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David Bowie lands on Tonies platform with 1978 classical music recording of Peter & The Wolf

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It’s happened. David Bowie has landed in the toy space thanks to the latest launch from the kids’ audio system, Tonies and the 1978 recording of the cultural icon narrating the double bill Peter and The Wolf/Carnival of the Animals.

Destined to take children on a musical adventure, the classical music Tonie will launch on June 9th this year, taking the form of the story’s Wolf, adorned with its own Aladdin Sane red and blue lightning bolt. The launch will introduce children to the sounds of both classical music and the pop icon, David Bowie.

The new Peter and the Wolf / Carnival of the Animals Tonie will play a double bill symphonic fairy tale as Bowie narrates the story of Peter and the Wolf, while the Philadelphia Orchestra brings it to life, followed by the Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.

Sergei Prokofiev, the Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, wrote the musical composition of Peter and the Wolf in 1936 to introduce children to orchestra. Each animal and character within the story is represented by different instruments, with Peter conveyed in the narration by the strings whilst the wolf is represented by the French horn.

As well as encouraging independent play, the new classical music Tonie will look to ignite all areas of child development. Research conducted by music charity, the Apollo Music Projects, found that classical music has a direct impact on children’s listening and concentration skills, while also evoking positive feelings. Helping to create a sense of relaxation and calm, classical music can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing.

Tim Schumacher, head of Sony Classical, said: “We are so excited to see this wonderful music narrated by David Bowie in 1978, specifically composed and recorded to give children easy access to the world of classical music and help them enjoy it, being released by Tonies.

“To us at Sony, it seems like the perfect fit: a beautiful musical adventure and tales created for children to be enjoyed on an audio player which was also created just for children.”

Pinky Laing, UK partnerships at Tonies, added: “Tonies is committed to helping children through the power and magic of storytelling and music. We are delighted to be releasing our new classical music Tonie that tells the story of Peter and the Wolf and plays the beautiful symphonies by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.

“Music has been proven to help development with children in their early years. Classical music in particular helps to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which is all so important for young children today. With the launch of our new Tonie we are continuing our commitment to engage young minds, support the wellbeing of children and help the next generation to learn and develop.”

The new releases from Tonies next month don’t end there, as the firm also gears up to release its new Monster Inc Tonie with a running time of 33 minutes and aimed at children aged three years old and upwards, and its Oi Frog and Friends Tonies with a running time of 35 minutes.

The new Tonies are available from selected toy retailers, bookshops and via the Tonies website www.tonies.com, and will RRP £14.99.

The Westminster Collection celebrates 50th anniversary of Mr Benn with new 50p coin designs

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Five new 50 pence piece designs celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the classic children’s character, Mr Benn, have been authorised for release by Guernsey Treasury with the full approval of Her Majesty the Queen.

Marking the fifth decade of the popular cartoon, each coin in the collection features an illustration of Mr Benn embarking on sme of his best-known adventures, including The Red Knight, The Cook, The Clown, and The Spaceman, alongside the official Mr Benn ’50’ 50 pence piece.

Originally created by award-winning writer and illustrator David McKee, Mr Benn began life as a children’s picture book in 1967 which followed an ordinary man who had extraordinary adventures when he visited a magical costume shop. The book went on to be transformed into an animated television series transmitted by the BBC in 1971.

A ratings hit, the series went on to be repeated regularly on the BBC for almost 30 years, until Nickelodeon UK aired the series for a further nine years until 2010.

It’s been 50 years since the postman first arrived at No 52 Festive Road with Mr Benn’s invitation to a fancy dress party… and so started his first adventure. Since then, Mr Benn has fascinated millions of children with his adventures as he walked through that magical changing room doorway.

Available in a range of finishes exclusively from The Westminster Collection, the commemorative coins include a single base metal Mr Benn anniversary logo design 50 pence and a set of five designs featuring Mr Benn in an array of costumes including The Spaceman, The Clown, The Red Knight and The Cook.

There is also a silver 50 pence coin version available with stunning coloured enamel and a silver set of five 50 pence coins.

The 50 pence coins start at £6.25 for a ‘mint condition’ Brilliant Uncirculated finish coin whilst the limited edition Silver Proof coin set captures the vivid colours of the designs in incredible detail.

Mr Benn, creator and illustrator, David McKee, said: “Mr Benn endures, I think, because people like the idea of being able to escape to another life, and at their heart they’re old fashioned stories which last – the elements that make up the films, the voice, the music, the story, all simple elements that endure – good old fashioned stories, with a good rhythm.

“I often say your characters are like your children, you potty train them and look after them and point them in a good direction, but they go off do things you don’t expect – Mr Benn is living his own life and I’m excited to see what people make of the new products that are coming – and hope a new generation of children enjoy them as much as me.”

In 2017, the UK-based animation studio Factory acquired the rights to David McKee’s Mr Benn, in a move which has allowed the company to grow this classic brand even bigger and release a series of 50th Anniversary products including the brand new 50 pence coins to mark the occasion.

St Andrews Links appoints The Point. 1888 as it looks to take on apparel, toys, beverages, and more

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St Andrews Links has selected The Point. 1888 as its brand extension partner, adding to the firm’s growing roster of Sports brands that now encompasses the likes of Williams Racing, Team GB, and the British and Irish Lions.

A veteran in the world of brand licensing, having worked with Hannah Stevens previously when she worked at CPLG, St Andrews Links (SAL) has made the most of its iconic courses and the world’s love of golf to build awareness as far afield as Korea and Japan.

With seven courses spanning nearly 1,000 acres, SAL is at the top of every golfer’s wish list. More than 230,000 rounds of golf are played on the courses every year by golf fans flocking from all over the world.

By appointing The Point.1888, it is seeking to ramp up its brand licensing activity, going beyond the golf accessories and gifting markets to new categories that will offer its loyal and older demographic, as well as younger generations across the world, a small piece of 600 years of history.

Keen to explore fashion apparel, homeware, stationery, personal care, toys and games, as well as alcoholic beverages and confectionary, SAL is looking to develop product ranges that capture the heritage and tradition of the links while still bringing a feeling of fun and timeless style that lasts and endures.

The Point. 1888 will look to drive awareness ahead of The Open, the biggest golfing competition in the calendar, which will be returning to St Andrews in 2022 for the 150th anniversary of the tournament and the 30th time it will have been played at SAL.

Hannah Stevens, head of retail and sport at The Point.1888, said: “With The Point.1888, St Andrews Links knew they were getting an agency with an unconventional approach who really understands their unique high end brand and knows how to find the best opportunities at retail. We’re really excited about the collaborations that we can work on together.

“St Andrews Links creates such an opportunity with the popularity of golf skyrocketing among younger demographics, but also because we pride ourselves on working with brands with purpose. The Links’ values mean they take real pride in being active and supporting members in the community, for instance their fantastic junior golf programme, which gives free golf to children in the town.”

Danny Campbell, commercial director of SAL, added: “We have more than 600 years of history and our brand reflects golf’s values of integrity, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. We had to make sure that the agency we chose shared those values and could match our ambition with their ideas, creativity, experience and passion. I know we’re in very good hands.”

Boat Rocker lassos a raft of new Dino Ranch partners across the US and Canada

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Boat Rocker Studios has secured a raft of new licensing partners for its hit preschool series, Dino Ranch, across a number of key categories for the US and Canadian markets. Multiple new deals see the property move into apparel, home decor, timepieces, and costume characters.

Young Dino Ranch fans can look forward to dressing themselves in Dino Ranch branded apparel, thanks to a new partnership with The Bentex Group and its affiliates Dreamwave and HIS International. The firm will be producing Dino Ranch daywear, swimwear and outerwear.

Meanwhile, Komar Kids LLC, a global leader in the design, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of apparel with over a century of expertise, will be producing a range of sleepwear for kids to ride off to bed in.

Dino Ranch will be brought to life at live events and festivals with Oasis Productions Inc. who will provide costume characters for the US, reaching audiences to engage kids’ curiosity and sense of play; while Spirit Halloween, the largest Halloween retailer in the US – with over 1,400 locations across North America – is gearing up for a range of kids’ and pet dress up costumes and accessories for Halloween 2022.

Elsewhere, fans can recreate the ranch look at home thanks to Franco Mfg, creators of home décor, who will be launching a range of products, including bedding, bedding accessories, bath and beach for the US and Canada.

Alongside publishing partner Scholastic these categories will roll out from Spring 2022 following global master toy launch by Jazwares this summer.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “There has been a phenomenal response to Dino Ranch on Disney Junior where it has been the number one preschool U.S. cable show since its launch.  It’s not just viewers that love the show, we have received an incredible reaction from both the broadcasting and licensing community and are delighted to team up with such a prestigious herd of licensees to provide our Rancheroos with a roar-some range of high-quality products across these key categories.”

Dino Ranch launched in the UK on Disney+ on April 23rd and in Australia on April 2nd. The series is due to roll out internationally in other territories later this year.

Dino Ranch is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker Studios manage the global franchise development including content distribution and consumer products.

The Spider-Man inspired LEGO Daily Bugle is the toymaker’s tallest LEGO Marvel set to date

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The LEGO Group has welcomed the tallest LEGO Marvel set to date to its collection with the launch of the LEGO Daily Bugle set, an intricate brick-version of the newspaper building made famous through Marvel’s Spider-Man.

The new build – one that weighs in at 3,772 pieces to stand at 82cm tall – comes complete with the demanding editor J. Jonah Jameson and the office of Peter Parker. The set is a replica of the Daily Bugle offices which first featured in The Amazing Spider-Man comic series 50 years ago.

The office block remains a much-loved setting throughout the web-slinger’s various adventures today as the recognised workplace of not only Parker and Jameson, but also Ben Ulrich, Robbie Robertson, and Betty Brant. The walls of the office block echo the some 50 year history of Spider-Man, while long-time franchise fans will recognise it as the birth place of the now iconic phrase, ‘Get me pictures of Spider-Man.’

The LEGO Daily Bugle is incredibly detailed both inside and out, with three floors, the front street and the back alley. The whole set is also modular, meaning fans can remove walls and floors to get to the action within.

Within the building there are several famous settings from the various universes, including the ground floor entrance that can be destroyed to look like an explosion has taken place and the newsroom on the first floor complete with the usual office furniture of desks and computers.

Moving up to the second floor, the villainous Green Goblin can be seen smashing a window to get to Peter Parker’s office where his camera lies waiting for the next story. The top floor also features both Betty Brant and J. Jonah Jameson’s offices.

The detail doesn’t stop with the building, as the set includes a cast of 25 minifigures, featuring Spidey himself alongside his most famous friends and foes, such as Gwen Stacy, Venom, Mysterio, and Doctor Octopus.

The set also features new exclusive minifigures including Daredevil and Blade.

Mark John Stafford, LEGO set designer, commented: “I was seven years old when I was given my first Spider-Man comic and I have always had an image of creating a LEGO model of the Daily Bugle and having Spidey and his Amazing Friends in conflict with his various enemies.

“One of my favourite elements is the Green Goblin flying inside the building through the window. Being able to design a moment of frozen action like this in a LEGO set has always been a dream and I finally got to make it happen.”

The impressive building is a true challenge for LEGO builders and Spider-Man fans alike thanks to its large scale and intricacies. Whether it’s part of a wider collection or a standalone piece it’s a set worthy of display.

 LEGO Daily Bugle set is available for €299,99 / £274,99 / $299,99 from LEGO Stores and LEGO.com from 26th May for LEGO VIP members and 1st June, 2021 for all.

Stateside | US toy firm on mission to lift women’s sports with first talking plush sports stars

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An American toy company is on a mission to not only change the face of sports toys but also the narrative around women’s sports with the launch of a new series of talking plush toys dedicated to some of the country’s biggest names in the genre.

Sports Bigs has made no secret of its desire to disrupt the $1.25 billion US plush toy industry with a new host of celebrity-inspired plush toys, celebrating only women’s sports. It’s part of the firm’s bigger plan to ‘reveal the true potential of the marketability of women sports stars.’

“In the past, if you were an athlete in girls’ and women’s sports, you didn’t have many visible role models. And you certainly didn’t have a talking sports action toy that encouraged you to use your own power and voice while training like a pro athlete,” said founder Pam Kosanke, a six-time competitor in world championships across three different sports, who is also a mom and a professional marketer.

“This changes all that, and so much more.”

Sport Bigs has teamed up with three of America’s biggest women’s sports legends, including five-time WNBA champion, basketball all-star and current Minnesota Lynx assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson; professional football legend and current football commentator and analyst Lori Lindsey; and four-time world champion, multi-gold medalist and current UCLA softball head coach Lisa Fernandez.

Through their partnerships, each have provided their likenesses and voices to the first round of Sport Bigs. Over time, the plan is to build out the roster to include more women’s sports personalities over time.

“When I think about the 25th anniversary of the WNBA, I can’t help but think about how long the league has been around, but also how young it is,” said Brunson.

“Now that I’m in a position to inspire young girls and empower them to be their authentic selves, I wish that I’d had something that represented me when I was a child – something that I could play with that showed strength and power, and wasn’t packaged as male.

“Sport Bigs are so exciting because they fill that space. They inspire young girls and allow young people to imagine strong, powerful women who dream of what they can be, and what the world should look like. They’re about being big, speaking big, acting big and living big.”

To support its bigger goals around changing the women’s sports landscape, Sport Bigs will funnel portions of proceeds from the toys into women’s sport sponsorships, athlete compensation and additional grassroots efforts.

“As a kid, I was starved for trading cards, memorabilia or toys that looked like me,” said Kosanke. “Today you have a few special-edition toys – used as one-off stunts – that come across as wimpy and barely marketed. Nothing really comes close to respecting the breadth of sizes, shapes and big-time attitudes of real athletes in women’s sports.

“This toy line is a first in the market and necessary for all ages to truly celebrate big athlete identities in women’s sports.”

Peter Rabbit selected as Children’s Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy

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Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit has been selected as the Children’s Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, a special Platinum Jubilee project that will see a nation-wide tree planting take place in honour of the Queen in 2022.

The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative was launched this week under the theme ‘Trees in Literature’, as the QGC Ambassador, Dame Judi Dench recited a poem in her garden in memory of loved ones. Dench shared her own passion for trees and literature, as well as her support for The Queen’s Green Canopy by recording her recital of A E Houseman’s Loveliest of trees, the cherry now.

“As an official Ambassador for The Queen’s Green Canopy, I am proud to be a part of a nation-wide tree planting initiative to pay tribute to Her Majesty and her lifetime of service to the United Kingdom,” said Dench.

“People of all ages from Land’s End to John O’Groats are being invited to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee in 2022. This country has never before celebrated a Platinum Jubilee and next year we will have the opportunity to thank Her Majesty by planting trees to create an abundant canopy across the four corners of the country. Planting season starts in October, so get ready to plant.”

Meanwhile, and with nature at the heart of the initiative, Peter Rabbit has been selected as the Children’s Ambassador for the project. First published in 1902, The Tale of Peter Rabbit will be celebrating its 120th birthday during the Platinum Jubilee.

Beatrix Potter’s illustrations of trees in nature depict woodland adventures and comfortable homes for her animal creations. Her original pencil sketch of Peter Rabbit’s burrow in the roots of a fir tree will be released in support of The Queen’s Green Canopy launch.

The QGC looks forward to working with Peter who will help children understand the importance of trees as a sanctuary for animals, and to encourage families to become involved in the planting process together.

As The Queen’s Green Canopy looks ahead to the planting season in October, we will be helping people through the dedicated website www.queensgreencanopy.org to learn about the best way to plant trees so that they survive and flourish for years to come.

Moose Toys and Warner Bros. launch full Space Jam: A New Legacy toy line with play-sets, figures, plush and more

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Moose Toys and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have released the full line of toys based on this year’s big movie release, Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron James and his Tune Squad team as they face down the newly launches Goon Squad.

The toys have been launched ahead of the release of the film this year, in a move – according to Moose Toys’ senior director of global marketing, licensed brands, Joe Smith, to “fuel enthusiasm for Space Jam: A New Legacy this year.”

Moose Toys released first details of the Space Jam toy line up, featuring LeBron James and the Tune Squad. With the launch of the complete collection, the firm has released the latest update on its line-up of baddies, the Goon Squad, as well as extended collectable lines.

The Goon Squad line-up includes ‘super-enhanced’ animated versions of real-life basketball all-stars playing to win within the Warner 3000 entertainment digital ‘serververse.’ The line-up includes Chronos, White Mamba, Arachnneka, Wet/Fire, and The Brow, each with their own abilities to tie the Tune Squad in knots.

“Launching the toy line ahead of the movie’s release fuels the enthusiasm for ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy.’ This gives fans a chance to create their own Tune Squad versus Goon Squad action play and lets them get familiar with this cast of characters,” said Joe Smith, senior director of global marketing, licensed brands, Moose Toys.

“The Goon Squad toys bring their onscreen counterparts to life in vivid detail. The action figures show off their intimidating appearance and each one’s special ability in ‘wicked’ detail. But can Goons defeat Tunes? Fans will have to wait for the movie to watch this epic match up play out, but until then they can use their imaginations to create their own epic games and endings.”

Taking on the Goon Squad is a stacked Tune Squad full of fan favorites. Space Jam: A New Legacy features basketball star LeBron James alongside Looney Tunes’ greatest characters of all time, led by Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny.

The extensive line of Space Jam: A New Legacy toys includes action figures, play-sets, collectibles, plush characters and more, including Goo Heroes, which are inspired by Moose Toys’ Heroes of Goo Jit Zu.

It also includes the Super Shoot and Dunk LeBron James featuring a high-flying action figure that jumps, dunks and hangs-on-the-rim, just like LeBron’s character in the film.

Titleist becomes licensed golf ball partner for Rugby League World Cup 2021

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The leading golf ball brand, Titleist has landed a partnership with Rugby League World Cup 2021 to provide personalised golf balls for the new event that will see the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments run concurrently for the first time this October 23rd to November 27th.

Under the licensing partnership, Titleist will now give golfers the chance to add the tournament logo or any of the participating teams’ marks to their golf ball line-up via the My Titleist platform, consisting of the Pro V1, Pro V1x and AVX, as well as a the Tour Speed, Tour Soft, Velocity, and TruFeel golf balls.

Titleist joins a roster of brands partnering with RLWC2021 including apparel, accessories, publishing and collectibles, ahead of what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup to date.  

Edward Shirley, Titleist corporate sales manager, said: “Partnering with a world first event like this demonstrates Titleist’s determination to join forces with globally recognised properties to help increase awareness and engagement across multiple sports and audiences.

“The partnership is an extremely exciting one for Titleist and we look forward to working with the Rugby League World Cup this year.” 

Jonathan Neill, commercial director at RLWC2021, added: “Titleist is a brand that symbolises sporting excellence, and another partner who shares our vision in delivering the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever.  

“Titleist are not only committed to producing industry leading products but have also demonstrated a desire to collaborate with other sports and major events through their customisation offering and digital platform which will support the tournament’s ambition of reaching new audiences.” 

Not only does this partnership provide golfers with the opportunity to show their support for the event and their nation, it also allows them to play the leading golf balls in the market. 

Van Gogh Museum partners with Australia’s Anthea Crawford to launch 19-piece collection

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The Australian womenswear designer, Anthea Crawford, has partnered with the Van Gogh Museum to launch a limited edition autumn/winter 2021 collection to international retail, thanks to a deal brokered by IMG.

Launched on May 14th, the new line features Vincent van Gogh’s iconic artwork, bold colours, and signature styles in a 19-piece collection of dressed, blouses, t-shirts, trousers, coats, and jackets. The range has been developed in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Anthea Crawford brand.

The range will be available worldwide from www.antheacrawford.com.au, as well as David Jones and Myer department stores across Australia, with prices ranging from AUD $149 to $699. The first 500 customers to purchase through the Anthea Crawford website will also receive a complimentary ‘Sunflowers’ sketch tote bag.

“It’s our 45th year of Australian style and to celebrate we have collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam,” said an Anthea Crawford spokesperson. “Timeless beauty, expressive colour and irresistible texture plays have always been central to Anthea’s vision. It’s been a great honour to work so intimately with the priceless masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, which have inspired us for so many years.”

Mark Minkman, managing director (a.i.), Van Gogh Museum, commented: “We are very proud to collaborate with Anthea Crawford and develop these sophisticated garments together, especially in these challenging times. This partnership enables us to inspire people with the art and heritage of Vincent van Gogh combined with the quality and characteristic prints of Anthea Crawford. Every purchase of this Anthea Crawford x Van Gogh Museum collection supports the work of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.”

Diana De Jesus, licensing manager, IMG, added: “Vincent van Gogh’s work has become a mainstay of culture and the Van Gogh Museum’s mission is to inspire present and future generations by making it more accessible. We are really excited to see the launch of this collaboration with Anthea Crawford, which perfectly captures the iconic beauty and legacy of Van Gogh’s exceptional prints.”

A portion of proceeds from each purchase will support the work of the Van Gogh Museum which houses more than 200 Vincent van Gogh paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 written documents.