Levi&Toonk, the Animated Series
New York City, New York | Series
Animation, Family
Levi&Toonk follows one curious kid and the inner voice who helps him make sense of big feelings — a children's show that centers kids of color and grows up alongside them. Your pledge funds four short animated episodes and the proof this series belongs on screens everywhere.
Levi&Toonk, the Animated Series
New York City, New York | Series
Animation, Family
53 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$16,177
Goal: $30,000 for pre-production
Levi&Toonk follows one curious kid and the inner voice who helps him make sense of big feelings — a children's show that centers kids of color and grows up alongside them. Your pledge funds four short animated episodes and the proof this series belongs on screens everywhere.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What if your child could grow up alongside a character they truly see themselves in?
Levi&Toonk is a children’s book series becoming an animated series designed to help kids understand their emotions, explore their imagination, and navigate each stage of childhood as they grow. At the center is Levi — a curious, expressive child — and Toonk, the voice within him that questions, challenges, and helps him understand his world. Together, they navigate daily childhood moments in ways that are playful, honest, and deeply relatable. Each collection follows Levi at a different age, allowing children to grow with him and see their own experiences reflected along the way.
We’re fundraising to bring the first four episodes to life!
This campaign supports the development of a PROOF-OF-CONCEPT: That's the package we take into rooms. It's two things: four short animated episodes adapted from the books (storyboarded, designed, voiced, and animated), and the illustrated Pitch Deck that frames the world and characters.
Reaching our goal of $30,000 will fund:
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
STORYBOARDING
COLLABORATOR and TALENT FEES
for
FOUR (4) EPISODES
This phase brings Levi&Toonk from page to screen by establishing the look, tone, and storytelling of the series, covers the costs of our collaborators and talent, and supports the full production of four episodes based on the books.
Levi&Toonk has already been brought to life through live readings, performances, and community engagement.
Check out our spot with Adobe:
And here's a Live Digital Reading we did with Yale Cabaret as part of the Black Theater Festival:
featuring voice work from Abigail C. Onwunali and Alexandra Maurice
Sound Design by Bryn Scharenberg
Video Design by John Horzen
!! EXCLUSIVE !!
As part of this campaign, we’ll be releasing four (4) digital book readings as companion pieces just like the one above.
Each release is a step toward visualizing the full animated series and a chance for you to share the impact of the stories.
We're excited to collaborate with Ralphi Burgess and Abigail C. Onwunali to bring their special talents to these pieces.
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATES FOR THE DROP
Levi&Toonk is built differently.
Each collection follows Levi at a new stage of childhood. Each book takes on a real moment: a first day, a big feeling, a discovery, a grievance. The animated series carries that same approach forward, allowing children to grow with Levi and see themselves reflected along the way.
There's a gap in children’s programming that both centers children of color and evolves with its audience.
Levi&Toonk is designed to meet that moment through storytelling that is honest, imaginative, and grounded in real experience.
Rooted in education, Levi&Toonk:
✓ Aligns with National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) standards
✓ Features material that is socially-conscious, engaging, and comical
✓ Characters develop and age parallel to your child
✓ Improves intrapersonal skills through meaningful storytelling
STRETCH GOAL
Our stretch goal is an additional $15,000. That’s the difference between a proof of concept and a proof of concept that turns heads. It means original music instead of stock. It means more voice actors bringing these characters to life. It means a trailer we can take to festivals and pitch meetings — and a real shot at getting Levi&Toonk on screens everywhere. Every dollar past our goal makes the series stronger, louder, and closer to the kids who are waiting for it.
With your support, we can begin building this world through animation.
The first TWO COLLECTIONS of the book series are complete!
The next collection is on its way!
First Collection
ALL ABOUT ME
Illustrations by Christina Moreland
Second Collection
TERRIBLE TWO'S
Illustrations by Jolie B.
Following this campaign, we will complete a proof-of-concept and begin pitching the full animated series for production and distribution. Our goal is to make the content as accessible as possible — through streaming platforms, schools, libraries, and community spaces where kids and families already are.
Whether you’ve been here from page one or you’re just discovering Levi&Toonk — this is the moment.
Pledge.
Share.
Be part of building Levi&Toonk, the Animated Series
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Story & Development
Costs $6,000
Includes Scriptwriting (pilot script + revisions), Story Editing, and Concept Development (series + vision direction)
Visual World & Design
Costs $6,000
Character Design (main + supporting cast), Background / Environment Design, Style Frames & Visual Development
Animation & Storyboard
Costs $11,000
Storyboarding (pilot episode), Animatic Production (timed to audio)
Sound & Voice
Costs $3,500
Voice Editing / Integration (existing audio), Temp Sound Design & Music
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kia M.
AUTHOR & CO-FOUNDER
Nakia D. Montgomery (Kia M.) is an accomplished author, creator, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of community leadership, education, and the arts. She is the creator and author of the Levi&Toonk board book series, a joyful celebration of representation and early learning for children of color.
A 2025 NLP Graduate, Global Kinship Leader, and scholarship recipient of the California Black Women Collective (in partnership with Cal State University Dominguez Hills), Kia M. is building her professional brand to authentically connect with compassionate and purpose-driven leaders. She has collaborated with industry experts and partners to amplify underrepresented voices and foster meaningful storytelling across film, events, and youth initiatives.
She brings experience in program management, creative direction, and event coordination, with a deep passion for community engagement, mentorship, and cultural impact.
Dedicated to empowering diverse narratives, Kia M. is committed to advancing the arts, education, and economic opportunity though experiences like: The Micheaux Film Festival and a Writing Course with NYU's School of Tisch. Promoting creative empowerment has also earned her honors (such as The BOSS Network Grant) along with other recognitions for her literary and community impact. Kia M. continues to create spaces that nurture imagination, creativity, freedom of expression, and the unique giftedness of children.
Bri Smocks, M. Ed.
EDITOR IN CHIEF & CO-FOUNDER
Briantria (Bri) Smocks, born in Dallas, Texas, grew up valuing family, education, and personal excellence. These experiences propelled her to become a first-generation college graduate and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds degrees in English (BA) and Education (MEd) from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from the University of North Texas. Bri is certified to teach English (7-12), Gifted and Talented, and English as a Second Language.
Her initial goal was to become an educational administrator, but a move to Long Beach, California (2019) to support her son's acting and modeling career shifted her focus. Despite the change, Bri remains dedicated to student and family advocacy. She served as the 2020-2021 President of Long Beach USD’s HeadStart Policy Council and held various educational roles from 2016 to 2019, including SAT and ACT Proctor, Interim English Department Head, and District Curriculum Writer. She is a Governing Board Member for Sky Mountain/IEM Schools, the homeschool charter to which Levi belongs.
Bri now channels her professional efforts into transforming educational spaces and global systems. She does this as the CEO of Smocks Media Group, Editor of Diderot magazine, and Co-Founder of The Arri Kenzo.
Beyond her professional commitments, Bri and her husband have been married since August 2014. She enjoys reading cozy novels and traveling with her family.
Kayodè (The Well)
CREATIVE PRODUCER
Kayodè is a first-generation Nigerian-American actor, writer, and producer. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Atlanta, he is currently based out of Harlem. As a producer, he develops and supports original work across theatre, film, and interdisciplinary performance. Through The Well | Productions & Consulting, he collaborates on projects that challenge form, expand narrative possibility, and center a diverse and bold artistic vision. The Well is happy to be providing Creative Direction & Producing for this campaign.
Aron Myers (Global Kinship Center)
MSW, PCC, CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Global Kinship Center is a leadership development organization supporting people to become more confident, grounded, and effective leaders through immersive trainings and a powerful sense of belonging that extends beyond blood family. Global Kinship Center is proud to serve as fiscal sponsor for the Levi&Toonk campaign and its future endeavors.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
What if your child could grow up alongside a character they truly see themselves in?
Levi&Toonk is a children’s book series becoming an animated series designed to help kids understand their emotions, explore their imagination, and navigate each stage of childhood as they grow. At the center is Levi — a curious, expressive child — and Toonk, the voice within him that questions, challenges, and helps him understand his world. Together, they navigate daily childhood moments in ways that are playful, honest, and deeply relatable. Each collection follows Levi at a different age, allowing children to grow with him and see their own experiences reflected along the way.
We’re fundraising to bring the first four episodes to life!
This campaign supports the development of a PROOF-OF-CONCEPT: That's the package we take into rooms. It's two things: four short animated episodes adapted from the books (storyboarded, designed, voiced, and animated), and the illustrated Pitch Deck that frames the world and characters.
Reaching our goal of $30,000 will fund:
VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
STORYBOARDING
COLLABORATOR and TALENT FEES
for
FOUR (4) EPISODES
This phase brings Levi&Toonk from page to screen by establishing the look, tone, and storytelling of the series, covers the costs of our collaborators and talent, and supports the full production of four episodes based on the books.
Levi&Toonk has already been brought to life through live readings, performances, and community engagement.
Check out our spot with Adobe:
And here's a Live Digital Reading we did with Yale Cabaret as part of the Black Theater Festival:
featuring voice work from Abigail C. Onwunali and Alexandra Maurice
Sound Design by Bryn Scharenberg
Video Design by John Horzen
!! EXCLUSIVE !!
As part of this campaign, we’ll be releasing four (4) digital book readings as companion pieces just like the one above.
Each release is a step toward visualizing the full animated series and a chance for you to share the impact of the stories.
We're excited to collaborate with Ralphi Burgess and Abigail C. Onwunali to bring their special talents to these pieces.
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATES FOR THE DROP
Levi&Toonk is built differently.
Each collection follows Levi at a new stage of childhood. Each book takes on a real moment: a first day, a big feeling, a discovery, a grievance. The animated series carries that same approach forward, allowing children to grow with Levi and see themselves reflected along the way.
There's a gap in children’s programming that both centers children of color and evolves with its audience.
Levi&Toonk is designed to meet that moment through storytelling that is honest, imaginative, and grounded in real experience.
Rooted in education, Levi&Toonk:
✓ Aligns with National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) standards
✓ Features material that is socially-conscious, engaging, and comical
✓ Characters develop and age parallel to your child
✓ Improves intrapersonal skills through meaningful storytelling
STRETCH GOAL
Our stretch goal is an additional $15,000. That’s the difference between a proof of concept and a proof of concept that turns heads. It means original music instead of stock. It means more voice actors bringing these characters to life. It means a trailer we can take to festivals and pitch meetings — and a real shot at getting Levi&Toonk on screens everywhere. Every dollar past our goal makes the series stronger, louder, and closer to the kids who are waiting for it.
With your support, we can begin building this world through animation.
The first TWO COLLECTIONS of the book series are complete!
The next collection is on its way!
First Collection
ALL ABOUT ME
Illustrations by Christina Moreland
Second Collection
TERRIBLE TWO'S
Illustrations by Jolie B.
Following this campaign, we will complete a proof-of-concept and begin pitching the full animated series for production and distribution. Our goal is to make the content as accessible as possible — through streaming platforms, schools, libraries, and community spaces where kids and families already are.
Whether you’ve been here from page one or you’re just discovering Levi&Toonk — this is the moment.
Pledge.
Share.
Be part of building Levi&Toonk, the Animated Series
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Story & Development
Costs $6,000
Includes Scriptwriting (pilot script + revisions), Story Editing, and Concept Development (series + vision direction)
Visual World & Design
Costs $6,000
Character Design (main + supporting cast), Background / Environment Design, Style Frames & Visual Development
Animation & Storyboard
Costs $11,000
Storyboarding (pilot episode), Animatic Production (timed to audio)
Sound & Voice
Costs $3,500
Voice Editing / Integration (existing audio), Temp Sound Design & Music
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Kia M.
AUTHOR & CO-FOUNDER
Nakia D. Montgomery (Kia M.) is an accomplished author, creator, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of community leadership, education, and the arts. She is the creator and author of the Levi&Toonk board book series, a joyful celebration of representation and early learning for children of color.
A 2025 NLP Graduate, Global Kinship Leader, and scholarship recipient of the California Black Women Collective (in partnership with Cal State University Dominguez Hills), Kia M. is building her professional brand to authentically connect with compassionate and purpose-driven leaders. She has collaborated with industry experts and partners to amplify underrepresented voices and foster meaningful storytelling across film, events, and youth initiatives.
She brings experience in program management, creative direction, and event coordination, with a deep passion for community engagement, mentorship, and cultural impact.
Dedicated to empowering diverse narratives, Kia M. is committed to advancing the arts, education, and economic opportunity though experiences like: The Micheaux Film Festival and a Writing Course with NYU's School of Tisch. Promoting creative empowerment has also earned her honors (such as The BOSS Network Grant) along with other recognitions for her literary and community impact. Kia M. continues to create spaces that nurture imagination, creativity, freedom of expression, and the unique giftedness of children.
Bri Smocks, M. Ed.
EDITOR IN CHIEF & CO-FOUNDER
Briantria (Bri) Smocks, born in Dallas, Texas, grew up valuing family, education, and personal excellence. These experiences propelled her to become a first-generation college graduate and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds degrees in English (BA) and Education (MEd) from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from the University of North Texas. Bri is certified to teach English (7-12), Gifted and Talented, and English as a Second Language.
Her initial goal was to become an educational administrator, but a move to Long Beach, California (2019) to support her son's acting and modeling career shifted her focus. Despite the change, Bri remains dedicated to student and family advocacy. She served as the 2020-2021 President of Long Beach USD’s HeadStart Policy Council and held various educational roles from 2016 to 2019, including SAT and ACT Proctor, Interim English Department Head, and District Curriculum Writer. She is a Governing Board Member for Sky Mountain/IEM Schools, the homeschool charter to which Levi belongs.
Bri now channels her professional efforts into transforming educational spaces and global systems. She does this as the CEO of Smocks Media Group, Editor of Diderot magazine, and Co-Founder of The Arri Kenzo.
Beyond her professional commitments, Bri and her husband have been married since August 2014. She enjoys reading cozy novels and traveling with her family.
Kayodè (The Well)
CREATIVE PRODUCER
Kayodè is a first-generation Nigerian-American actor, writer, and producer. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Atlanta, he is currently based out of Harlem. As a producer, he develops and supports original work across theatre, film, and interdisciplinary performance. Through The Well | Productions & Consulting, he collaborates on projects that challenge form, expand narrative possibility, and center a diverse and bold artistic vision. The Well is happy to be providing Creative Direction & Producing for this campaign.
Aron Myers (Global Kinship Center)
MSW, PCC, CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Global Kinship Center is a leadership development organization supporting people to become more confident, grounded, and effective leaders through immersive trainings and a powerful sense of belonging that extends beyond blood family. Global Kinship Center is proud to serve as fiscal sponsor for the Levi&Toonk campaign and its future endeavors.