important of which was to avoid contact with humans from the surface of the Earth, referred to by them as Drylanders, to avoid major conflicts.

The series' main protagonists are the princess trio Polvina, Tubarina, and Ester, three elementary school girls who study at the Sea School under the tutelage of their teacher, Marcia. The trio, along with other princes and princesses, frequently learn new things about the oceans and animals while experiencing adventures, often trying to help sea creatures when they are in danger.

Concept and Production

[edit]

After the Combo Rangers comic book was canceled in 2004 due to lack of funds to pay the artists, Fábio Yabu decided to create a new series aimed at a completely different audience than his previous series, targeting young girls. According to Yabu, he had never liked the beach and the sea, but that changed when he made a drawing of a girl with octopus-shaped hair who became Polvina. The initial plan was to make an animated series, but due to the difficulty of creating animation in Brazil in the 2000s, he opted for a picture book.[1] A website for the series hosted under the domain of the company UOL (which was previously also responsible for the Combo Rangers website) was launched over time.[2] With the popularity of the first book, Yabu expanded the series further, writing more books over the years and making some products while the series got its animated adaptation in 2007. The franchise was discontinued in 2010, with the final book released that year. The website was last updated in 2012 until it was deactivated in 2014, probably due to the fact that Fábio Yabu returned to betting on the Combo Rangers graphic novel trilogy during this period.

Characters

[edit]

Main characters

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  • Polvina (Pulpita in European Spanish and Pulpina in Latin American Spanish) – She is the Princess of the Octopuses. She usually tends to be the leader of the trio, being a calm and friendly girl who likes to read, but who doesn't hesitate to risk herself to help her friends. In the books her hair and clothes are red (just like her parents), but in the animation they were changed to pink. She is voiced by Isabella Dunwill.[3]
  • Esther (Estér in Latin American Spanish and Portuguese and Estrella in European Spanish) – She is the yellow Princess of the Starfish, and best friend of Polvina and Tubarina. She's been Polvina and Tubarina's best friend since they were babies and always accompanies them on their adventures. She usually tends to be the most mischievous and immature of the trio.[4] She is voiced by Katherine Cohn Beck.
  • Tubarina (Tiburina in European and Latin American Spanish) – She is the blue Princess of the Sharks, and daughter of one of the most powerful men in Salacia, the King Shark. Tubarina tends to be the most temperamental and bad tempered of the trio, sometimes very bossy and arrogant, but she often learns from her mistakes. She's almost always with her best friends Polvina and Esther, and she's also Marcello's cousin, with whom she doesn't get along very well.[5] She is voiced by Paige Walker.

Other Princesses and Princes

[edit]
  • Marcello (Marcelo in Portuguese and European and Latin American Spanish) – He is the Prince of Hammerhead Sharks, and cousin to Tubarina. He began living at the Shark Palace after the episode because his parents were away, and has since become a frequent character in the series. He usually doesn't get along very well with Tubarina and her friends and often acts as an antagonist against the girls, accompanied by his best friend Hugo. However, he sometimes shows that he can be a good boy and help the girls, including his cousin. The character was originally from the cartoon, but was later incorporated into the books.
  • Bia (Bea in Latin American Spanish) – She is the Princess of the Abyssal Kingdom, responsible for maintaining order in Beyondness sea and take care of the throne while her parents are travel throughout the kingdom. She met Polvina and her friends in one of the first episodes of the series, becoming friends with them ever since, and frequently appearing in episodes related to the Abyssal Kingdom. Because she lives in the darkness, she is very sensitive to light and usually only leaves the kingdom at night. She is voiced by Roslyn Oades.
  • Hugo – The Prince of Sea Turtles, heir to the throne with his twin sister, Tata. He usually appears as Marcello's best friend, often accompanying him, although he appears to be much more shy and naive than him. He dresses in a similar way to a cyclist wearing a turtle shell shaped bicycle helmet as his crown. Despite being Tata's twin brother, he is never seen interacting with her or even the turtles. The character was original to the cartoon.
  • Marley (Marli in Portuguese and European and Latin American Spanish) – She is the Princess of Swordfish. She is usually portrayed as an arrogant and competitive girl who easily picks on other girls, sometimes having been portrayed as Esther's rival in the animation, but deep down she is a good girl. In the books she is basically the opposite being a shy, quiet girl. Her crown is a cheerful swordfish hooked in her hair.
  • Leia - The princess of the Whales. Among the princesses, she is the one who is seen most concerned about protecting the animals in her kingdom, constantly trying to stop the Drylanders from harming the whales and often asking her friends for help. She has a baby brother named Lelo. Her crown has the appearance of an orca.
  • Tata - Hugo's twin sister and princess of the Sea Turtles. Similar to Leia, she cares deeply about protecting the turtles from danger and the Drylanders, often even asking her friends for help. Her crown is a helmet shaped like a sea turtle with yellow limbs.
  • Isa – The Princess of the Penguins. She and her parents live on the surface of the South Pole, she likes to play with penguins and also shows resistance to the cold. Her crown has the appearance of a sleepy penguin with a Santa Claus hat.
  • Sirilo (Cirilo in Latin American Spanish) - The prince of the Crabs. Like Hugo, he tends to be a calm, polite, and naive boy. He sometimes appears interacting with Marcello and Hugo when they want to form a trio.
  • Eletropaula "Elektra" - The princess of the Electric Eels. An old friend of Polvina, Esther and Tubarina, was introduced in the cartoon returning to Salacia with her family after many years away from the kingdom. Because she is the princess of the electric eels, she is able to resist electricity.
  • Vivi - The princess of the Jellyfish. She has dark skin and pink clothes. In one of the episodes of the cartoon she is portrayed as a girl who likes to play pranks on others.
  • Delfi - The princess of the Dolphins. Similar to Leia and Tata, she is also very close to the animals in her kingdom, always trying to help the dolphins from the Drylanders, but also playing with them.
  • Julie and Jessie (Juli and Mari) - The twin princesses of the Clown Fish. They are notably always seen doing everything together and are always getting along without ever fighting with each other. Julie wear orange clothes while Jessie wear black clothes.
  • Angelica - The princess of the Angelfish. She is the most naive and distracted of the princesses, losing concentration very easily, which makes her not very good at studying.
  • Matilda - The princess of the Hawkfish.
  • Dinho - The prince of the Blowfish. He has only appeared in the books.
  • Mauricio - The prince of the Sea Urchins.
  • Goldina - The princess of the Goldfish. She has only appeared in the books.
  • Agostina - The princess of the Lobsters. She was never heard speaking.
  • Socita - The princess of the Grouper Fish.
  • Caton (Saulo in Portuguese and Carlos in Latin American Spanish) - The prince of the Salmon. He's one of Marcello's friends and is very mean to Esther on insulting her.
  • Marcela - Marcello's sister and princess of the Hammerhead Sharks. She has only appeared in the books.
  • Soraya - The princess of the Stingray.
  • Janue - The princess of the Blue Lyretail.
  • Vito (Beto in European Spanish) - Tubarina's older brother and prince of the Sharks.
  • Camerelo (Caramelo in Latin American Spanish) - The prince of the Sea Snails.
  • Lia (Pía in Latin American Spanish) - The princess of the Lionfish.
  • Camarina - The princess of the Shrimp.
  • Duante - A traveler who helps sick fish in need.

Animals

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  • Tavinho (Bracitos in Latin American Spanish) - Polvina's pet purple octopus. In one of the episodes of the show it is revealed that he was a gift from the Octopus Queen to Polvina, having found him near the beach.
  • Telo (Spikey in English and European Spanish and Puntitas in Latin American Spanish) - Esther's pet yellow starfish.
  • Dentinho (Gummy in English and European Spanish and Dentín in Latin American Spanish) - Tubarina's pet blue baby shark.

Others

[edit]
  • Ms. Marla (Señorita Márcia in Latin American Spanish) - The teacher of Salacia's school. She is one of the few inhabitants of Salacia to appear in the series who is not part of royalty. She tends to be very patient with her students. Her hair resembles a blue wave.
  • Shark King - Tubarina's father and one of the most powerful men in Salacia. Among the kings, he is the one who appears most during the series, being a very serious and severe man, but deep down he is a good person. Many things that happen in Salacia are mostly decided by him.
  • Shark Queen - Tubarina's mother and King Shark's wife. Unlike her husband, she makes very few appearances throughout the series.
  • Starfish King and Starfish Queen - Esther's parents. They tend to be very patient with their daughter's antics, who often disobeys them.
  • Octopus King and Octopus Queen - Polvina's parents. They have very few appearances in the cartoon.

TV series

[edit]
Sea Princesses
Genre
Created byFábio Yabu
Based onPrincesas do Mar
by Fábio Yabu
Directed byCraig Handley
Voices ofKatherine Cohn, Paige Walker, Di Adams, Mary-Anne Henshaw, Paul Gleeson, Daniel Wyllie, Mathew Whittet, Shannon Murphy, Jamie Croft, Isabella Dunwill, Olivia Pigeot, Alex Cook, Keith Buckley, Jacqui Lofgren, Eliza Logan, Roslyn Oades, Charlotte Gregg
Opening themeSea Princesses Theme
Ending themeSea Princesses Theme
ComposerPep Roig
Country of originBrazil
Australia
Spain
Original languagesEnglish
Spanish
Portuguese
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes104
Production
Executive producersCathy Payne, Cristina Brandner, Josep Viciana
ProducerNoel Price
AnimatorsGloria Calás, Marta Clapés, Pablo Mendelbaum, Jaume Cullell, Maite Flores
EditorMarta Capdevila
Running time11 minutes
Production companiesSouthern Star Entertainment
Neptuno Films
Flamma Films
Original release
NetworkDiscovery Familia
Discovery Kids (Latin America)
ABC
ReleaseMay 31, 2007 (2007-05-31) –
September 25, 2010 (2010-09-25)

In 2007, an animated TV series was produced co-produced by the Australian production company Southern Star Entertainment and the Spanish studio Neptuno Films, in partnership with the Brazilian production company Flamma Films being supervised by Fábio Yabu. In Brazil, as well as in the rest of Latin America, the cartoon premiered on the Discovery Kids channel on March 24, 2008.[6] The series later aired on TV Cultura on July 12, 2010, broadcasting only the first season.[7]

The series also aired in dozens of other countries around the world.[8] The series made its debut in the United States on Discovery Familia (dubbed into Latin American Spanish) and Discovery Junior (syndication). In 2010, the series debuted on Nick Jr. in Australia before being rerun on free-to-air television by the Seven Network. It has been confirmed than the series would also debut on Treehouse. In 2017, the series debuted on Tiny Pop and Disney Junior in the United Kingdom. All characters speak in American accents despite being played by Australian actors.

Differences between the cartoon and the books

[edit]

In the cartoon Polvina, Esther and Tubarina are revealed to have been friends since they were babies as shown in the episodes "Best Friends" and "The Guilty". However, in the first book it is shown that Polvina and Esther have only just met Tubarina on their first day of school at the Sea School. Polvina and Esther, by the way, were the only princesses who have always known each other and were friends before entering school, to the point of referring to each other as cousins (what doesn't happen in the TV series). In the first episode, however, it is shown that they have already known all the other princesses before the first day of school. In the books it is shown that in the World of Salacia there is technology with people watching TV and reading magazines sharing many similarities with the Drylanders. However, in the TV series it is not shown that there is any technology or media stuff in this world. Royal families also have servants in the books, but in the TV series they behave like more traditional families without any servants working for them. The cartoon also very rarely shows commoner Salinos, the only recurring exception being Miss Marla, the school teacher. Polvina also has slightly different clothes, in the books they are red, her bra is shaped like two hearts and the octopus on her head is mentioned to be a crown and not her hair (not even being a real octopus either) whose face changes according to Polvina's expressions, but in the animation her clothes are pink and her bra is rectangular, in addition to that in the episode "The Makeover", it is revealed that the octopus on her head is in fact her hair and the face does not move at any point in the cartoon. It was originally planned that Tubarina would have a cousin named Marcela representing the hammerhead sharks, although she was never mentioned in the books, but appeared on the back cover along with the other princesses. However, in the TV series she was recreated as a boy named Marcello with a selfish and bratty personality, and completely different from the one proposed for the girl in the books.

Episodes

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
  1. Lost
  2. The Pearl
  3. The Boy
  4. The Golden Penguins
  5. The Royal Ball
  6. The Biggest Fish
  7. The Diary
  8. The Toy
  9. The Missing Crown
  10. The Babysitters
  11. The Return
  12. Homeless
  13. The Monster
  14. The Party
  15. Art
  16. The Picture
  17. The New Pet
  18. Stage Fright
  19. The Argument
  20. The Silence
  21. The Excuse
  22. The Race
  23. The Rescue
  24. Who's Who?
  25. Sharing
  26. Tubarina Almighty
  27. The Ticklish Octopus
  28. Shooting Star
  29. The Trick
  30. The Big Game
  31. One Too Many
  32. The Hammerheads
  33. Big Brother
  34. The Lost Kingdom
  35. The Gift
  36. Esther's Crush
  37. The Head Top
  38. The Dingleberry Mystery
  39. The Makeover
  40. The Doll
  41. Best Friends
  42. The New Teacher
  43. The Big Chill
  44. A Weighty Problem
  45. The Brave Turtle
  46. The Dare
  47. The Great Escape
  48. The Carnival
  49. The Missing Princess
  50. Lunch Power
  51. The Angel Fish
  52. Esther's Fear

Season 2

[edit]
  1. The Matchmaker
  2. The New Princess
  3. The Dancing
  4. Bad Vibrations
  5. Rumours
  6. Battle of the Bands
  7. The Runaway Grandmother
  8. The Bad Princess
  9. The Sick Dolphin
  10. Size Matters
  11. Polvina the Teacher
  12. The Pirates
  13. A Little Help
  14. A Big Mess
  15. Marcello's Friend
  16. The Mural
  17. The Forbidden Reef
  18. The Accident
  19. The Birds
  20. The Ring
  21. The Whale Watchers
  22. The Guardians
  23. Friends Forever
  24. The Secret Admirer
  25. Princess Poutalot
  26. The Piano Lesson
  27. Shark Love
  28. The Twins
  29. The Treasure
  30. The Giant Starfish
  31. Magic
  32. The Seaweed Potion
  33. The Itchy Wrists
  34. The Bite
  35. The Surprise Party
  36. Grow Up
  37. What's Cooking
  38. Esther's Breakout
  39. The Ungrateful Fish
  40. The Too-Playful Shark
  41. The Scare
  42. Deep Freeze
  43. The Sweet Talker
  44. The Sea Quake
  45. The Spidercrabs
  46. The True Princess
  47. The Crack of Doom
  48. The Healer
  49. The Guilty
  50. The Number Crunchers
  51. Beauty
  52. The Last One

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sea Princesses

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sea Princesses is a children's animated television series created as a co-production between Australian studio Southern Star Pacific, Spanish studio Neptuno Films, and Brazilian studio Flamma Films, based on the book series Princesas do Mar by Brazilian author and illustrator Fábio Yabu. The series, which consists of 104 episodes (52 per season) across two seasons and originally aired from 2007 to 2009, is set in the hidden underwater realm of , where young princesses from various sea creature kingdoms attend school and embark on adventures that promote themes of , environmental awareness, and ocean conservation. The central protagonists are Polvina, the clever princess of the Kingdom; Tubarina, the adventurous princess of the Kingdom; and , the kind-hearted princess of the Starfish Kingdom, who form a close trio of friends navigating the challenges of royal life beneath the waves. Directed by Craig Handley and produced by Noel Price, the show was written by Kevin Nemeth with contributions from Yabu, emphasizing educational elements like caring for through its episodic stories. It was broadcast internationally, including on in and Discovery Familia in the United States, reaching audiences in over 50 countries and inspiring ecological consciousness among young viewers. The franchise originated from Yabu's illustrated books, first published in in 2004, which depict the princesses' escapades in a vibrant underwater world populated by anthropomorphic sea animals, blending fantasy with subtle lessons on and . The animated adaptation expanded this universe, incorporating humor, music, and girl-power dynamics to appeal to and early elementary audiences, while maintaining a TV-Y7 rating suitable for family viewing.

Overview and Premise

Plot Summary

Sea Princesses centers on the adventures of three young princesses—Polvina from the kingdom, Ester from the starfish kingdom, and Tubarina from the shark kingdom—who live together in the Octopus Palace in the hidden underwater realm of . These protagonists, all around seven years old, attend the Sea School, a school for royal sea creatures where they learn about their world and develop their skills. Their daily lives involve navigating school routines, forming bonds across cultural divides, and embarking on quests to safeguard from perils. The series' overarching narrative emphasizes the trio's role as protectors of the , often addressing environmental threats like and habitat disruption caused by surface dwellers. Recurring conflicts arise from inter-kingdom rivalries, such as tensions between the aggressive and more cautious octopuses or , which the princesses resolve through and . Bravery is highlighted as they confront antagonists, including mischievous pirate groups, demonstrating how individual strengths—Polvina's , Ester's optimism, and Tubarina's boldness—complement each other in times of crisis. Episodes typically follow a structure where an everyday mishap or external danger escalates into a broader issue affecting , prompting the princesses to investigate and intervene. Personal growth moments, like overcoming fears or learning responsibility, interweave with action-oriented plots, always culminating in resolutions that reinforce themes of and collective responsibility toward the sea's . Through these stories, the series promotes ecological awareness, encouraging young viewers to value .

World of Salacia

The World of Salacia is a fictional realm depicted in the Sea Princesses as a hidden oceanic kingdom located deep beneath the ocean surface, inaccessible to the surface world known as Dryland or Terra Firme. This enchanted domain was created and divided by the goddess to maintain balance among , serving as home to anthropomorphic sea creatures who live in harmony with their environment. The realm emphasizes secrecy to protect its inhabitants from external threats, forming the foundational setting for the series' exploration of underwater life. Salacia is structured into numerous kingdoms, each corresponding to specific sea creature species and governed by royal families selected by the goddess to safeguard their respective populations. Examples include the Kingdom, known for its clever inhabitants; the Kingdom, characterized by structured hierarchies; and the Kingdom, focused on community regeneration. Society operates under royal protocols, with heirs adorned in crowns symbolizing their lineage and future responsibilities, and includes communal institutions like underwater schools where young royals from various kingdoms learn governance and interspecies cooperation. These elements underscore a structured, monarchic society adapted to aquatic living. The realm features magical adaptations enabling human-like activities, such as salacians—humanoid sea dwellers who breathe underwater and interact fluidly with their surroundings—coexisting with diverse marine species in vibrant ecosystems. Key geographical features include sprawling coral reefs that serve as natural barriers and habitats, lush sea forests providing shelter and resources, and deep abyssal zones maintaining ecological equilibrium. Central to Salacia's lore is an environmental ethos promoting conservation, with ongoing threats from surface pollution and potential intruders highlighting the need to preserve marine biodiversity and the delicate balance of ocean life.

Origins and Development

Book Series

The book series Princesas do Mar (Sea Princesses) was created by Brazilian writer and illustrator Fábio Yabu, who developed the concept in 2002 while working on a promotional project for Sabesp, the state-owned and sanitation company in . Yabu proposed a character—a young girl with an on her head—as a to encourage and environmental awareness, but the idea was rejected by the company. Undeterred, Yabu expanded the concept into a full narrative universe over the next two years, drawing inspiration from research, aquariums, and documentaries to craft stories set in an underwater realm called . The first book, Princesas do Mar, was published in 2004 by Panda Books, marking the launch of the series aimed at young readers. The series comprises four main volumes for independent readers and six shorter volumes in a series for younger children. By 2009, eight volumes had been released across the main and series, with two more following in 2010, completing the published works. Each spotlights the adventures of a specific sea princess—such as Polvina from the Kingdom, Ester from the Kingdom, or Tubarina from the Kingdom—while weaving in themes of ecological preservation, friendship, and resolving challenges like or inter-kingdom conflicts. Yabu provided the illustrations for all volumes, blending anime-inspired designs with detailed depictions of to immerse readers in Salacia's vibrant ecosystems. The series was released primarily in through Brazilian publishers, with publications spanning 2004 to 2010, and later made available in formats. International interest led to limited translations, including editions for broader Latin American markets, though full English versions remain scarce and mostly unofficial. The books emphasize educational elements, such as the importance of protecting habitats, aligning with Yabu's original intent for the Sabesp to foster environmental responsibility among children.

Production History

The Sea Princesses originated from the children's book series Princesas do Mar by Brazilian author and illustrator Fábio Yabu, first published in 2004. In late 2004, Brazilian studio Flamma Films, founded that year by Yabu and producer Reynaldo Marchezini, secured a co-production agreement with Australian company Southern Star Entertainment for international funding and distribution rights. Spanish studio Neptuno Films joined the collaboration in 2005 to handle and , marking the first fully internationally funded from without reliance on subsidies. Pre-production spanned 2005 to early 2006, with Southern Star developing scripts and storyboards, Flamma overseeing character designs and narrative approvals, and Neptuno preparing for animation. Full production began in July 2006, resulting in the completion of the first season after 18 months. The series premiered in in September 2007 and in on on March 24, 2008, before expanding to over 50 countries. The second season followed in 2009 in and 2010 in . The $7 million supported 52 episodes divided into two seasons, produced between 2007 and 2009, amid challenges of coordinating across three countries and managing costs without domestic Brazilian . This international structure enabled innovative digital animation techniques to depict the vibrant underwater world of , though it limited further seasons after the second. Director Craig Handley led the project, ensuring cohesive across the collaborative pipeline.

Characters

Main Characters

The main characters of Sea Princesses are the trio of young princesses—Polvina, Ester, and Tubarina—who serve as the central protagonists, attending school together in the underwater world of while embarking on adventures that highlight themes of friendship and environmental care. Each hails from a distinct kingdom, reflecting their animal species' traits, and their stories emphasize personal growth through collaborative problem-solving. Polvina is the of the Octopus Kingdom, portrayed as a quiet and peaceful girl with a studious nature, often turning to books and her inventive ingenuity to resolve challenges. Her heritage grants her eight arms, enabling exceptional multitasking, such as simultaneously conducting experiments or aiding friends during crises, which underscores her role as the thoughtful innovator of the group. As a curious explorer driven by a desire to understand the ocean's mysteries, Polvina frequently initiates discoveries that drive the narrative forward. Ester, the princess of the Starfish Kingdom, is depicted as cheerful, expansive, and creatively inclined, with a gentle demeanor that fosters harmony among her companions. Her features allow her to use multiple arms for artistic pursuits like drawing and painting, as well as for delicately handling objects in her environment, reflecting her role as the empathetic artist who brings imaginative solutions to the trio's escapades. 's curiosity about learning and her affinity for reading complement the group's dynamics by providing insightful observations that balance more impulsive actions. Tubarina, from the Shark Kingdom, embodies boldness and athleticism as a natural leader, occasionally showing a grumpy side but always demonstrating loyalty and ingenuity in protecting her friends. Her physiology endows her with remarkable speed and strength, making her the courageous frontline defender in adventures, whether racing through currents or confronting obstacles head-on. Tubarina's determined personality often propels the group into action, channeling her energy into competitive sports and heroic feats. Together, Polvina's curiosity, Ester's creativity, and Tubarina's courage form a complementary triad, allowing the princesses to overcome underwater perils through their combined strengths and unwavering friendship, as seen in their shared school life and exploratory quests. This dynamic not only drives the episodic stories but also promotes messages of and respect for .

Supporting Characters

Supporting characters in Sea Princesses encompass a diverse array of royals, educators, pets, and occasional adversaries that support the by facilitating , providing guidance, or creating conflicts within the of . These figures often appear in episodic roles, contributing to themes of friendship, learning, and environmental care without overshadowing the central trio's development. Among the key allies are fellow students and family members from various kingdoms. , voiced by Dan Wyllie, serves as Tubarina's cousin and the prince of the Hammerhead Sharks, frequently participating in group activities and school-related escapades. Delfi, the Dolphin Princess, is a classmate who returns from travels and integrates into school life, often joining the protagonists in rescues and explorations. Hugo, the Turtle Prince and twin to Tata, brings a sporty and loyal presence to ensemble scenes, aiding in tasks like team games or kingdom visits. Teachers like Miss Marla, an instructor at the Sea School, enforce discipline and deliver lessons, such as addressing classroom mishaps or assigning study duties, while emphasizing moral growth. Antagonists and add tension through mischief or threats, typically resolved through . Pirate characters, such as those in plots involving , prompt the princesses to recover stolen items or thwart schemes. Occasional kingdom , such as grumpy turtles blocking paths or spidercrabs causing disruptions, highlight inter-species conflicts that teach lessons in and . Animals and non-royal figures further populate the environment, offering , plot devices, or familial support. sea creatures, including Tentie (Polvina's companion) and various young whales like Naimo, assist in quests such as rescuing beached animals or locating lost objects, underscoring bonds between characters and their aquatic companions. Other non-royal elements, like merchants in market scenes or guards at palaces, provide background interactions that illustrate daily life in , while figures such as the Turtle King or Whale King appear in parental roles during crises like recoveries or babysitting duties. These elements collectively reinforce moral lessons on teamwork and responsibility.

Television Series

Animation and Voice Cast

The Sea Princesses television series employs 2D animation techniques, characterized by vibrant, colorful character designs and fluid simulations of water movements to evoke the of . The series consists of 104 eleven-minute segments structured as 52 twenty-two-minute episodes, allowing for concise storytelling focused on the princesses' adventures. The was produced by the Brazilian studio Films in collaboration with Spain's Neptuno Films and Australia's Southern Star Entertainment, combining expertise from all three countries to create a visually engaging series for young audiences. The English-language version features voice performances by Australian actors, including Isabella Dunwill as Polvina, Katherine Beck as , and Paige Walker as Tubarina, whose youthful and expressive deliveries capture the characters' playful personalities. For international distribution, the series received dubs in multiple languages, including with local talent providing distinct regional inflections to suit global markets. These multilingual adaptations ensured accessibility while preserving the core charm of the vocal ensemble. The soundtrack, composed by Josep Roig, includes a catchy theme song that sets an adventurous tone, performed in various languages across dubs to match the target audience. Sound design emphasizes immersive underwater elements, such as bubbling effects and muffled echoes, enhancing the sense of depth and marine life without overpowering the dialogue.

Broadcast and Episodes

The Sea Princesses animated television series is a Brazilian-Australian co-production that premiered in Australia on ABC Kids on May 31, 2007. In Brazil, where it is known as Princesas do Mar, the series debuted on Discovery Kids on March 24, 2008. It subsequently aired internationally on channels such as Piwi+ in France, KiKA in Germany, Rai YoYo in Italy, and Discovery Kids across Latin America, with broadcasts continuing through 2009 and beyond in various regions. The series ran for two seasons, with Season 1 airing from 2007 to 2008 and Season 2 premiering in 2009. As of 2025, the series is available for streaming on Netflix in select regions. The program consists of 52 twenty-two-minute episodes across the two seasons (26 per season), structured as double bills of two independent eleven-minute stories centered on the princesses' adventures at school and in the underwater world, for a total of 104 segments. Season 1 focuses on establishing the main characters' friendships and initial challenges at Octopus Girl School, while Season 2 builds on these dynamics by exploring broader inter-kingdom relations and new threats to .

Season 1 Episodes

The following table lists the episodes of Season 1, with paired story titles:
EpisodeTitles
1Lost / The Pearl
2The Boy / The Golden Penguins
3The Royal Ball / The Biggest Fish
4The Diary / The Toy
5The Missing Crown / The Babysitters
6The Return / Homeless
7The Monster / The Party
8Art / The Picture
9The New Pet / Stage Fright
10The Argument / The Silence
11The Excuse / The Race
12The Rescue / Who's Who
13Sharing / Tubarina Almighty
14The Ticklish Octopus / Shooting Star
15The Trick / The Big Game
16One Too Many / The Hammerheads
17Big Brother / The Lost Kingdom
18The Gift / The Crush
19The Head Top / The Dingleberry Mystery
20The Makeover / The Doll
21Best Friends / The New Teacher
22The Big Chill / A Weighty Problem
23The Brave Turtle / The Dare
24The Great Escape / The Carnival
25The Missing Princess / Lunch Power
26The Angel Fish / Ester's Fear

Season 2 Episodes

The following table lists the episodes of Season 2, with paired story titles:
EpisodeTitles
1The Matchmaker / The New Princess
2The Dancing Princess /
3Rumours / Battle of the Bands
4The Runaway Grandmother / The Bad Princess
5The Sick Dolphin /
6Polvina the Teacher /
7 / A Big Mess
8Marcello's Friend / The Mural
9The Forbidden Reef / The Accident
10The Birds / The Ring
11The Whale Watchers / The Guardians
12Friends Forever / The Secret Admirer
13Princess Poutalot / The Piano Lesson
14Shark Love / The Twins
15The Treasure / The Giant
16 / The Seaweed Potion
17The Itchy Wrists / The Bite
18The Surprise Party / Grow Up
19What's Cooking / The Ester Breakout
20The Ungrateful Fish / The Too-Playful
21The Scare / Deep Freeze
22The Sweet Talker / The Sea Quake
23The Spidercrabs / The True Princess
24The Crack of Doom / The Healer
25The Guilty / The Number Crunchers
26Beauty / The Last One

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

The animated series Sea Princesses has garnered a mixed reception among audiences, particularly in its home markets of , , and , where it is praised for its engaging underwater adventures suitable for young children. On , the series holds an average user rating of 5.6 out of 10, based on 143 reviews, reflecting appreciation for its creative lore of an animal-inhabited ocean kingdom while noting limitations in depth for older viewers. Critics and viewers have highlighted the show's strengths in storytelling and character development, with protagonists Polvina, Ester, and Tubarina often compared to empowered young heroines like , fostering themes of friendship, bravery, and curiosity that appeal to both boys and girls. The animation style, inspired by shoujo aesthetics, has been commended for its vibrant visuals and solid production quality relative to early Brazilian children's programming, contributing to its enduring popularity in international co-productions. A key aspect of the positive response centers on its educational value, as the series explicitly aims to build children's ecological awareness by depicting the princesses' efforts to protect flora and fauna in the fictional realm of . However, some user feedback points to simplistic plots and repetitive humor as drawbacks, which may limit replay value beyond ages, aligning with the overall moderate score from a relatively small review pool.

Cultural Impact

The Sea Princesses series has contributed to educational outreach by fostering children's understanding of and environmental conservation, with narratives centered on the protagonists' efforts to protect underwater ecosystems and sea creatures. Tie-in books from the original Brazilian series, authored and illustrated by Fábio Yabu, introduce young readers to ocean life. In and , the franchise extended its reach through supplementary materials like interactive apps, including a 2010 application featuring the first story from the to engage children in underwater adventures while reinforcing eco-awareness. These resources align with broader initiatives in both countries to integrate ocean literacy into early , though specific implementations vary. efforts peaked between 2008 and 2012, with licensing deals enabling the production of toys and clothing lines inspired by the characters, alongside limited mobile applications for interactive play. These products helped extend the series' commercial footprint, particularly in , where the franchise originated. The series achieved global distribution in over 50 countries, with notable enduring popularity in under its original title, Princesas do Mar, where it continues to resonate with audiences through its blend of adventure and environmental messaging. As of 2025, full episodes remain accessible via streaming on platforms like and , with additional fan-uploaded content available on , sustaining its legacy among younger viewers. While no major reboots have occurred, the franchise has subtly influenced similar underwater-themed girls' by emphasizing female-led stories in marine settings.

References

  1. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/sea-princesses-series/24484/
  2. https://www.ccxp.com.br/en/lineup/1948555489/fabio-yabu/
  3. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/sea-princesses
  4. https://www.netflix.com/title/70297462
  5. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/43200-sea-princesses?language=en-US
  6. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/sea-princesses-series-1-2008/27144/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/
  8. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/Octopus_Kingdom
  9. https://kids.kiddle.co/Sea_Princesses
  10. https://vejasp.abril.com.br/cidades/princesas-do-mar-desenho-criado-pelo-ilustrador-fabio-yabu-chega-tv-de-47-paises/
  11. https://www.pandabooks.com.br/infantil/aventura-e-misterio/princesas-do-mar-uma-sombra-na-agua
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uISL0F4s8j8
  13. https://www.portoeditora.pt/noticias/princesas-do-mar/1275
  14. http://br802.teste.website/~buxclu62/arquivos/leia-um-trecho/princesas_do_mar_uma_sombra_na_agua.pdf
  15. https://blablador.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/entrevista-fabio-yabu-desenhista-escritor-e-criador-da-serie-princesas-do-mar/
  16. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Storybooks
  17. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/Sea_Princesses/History
  18. https://telaviva.com.br/14/03/2008/princesas-do-mar-estreia-no-discovery-kids-segunda-temporada-esta-em-producao/
  19. https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film300635.html
  20. https://mundohq.com.br/princesas-do-mar/
  21. https://www.juicysantos.com.br/diversao/arte/yabu-e-suas-princesas-do-mar-em-entrevista-exclusiva-para-o-juicy-santos/
  22. https://princesasdadisney.com/princesas-do-mar/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/fullcredits
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/episodes
  25. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/Hugo
  26. https://www.celaction.com/en/productions/productions-tv-series
  27. https://worldscreen.com/southern-star-neptuno-flamma-join-to-produce-series/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/fullcredits/
  29. https://dubdb.fandom.com/wiki/Sea_Princesses
  30. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/4011/401137010007.pdf
  31. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/Sea_Princesses
  32. https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Princesses/dp/B0779F229F
  33. https://seaprincesses.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Episodes
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/episodes/?year=2009
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291095/reviews
  36. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/sea-princesses
  37. https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/livrariadafolha/ult10082u301003.shtml
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