The Cartoon Network will introduce toddlers to the French language in Cartoonito, a new strand on spinoff channel Cartoon Network Too.

Preschoolers will be served "their first taste of French" in amongst shows such as Barney and Hi-5. The strand will be fronted by six cute, animated characters - the "Cartoonitos" - three of whom speak French and three who speak English.

The group will appear in between shows to introduce key words in both French and English.

“If preschool children are introduced to language in the fun, exciting and visual way that Cartoonito proposes, it can have a hugely positive impact in so many ways," said French language consultant Stella Bataille. "Not only will a second language improve communication skills, memory, confidence in learning and concentration but it also makes it easier for them to grasp the language when they grow up and start to learn it at school.”

Cartoonito airs daily between 6am and 3pm from September 4.