• by Nina Lentini  @Nina_Lentini, July 1, 2008

To announce its new Kids Meal featuring Apple "Fries" and Kraft Mac 'n' Cheese, Burger King's King has sired not a prince but a "Little King," a kind of Mini-Me for the big plastic head of an ambassador.

In a new national TV ad created by Crispin Porter + Bogusky and slated to debut July 7, the Little King will be introduced. In it, a young mother tries to get her daughter to eat an apple, offering even to slice it. "No!" the darling shouts. Enter "honey," the King/husband, who offers his daughter apple fries in a standard French fry container. She loves them. "It's what the King would feed his kids if he had 'em," says the voiceover, as viewers see the Little King enter the kitchen. "Aren't you going to say hello to your father?" asks the mother. Whack! The kid kicks his father in the shin, the King falls to his knees, the Little Terror grabs the apple fries and rushes off as the King slams his fist into the counter. "Fresh apples shaped like fries," says the voiceover. "Kid friendly."

In a second, animated spot slated to air on July 21 on cable channels, an apple explodes into apple fries after running into a slicer, and a macaroni noodle is transformed into Kraft Macaroni & Cheese after a collision with a block of cheese.

In addition, Burger King will distribute samples of the apple fries in select markets across the country starting in July. Consumers in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Houston will get a taste of the new product when branded apple carts appear at community events and public parks throughout the summer.

In a release announcing the new Kids Meal, the company says "it highlights Burger King Corp.'s commitment to delighting guests with innovative food products and is just one example of the BK Positive Steps nutrition program. In addition, BK's sponsorship of the Jonas Brothers' "Burning Up Tour" will support the introduction of apple fries.

Beginning on July 7, BK will give fans special online access to the summer tour, including ticketing and venue information and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and sweepstakes opportunities at www.BKJonasBrothers.com.

Also this summer, in conjunction with the DVD release of the newest Pokémon movie, a series of 12 Pokémon toys will be available in Kids Meals for four weeks starting July 7. In addition, a new Club BK Web site will launch in early July, giving kids and preteens access to interactive and age-appropriate games that sharpen skills and feature Burger King Corp. partner properties, such as Pokémon. Site visitors who obtain their parent's permission and register at www.ClubBK.com can navigate the virtual world of games and accumulate points.