Mia and Me: Discover Centopia

Aired stateside on Nick Jr., this 2011-12 fantasy series alternated between the live-action life of a girl named Mia and an animated elfin version of herself that was created with the help of a magical book and jeweled bracelet, transporting Mia to the whimsical realm of Centopia. In “Discover Centopia,” young Mia (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers—now appearing in a decidedly more adult role in Game of Thrones) is unhappy with being sent to a boarding school after her parents were in an accident, and she feels even worse when approached by mean girl bullies within the first five minutes. Luckily, a special book on the legend of Centopia was a family favorite (“Elvish runes…Dad taught me these!”) and soon Mia is thrust into the titular distant world, where she has wings, makes new friends, and learns about the villainous Queen Panthea, who stays young by capturing unicorns for their horns. A promise to come back and visit Centopia makes school more bearable for Mia, who does indeed return in the bonus episodes “Centopia's Hope” and “Restoration,” in which clumsy Pan-like friend Phuddle plays a key role in creating an instrument to combat Panthea's minions. Although unremarkable, the combo of girly fantasy animation and cliquish peer drama will likely appeal to young viewers. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)