Launching summer 2024, Random House Children’s Books is developing a publishing programme for the new pre-school animation Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes.
Hasbro, Inc. is partnering with Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House, on a publishing programme for the action-adventure animated pre-school series Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes, which has just launched in the US on Disney Junior, with the first four episodes now streaming on Disney+. The new publishing line-up based on the kids’ series will launch in summer 2024.
“We are so excited to finally be able to talk about Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes,” said Michael Kelly, vice president of Global Publishing at Hasbro. “The show’s great themes and strong characters will resonate broadly with kids and families, and we know they will want to continue their engagement with storytelling through books. We are thrilled that the first official licensing partnership for Kiya is in the publishing category, with Random House Children’s Books leading the charge with a variety of formats for our newest fans.”
Kiya is a seven-year-old African girl, whose passions in life – dancing and martial arts – also become her superpowers. When Kiya and her two best friends, Motsie and Jay, put on their headbands adorned with mystical Kimoja crystals, they transform into superheroes and can perform special moves inspired by their passions, such as Kiya’s ‘pirouette pow’. Together they are the team of superheroes known as the Kimoja Heroes, ready to unite their community.
The ‘Flawed Friends’, three Kimojan kids, cause mischief and chaos motivated by classic pre-schooler foibles like jealousy, competitiveness and envy. When these kids make a mess, only the Kimoja Heroes can make things right and restore harmony to the city, combining everyday experiences with superhero awesomeness.
Kiya’s world features a diverse cast of characters inspired by the landscape, natural beauty and culture of Southern Africa, and focuses on themes of community, empathy and unity. This show is the newest representation of Hasbro and eOne’s commitments to illustrate the belief that rich, varied perspectives generate the best ideas and reflect diversity, equity and inclusion across their brands and play experiences.
Readers can keep up with Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes on YouTube and follow the show on social media via Facebook and Instagram with @kiyakimojaheroes.
