Random House Children’s Books is growing the evergreen Richard Scarry franchise with a new CP programme, more publishing and an anniversary celebration.
Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, is gearing up to expand Richard Scarry’s iconic and beloved global franchise with new branded merchandise, new titles and a 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic bestseller Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, which will take place in 2024.
Random House Children’s Books has signed a roster of licensing partners across apparel, accessories, figurines, plush, sleepwear, games, puzzles and stationery to create merchandise that contemporises the Richard Scarry brand while maintaining its nostalgic value.
Newly signed licensing partners include Bioworld for apparel and accessories, Clarkson Potter for stationery and baby books, Small Planet (Japan) for apparel, accessories and home goods, and Uniqlo for baby onesies as part of its global picture book collection programme (currently available in Asia and are expected to hit US stores this autumn.)
Additionally, Super 7 will be launching supersize vinyl figurines in March 2023, and Hatley will be launching raincoats and umbrellas and a second line of Richard Scarry sleepwear for autumn 2022.
“Richard Scarry is a globally loved and evergreen literary brand with incredible nostalgic value,” said Rachel Bader, director of licensing, Random House Children’s Books. “Enjoyed by three generations of readers, parents all over the world love how Richard Scarry’s books take place in a community setting where young children can learn how the world works while they discover new words and explore independent thinking. We are delighted to have imaginative and unique new products from best-in-class partners hitting retail shelves over the next twelve months as we approach the 50th-anniversary celebration of Cars and Trucks and Things That Go.”
These new partners join existing licensees including Yottoy (plush), University Games (games and puzzles), Out of Print (T-shirts, totes, socks) and Workman Press (calendars).
Additionally, new publishing will complement the consumer products programme, including Cars and Trucks from 1 to 10, a 22-page board book and Sounds of Busytown, a 14-page novelty sound book. The new books and products will enjoy shelf space alongside a series of re-released Richard Scarry picture book mysteries in 2023, including The Great Steamboat Mystery, The Supermarket Mystery and The Great Pie Robbery.
In 2024, Random House Children’s Books will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. New publishing and reissues will be announced in 2024.
Richard Scarry is one of the world’s best-loved children’s book authors and illustrators of all time, with over 300 titles published and more than 160m copies sold worldwide. With whimsical characters and silly vehicles, his illustrations teach kids about the concept and importance of community in a safe, fun and inclusive way.
