Bell the Husky Pup new star in Hallmark’s “Jingle and Bell’s Christmas Star”

Many of us fell in love with Hallmark Channel’s first-ever original animated special, Jingle All the Way, when it debuted last year, so it’s delightful to see the adorable husky pup return in the new sequel Jingle and Bell’s Christmas Star, scheduled to premiere Friday, Nov. 23 at 7pm ET, with a repeat airing that evening at 8pm ET.

In Jingle and Bell’s Christmas Star, Jingle the Husky Pup and his pal Andrew welcome new friends Sofia and her Husky Pup, Bell, who have moved from sunny Palm City to Pineville just in time for the holiday. Struggling with their move and being in a new city their world seems upside down and they think this is going to be their worst Christmas ever, but with a little help from Jingle and Andrew they discover that Christmas isn’t about where you are, it’s about who you’re with.

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For early shoppers you may want to get a jump on what could be a hot item for the kiddies, as Hallmark has released a new plush toy and interactive storybook — a companion piece to the new Jingle and Bell special — called Bell the Husky Pup Interactive Story Buddy and Bell’s Big Move Storybook (it retails for about $34.95, although Hallmark is having a holiday open house promotion Nov. 9-11 where you can get a substantial discount on your second story book). Bell is Hallmark’s new character for Holiday 2012,  Jingle the Husky Pup was last year’s — both are plush Story Buddies who chime in when people read key phrases in their corresponding books. This year, Story Buddies not only come with a book, but also with an audio CD and online and mobile games that each Story Buddy interacts with. The toys are available exclusively in Hallmark Gold Crown stores this holiday season.

Jingle and Bell’s Christmas Star (2012) airs:
Friday, Nov. 23 at 7pm ET PREMIERE
Friday, Nov. 23 at 8pm ET
Sunday, Dec. 2 at 10am ET
Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6pm ET
Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7:30pm ET

Jingle All The Way (2011) airs:
Friday, Nov. 23 at 7:30pm ET
Friday, Nov. 23 at 8:30pm ET
Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11am ET
Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7pm ET