The Nickelodeon series "Wonder Pets" has been praised for its original look, and that's because they invented a whole new style of animation for it.

"The style of animation used to create 'Wonder Pets' is called 'photo-puppetry,' " said series co-creator Jennifer Oxley. "It is an original style of animation created for the series that allows animators to manipulate photographs of real animals."

Oxley offers a pretty clear explanation of why she thinks the style works.

"I think kids will identify with the characters because they look so real and huggable."

The animators take regular, still photographs of animals and, with the help of some high-tech computer-animation software, bring them to life in front of photographic and animated backgrounds. The result looks a little like video in parts, a little like cartoon in others, and very unique.

The series has won multiple Emmy awards, both for its animation and its music.

Indeed, the musical element has won the show quite a bit of attention as well, and a bit of star power, too. Pop stars Steven Tyler and Ziggy Marley (son of reggae legend Bob), among others, have lent their voices to the musical series.

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