Mentor, playmate, teacher, entertainer – Mango explains the world to the Shooz and the viewer by means of visions that float up from his bowl in a bubble. Once the subject has been discussed, the bubble pops and the show goes on. But sometimes, even Mango needs a bit of peace and quiet. Then he retreats to his magic clamshell which also serves as a suitcase of many wonders. He likes to pull the lid down and have a snore as little bubbles drift up. A benign sage and mentor, Mango is also the arbitrator and has the final word.

Sid is a keen runner ‘in killer shape’ who lives only for running. Nothing keeps him down for long. ‘As long as you think positive’ is Sid’s motto. If one word could sum him up, it’s ‘keen’.

Aspiring ballerina Gina is impulsive and outgoing; she’s a creative improviser causing crisis after crisis, from which the others rescue her time after time. Gina makes as many enemies as friends – she doesn’t read people very well and her wide-eyed honesty gets her into trouble here and there, and there and there.

A strictly indoor type, Schloff loves to doze in front of the window, rehashing his memories which he also enjoys recounting. At length. Seldom straying far from the Lost Property box, Schloff plays the protective comforter in his official capacity as Grampa.

Unbearable if she wasn’t so transparently ignorant, dear Mathilda dreams of becoming a lawyermaker, stockbreaker, philophizzer, photografter or anthroposogist, depending on what went on that day in the classroom. Creating as much drama as possible, Mathilda uses her tiny knowledge to impress where she can.

The ever-gallant hero, goes at obstacles as if untouchable. In a sense he sees himself as a bodyguard to the others, and it shows. Paramilitary and tough, he sometimes falls prey to the sharp end of the outside world himself.