Andrea Beck first invented Elliot Moose 10 years ago when she entertained her kids with stories of his adventures. Even after they became teenagers, Elliot still held a place in Beck's imagination. She decided to write an Elliot Moose children's book and eventually produced Elliot's Emergency, in which Elliot's friends help him mend his injured leg. Beck sent her tale to Kids Can Press, which immediately snatched it up. Just four months later, not only did the Toronto-based publisher turn Elliot into the star of his own book series, but Nelvana Ltd., the Toronto-based animators behind such popular hits as Pippi Longstocking and Babar, created a cartoon series. Today, Elliot Moose plays on public television across North America. "I went from submitting an idea," says the 42-year-old Beck, "to reading about myself in trade papers."

Beck's story is increasingly common. Canadian children's television, especially shows based on Canadian kids' books, is booming. In fact, Canadian animators and producers are not just conquering domestic airwaves, they are beginning to dominate the $7-billion global kids' TV market. Nelvana, which has offices in Europe and the United States, has the two top shows for kids aged 2 to 5 -- Little Bear and Franklin, which follow the exploits of a young turtle and his friends. Franklin began life as a series of books written by Canadian author Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark. It airs on both the CBC and Family Channel, and is broadcast in 150 countries. "Thirty years ago, it was impossible for Canadian animators to get distribution in the United States," says Nelvana co-CEO Michael Hirsh. "It wasn't until 10 years ago that there was a breakthrough."

That, coupled with a steady stream of skilled animators graduating from Oakville, Ont.-based Sheridan College, has led to a torrent of Canadian production. Teletoon, Canada's animation specialty channel,...