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Most children around the world have at least one sibling, and that brother or sister relationship has a lifelong impact — and in fact second-born children have the advantage of being able to learn from their older sibling.

Growing up in Lynnwood, Washington, Tom McGrath’s first tutor was his older brother — someone he learned from while they played outdoors, pretending that they were in outer space or living in prehistoric times. As an adult, McGrath has continued to create imaginary worlds on the big screen for millions of people around the world.

The creator of the popular “Madagascar” animated film franchise, McGrath started out as a youngster making Super 8 movies with his brother. That early foray into filmmaking stuck with him, and he was determined to make it his career. He also credits the rainy weather of Washington state for encouraging his creative and introspective side, he told interviewers in 2017.

McGrath, born in 1964, started out as a storyboard artist and animator and in the early 1990s, worked on “The Ren and Stimpy Show” and Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World.” Next, he was an animator for the movie “Space Jam” and a concept artist/prop and set designer for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” directed by Ron Howard, among other feature films.

He got his big break as the writer and co-director of DreamWorks’ computer-animated feature film “Madagascar” in 2005, a comedy about zoo animals who are unexpectedly stranded in that island country. He also voiced the role of Skipper, leader of a wily gang of penguins.

The wildly popular movie launched two sequels as well as two animated series for Nickelodeon, “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “All Hail King Julien,” as well as several holiday specials featuring the penguins. Two stage productions based on the characters have also been launched. McGrath has had a hand in all these, either as a writer, director or voice actor — he has been the voice of Skipper in all the spinoffs. A sequel, “Madagascar 4,” has also been announced.

The “Madagascar” franchise is considered to be the fourth highest-grossing animated franchise of all time, behind “Shrek,” “Ice Age,” and “Despicable Me,” and has grossed more than $1.8 billion worldwide.

Aside from the “Madagascar” films and TV shows, McGrath also does other projects, such as directing 2017’s “The Boss Baby” for 20th Century Fox. McGrath noted in interviews that his childhood memories of growing up with his older brother helped inform the film’s story and emotions.

Our childhood shapes much about us, and Lynnwood tutors can continue to build on early learning experiences to help students every step of the way, from kindergarten through college, for academic achievement and success.