Issi Noho (ITV 1974-1975 with James Thornton)

Issi Noho was a very cute children’s stories shown in the weekday lunchtime slot, usually after Rainbow, about the adventures young Andrew and Sally Martin have with a magical panda they find in a crate in their local woods.

Written on the side of the crate is the words This Side Up… Use No Hooks but the only visible part to the kids is the phrase Issi Noho which is what they decide to christen the Panda.

Issi is able to perform magic by using special cards he keeps in a pouch around his neck but his tricks don’t always work out that well.

The series was basically story time Jackanory style as the episodes were told over a series of still drawings from the pen of Edward C. Stanton. Keith Chatfield who created and wrote the series also penned another well remembered children’s series called Hattytown Tales.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 20×15 minute episodes / Broadcast 1974-1975

Writer: Keith Chatfield / Drawings: Edward C. Stanton / Producer: Ruth Boswell

THE EPISODES
ISSI NOHO
A MOST BEDRAGGLED AND SOGGY PANDA
A VERY MAGIC PANDA
ALMOST A VERY NASTY ACCIDENT
THE MISSING HOUSE
A NOBLE ROOF
THE GREENHOUSE ISN’T TALL ENOUGH
PURGES AND PAINT
THE CUCKOO IN THE NEST
A GREAT WIND FOR FLYING AND DRYING
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE
A PANDA IN THE POST
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE TRIPLI-TRICYCLE
THUDS, SURPRISES, KNITTING AND DREAMS
SAILING BOATS AND BEDSTEADS
A PROBLEM OF FRESH EGGS FOR BREAKFAST
A SHORT BUT MOST EVENTFUL GAME OF CRICKET
THE SYCAMORE TREE GETS A HAIR NET
THE MAGIC CONFERENCE THAT NEVER WAS