From the US | Mighty Mojo Toys named plush toy partner for Geronimo Stilton

The Italian entertainment media company, Atlantyca Entertainment has secured a new US toy partner for Geronimo Stilton, bringing its popular children’s book IP into the plush toy sector thanks to Mighty Mojo Toys.

In a deal brokered by the appointed US licesing agency, Firefly Brand Management, the plush range will be based on the series’ cast of characters to the North American market.

Created by Elisabetta Dami, the adventures of Geronimo Stilton and his family and friends have featured across almost 250 volumes, selling more than 175 million copies in 51 different languages around the world. 

In North America, the book series is published by Scholastic for all English speaking countries, making Geronimo Stilton one of the most globally popular kids’ books series.

Meanwhile, Mighty Mojo Toys has experienced its own success on the global stage, having enjoyed a fruitful run of plush lines for the popular children’s YouTube series Booba, PBS’ Super Why, and the Instagram celebrity, Doug the Pug.

The toy firm’s most recent releases include several officially licensed products from Spin Master’s Etch-A-Sketch.

“We’re so excited to be collaborating with the Geronimo Stilton team,” said Arash Maghaddam, CEO of Mighty Mojo Toys. “As fans, we’ve been watching its popularity explode over the years and cannot wait to share what we have in store for Geronimo and his friends.”

Cynthia Modders, president of Firefly Brand Management, added: “We are thrilled to be working on expanding the Geronimo Stilton programme with Mighty Mojo Toys. Geronimo Stilton is one of the best selling children’s books series, the famed mouse journalist is loved by children everywhere, maintaining a huge young fan base who are certainly going to enjoy these devoted character plush and toys.”

Interactive murder mystery brand Hunt A Killer signs global publishing deal with Scholastic

The interactive sci-fi, horror murder mystery entertainment company, Hunt A Killer has forged a new global partnership with Scholastic for launch of a series of novels, ebooks, and audio books, featuring all the characteristic clues of the Hunt A Killer games.

The first title to hit shelves through the global publishing deal will be Perfect Score, written by Angelica Monai, which will land in January 2022. The young adult novel promises to be a ‘mind-bending mystery’ featuring a cast of new characters and pages of intriguing clues.

Founded in 2016, Hunt A Killer began life as a single event that brought together elements from the escpae room, interactive theatre, and live entertainment sectors by engaging participants in a 200-acre living crime scene.

Since then, the entertainment brand has established itself as a premier murder mystery company known for its complex and unpredictable stories. Today, the company ships 150,000 episodic and complete mystery game boxes to its subscribers each month. It also sells purpose-built games through various retail channels.

The brand has, to date, sold some two million games.

Its new partnership with Scholastic – the global children’s publishing, education, and media company – will take the brand in novels, ebooks, and audio books on a global scale.

“We’re excited to partner with Scholastic and to see our brand represented on bookshelves across the nation,” said Hunt A Killer CEO and co-founder, Ryan Hogan. 

“Our mission as a company is to consistently raise the bar with engaging, interactive stories, and we want to continue to do that through new mediums. Working with Scholastic is a great opportunity to grow the audience for our brand of immersive, entertaining, and suspenseful storytelling.”

Following in the style of Hunt A Killer’s bestselling games, Perfect Score readers will be encouraged to use clues throughout the book – including notes, emails, news articles, school records, and more – to help aspiring P.I. Jolene Kelley find the culprit behind her guidance counselor’s death.

Debra Dorfman, vice president and publisher, global licensing, brands and media, at Scholastic, said: “Our team at Scholastic are big fans of the Hunt A Killer games, so we are thrilled to expand its impressive storytelling to a natural new format.

“The Hunt A Killer books are perfect for fans of the murder mystery games, as well as young adult readers who love a fast-paced whodunnit and innovative new ways to tell a story. We can’t wait for readers to get their hands on Perfect Score.”

BBC Studios and Immediate Media to launch Bluey Magazine this summer

The multi-award winning preschool series, Bluey has landed a new children’s magazine deal thanks to a partnership between BBC Studios and the popular kids’ publishers, Immediate Media Co.

Bluey Magazine will feature new ways for children to explore the world of Bluey, with open-ended play activities and opportunities for young readers to engage their imagination, whether its exploring the Bluey family home, or making their own Daddy Robot, tidying the playroom, or making their own Bingo toast.

Each issue of the new magazine will come with a sticker sheet, while the first issue will include a collectable ‘paint your own figurines’ play-set enabling fans to create their own Bluey and Bingo.

Produced by Ludo Studio and jointly commissioned by BBC Studios and ABC Children’s, the hit preschool series follows Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who turns everyday family life into a series of adventures that unfold in unpredictable ways.

Bluey has gained vast audiences worldwide, winning an International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020 and becoming Australia’s most popular children’s television show as well as the number one show for preschoolers in its UK time slot on CBeebies.

Fiona Campbell, Immediate youth and children’s publisher, said: “Bluey has been a roaring broadcast success across the globe, and we’re thrilled to be creating content for fans to enjoy, here in the UK. It’s great to finally give ‘little squirts’ (and let’s be honest, their parents too!) what they’ve been waiting for.

“We have an exciting line up of issues and gifts, featuring themes from family to food along with Bluey classics such as Daddy Robot, Magic Asparagus and the Grannies with plenty of games, makes, puzzles and giggles along the way.”

Mandy Thwaites, director, magazines and consumer products, BBC Studios, said: “We’re delighted to work with Immediate to bring the new Bluey Magazine to shelves and can’t wait for you to see it. It’s packed full of exciting activities to keep your children entertained while learning, having fun and sharing their love for Bluey and her family.”

The first issue of Bluey Magazine is on sale from August 4th 2021. Bluey toys were released earlier this month and are now available at retail.

Little Brother Books on track to sell over one million Annuals this year and reveals Christmas 2021 line-up

Little Brother Books is on track to sell over one million Annuals this year, with more than 2,500 dedicated FSDUs across major retailers in the run up to this Christmas. The feat will make the company the UK’s number one publisher of licensed annuals for the fourth year running.

Supporting its chances, Little Brother Books has details a new line-up of titles for the festive season this year, with 12 new Annuals in the collection, including titles and brands such as Blippi, CoComelon, Gigantosaurus, Roblox, and Minecraft. Each title will be hitting shelves from this September.

In an agreement inked with The Point 1881, there will be 2022 Annuals for the popular children’s YouTube live-action character, Blippi, as well as the educational songs and nursery rhymes brand, CoComelon. Also new to LBB is Gigantosaurus Annual 2022, based on the vibrant animated TV series and book licensed through Riverside Brands, as well as a new Ultimate Guide to Among Us.

The other eight titles featured in the 2022 line-up include Shoot Annual 2022, L.O.L. Annual 2022, Barbie Annual 2022, World of Dinosaurs 2022 by JurassicExplorers, Little Mix 2020 Special by PopWinners, as well as three additional ‘Ultimate Gaming Guides’ – GamesWarrior’s Ultimate Guide to Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft.

Little Brother Books reached the number one spot in Annuals publishing sector at the end of 2020, overcoming the plight that struck the market due to the pandemic, and expanding its retail listings and partnerships further. This year, the team is looking ready to strengthen its market position with exclusive retailer support and dedicated displays in high profile stores.

Managing director, Matthew Reynolds, said: “Like many businesses, without doubt 2020 was a rollercoaster but we came through it with flying colours and unbelievably had our most successful year to date. It meant we had to focus more than ever on new and existing retail partnerships to demonstrate that our leading products and brands were the ones to support and will deliver much needed incremental impulse sales for 2020.

“I’m pleased to say that our number one ranges delivered exactly what we promised. This success has given us the perfect opportunity to continue a growth trajectory for 2021. Having four exciting new titles on board with us is testament to the continued demand for Annuals which appeal from preschool to young adults alike.

“We can’t wait to see them hit the market from September this year. Annuals are a very important part of Christmas stocking filler purchases and the significant volumes we and our retailers sell each year shows families love to buy them at Christmas.”

Paddington embarks on new adventure in China in Langham Hotels experiential partnership

The Copyrights Group is launching a new partnership with The Langham Hotels in China’s Shanghai and Guangzhou that will bring an exclusive and immersive Paddington experience to guests of the luxury hotels.

The activity will span a stay in Paddington themed rooms, Paddington afternoon tea with Paddington Bear cupcakes and themed pastries, as well as a selection of specially curated and limited edition Paddington souvenirs available to purchase at the hotel shops.

Langham has a history with serving afternoon tea, being the first hotel to offer the service from its London hotel when it opened in 1865. Since then, Langham Hotels around the world have become renowned for serving ‘the best afternoon tea experiences.’ In Shanghai, the Paddington afternoon tea has already been awarded ‘most popular themed afternoon tea’ in the 2021 Fifth Hotel Discovery Awards.

The two hotel locations will use different Paddington artwork to showcase the diversity of the Paddington brand.

The partnership is one of several key strategic activations for Paddington across China and aims to strengthen the awareness and the brand’s engagement with consumers. These latest activations have been launched in conjunction with the arrival of the new TV series, The Adventures of Paddington in China.

“The renewed partnership with Paddington at our hotel reflects and reinforces The Langham’s British heritage and legacy,” said Cindy Ying, director of sales and marketing, The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.

“The fun and whimsical never stops at The Langham. Our guests can now have a full Paddington experience right in the heart of Shanghai, from a meet and greet with Paddington, to taking a picture with the adorable British icon as a keepsake to experiencing a full epicurean Paddington themed afternoon tea delight.”

Polly Emery, SVP brand and international licensing, The Copyrights Group, added: “This new collaboration for Paddington with The Langham Hotels is a wonderful opportunity for fans of all ages to engage with the brand in a different way and we hope they will enjoy these fun experiences in both Shanghai and Guangzhou.”

The partnership was brokered by CAA-GBG, Copyrights’ agent for Paddington in China.

The Royal Mint unveils Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland coin collection with the V&A

The Royal Mint has unveiled the first official Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland coin collection developed in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum and inspired by illustrations from the original book by the English novelist, Lewis Carroll.

A special £5 crown featuring Alice and the Cheshire Cat is now available for collectors to get their hands on. The coin was revealed alongside the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition held at the Victoria and Albert museum.

Featuring the edge inscription “Curiouser and Curiouser,” the intricate design is one of the most detailed coins produced by the 1,100-year-old Makers.

Launched in base metal (known as brilliant uncirculated), and also available in gold and silver, the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland keepsake is part of a two-coin collectors’ range created by The Royal Mint Designer Ffion Gwillim and Sculptor Emma Noble. The second coin, featuring Tweedledum and Tweedledee, will launch later this summer in celebration of 150 years of Through the Looking-Glass – the sequel to the original Lewis Carroll book.

Clare Maclennan divisional director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a true classic, cherished by generations of adults and children of all ages and is still as popular today. In collaboration with the V&A, we have commemorated this treasured tale for the first time on an official UK coin.

“Inspired by Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations, the beautiful £5 crown has been crafted to the finest quality, combining traditional minting skills with innovation in design technology. I’m sure the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland range will become a popular choice for collectors, capturing the imagination of people of all ages, launching at the awe-inspiring Victoria and Albert Museum during the 150th anniversary of Through the Looking-Glass is a fitting celebration.”

Amelia Calver, research and development manager, V&A Brand Licensing, added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the global phenomenon beloved by all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with the 2021 commemorative coins. The designs masterfully capture the charm of Tenniel’s original illustrations and pay homage to some of the Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass characters that Alice meets along the way.

“The 2021 coins are set to give fans the chance to add to their existing collections and inspire new readers of the book to discover the magic of Carroll’s stories and embark on wondrous journeys of their own.”

Scholastic UK celebrates RHS children’s books launch with kids’ gardening competition

Scholastic UK and the Royal Horticultural Society have launched a new series of illustrated activity books for children. Aimed at encouraging readers to explore and enjoy nature outdoors, the books have been inspired by RHS gardens across the country.

The first three titles in the series were launched in the spring and include The Outdoor Adventure Handbook, which looks at discovering plants and wildlife and getting closer to nature, with activities for all weathers. Further books in the series will follow in autumn 2021 and beyond.

To celebrate the release of the first titles, Scholastic UK has also launched a nationwide gardening competition, encouraging children to create their own unique garden designs. The competition kicked off in June and will run for four months, welcoming all sizes of garden design, ranging from miniature gardens in a tray or a garden pot, to a space in a back garden, community garden, or allotment. 

The competition runs until September 30th 2021 and is open to all children aged seven to 12. The judges will include gardeners from the RHS.

The prize for first place will include a VIP guided tour of RHS Garden Wisley, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science. RHS Hilltop is the UK’s first dedicated centre of excellence for horticultural research, which helps to protect the future of plants, people and the planet.

The prize winner will also receive a full set of RHS/ Scholastic publishing and a selection of RHS licensed products to encourage their future gardening efforts. 

Cathy Snow, licensing manager, RHS, said: “The RHS is extremely excited to be involved with the judging of this competition and to provide a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of RHS Garden Wisley as part of the prize. We hope as many young people as possible will take on this design challenge and think creatively about designing a garden to suit their space at home – no matter the size of the space they have or whether it is indoors or outside.”

The Scholastic UK partnership has been curated at a time in which social restrictions have seen parents and families spending more time outside in gardens and parks. According to a survey carried out by the RHS last year, time spent gardening has increased 149 per cent, while 60 per cent of people with an outdoor space felt that having a garden helped their physical health during lockdown.

Matthew Pottage, Curator, RHS Garden Wisley, added: “My passion for gardening and growing plants started at an early age in my parents’ garden and developed into an amazing horticultural career with the RHS. I’d love this competition to inspire young people to get involved and share in my love of gardening. I’d encourage them to enter the competition – no matter what their ability or space – to be creative and to marvel at the wonder of the natural world around them.” 

Elizabeth Scoggins, publisher non-fiction, brands and licensing, Scholastic UK, concluded: “Gardens and gardening have been more important than ever to our wellbeing in recent months and few gardens are as well-loved as the five RHS gardens that are among this country’s greatest horticultural achievements. They have been an ideal inspiration both for our new range of books and for this competition, which will, we believe, attract and delight children all over the UK.”

Global toy craze Cats vs. Pickles lands first longer form animated series in Cepia LLC partnership

Cats vs. Pickles, the global collectable toy craze that has rocketed to success across the world’s toy markets in recent months, has landed its first extended original TV series, a move that is expected to ‘unlock the IP’s potential for international marketing, licensing, and additional consumer products.’

The move is part of a new alliance formed between Curiosity Ink Media and its owner Grom Social Enterprises, and Cepia LLC, who will also be eyeing ancillary publishing extensions for the toy brand this year and beyond.

In the world of Cats vs. Pickles, Cats are afraid of Pickles, but Pickles are misunderstood, they just want to be friends. The Cats vs. Pickles brand has already established vast appeal among a global audience through its range of collectable bean-filled toys, as well as its hit YouTube series of animated shorts and app game.

Details of the brand’s move into longer form, 11-minute animated content, as well as its publishing plans, were revealed this week by Cepia LLC’s founder and CEO, James Russell Hornsby, and Curisity Ink Media’s chief content officer, Russell Hicks.

The partnership represents both companies’ foray into the worlds of content distribution and publishing – offering new revenue streams for both – unlocking the potential for attendant ancillary businesses including international marketing, licensing and additional consumer products.

The alliance will develop Cats vs. Pickles into a recurring series in 11-minute installments, as well as create revenue-generating extensions beginning with published content for consumer purchase. With no dialogue, Cats vs. Pickles will benefit from having no language or cultural barriers to navigate, with ‘potential for immediate global distribution.’

Simultaneously, Curiosity and Cepia will collaborate to produce a collection of picture, board and activity books expected to hit shelves in 2022.

In the tradition of the classic cartoon, Tom & Jerry, Cats vs. Pickles tells its story without the use of dialogue as the misunderstood, dim-witted pickles – Joe Pickle, Hank Pickle, and Fitzgherkin – plot complex but doomed-to-fail schemes to get close to cats while in the pursuit of friendship.

The colorful cast of cats -including Paw-Purr-Oni, Water-meow-lon and Galacticat – are too self- absorbed to realize the pickle pursuit until it’s too late and react to the pickles with frightening alarm.

“Cats vs. Pickles has the elements of a franchise hit including a simple premise: loveable characters, endless storytelling possibilities and brand extension opportunities,” said Hicks. “Curiosity Ink Media is very excited to partner with the brilliant minds from Cepia to elevate this online sensation from cult hit to global powerhouse at a time when the world could definitely use a laugh, a smile and a message about acceptance.”

Hornsby added: “At its core, Cats vs Pickles is a love story that everyone can relate to because, at some point, we’ve all been pickles ourselves. We are thrilled to team up with the exceptional storytellers at Curiosity Ink, whose rich biographies in entertainment include cultivating powerhouse franchises like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorerto expand Cats vs. Pickles into its next nine lives.”

Edutainment Licensing named worldwide licensing agent for preschool publishing brand Eat Dirt

Edutainment Licensing has been appointed the worldwide exclusive licensing agent for the new preschool publishing brand, Eat Dirt, a franchise that spans story books and poems that encourage a love of veggies, children’s gardening, and healthy habits among kids’ aged two to five.

Written by the US author and illustrator, Stacy Moore, the Eat Dirt stories and poems have been inspired by fond childhood memories of romping outside in the garden while munching freshly picked berries and digging in the dirt. The books’ veggie characters each have their own personalities, representing all children of all races and body types.

Moore’s work also features a cast of more unusual characters that don’t fit any mold, such as Green Thumb Chums (a two headed friendly garden monster), Peeve (a little pet compost pile), and unusual boggish creatures, all developed with the idea of being relatable to children and readers.

While every veggie and animal character are different from one another, everyone is accepted and loved and valued. They each contribute their own special skills to the garden community. 

‘Beans don’t expect tomatoes to be like beans, toads don’t expect owls to be like toads, dragonflies don’t expect worms to fly, nor do they think they are better because they can – they can’t dig holes like worms!’ read a statement from the team. 

A rich and comprehensive publishing programme is offered with worldwide rights currently available.

“We are so excited to be working with Stacy – her delightful stories and poems teach kids all about the garden and include a healthy dose of pure silliness, which they love,” said Denise Deane, owner of Edutainment Licensing.

“I am delighted to work with Edutainment Licensing,” added Stacy. “They are a highly successful team dedicated to helping children learn the best way possible – through fun! From my many years of experience as a children’s photographer, I know the importance of keeping kids entertained and happy – otherwise they are off and running.”

Rubies invites gothic kids’ book character Amelia Fang into the licensed dress up collection

Rubies is expanding its children’s book character range of dress up costumes with the addition of the popular quirky gothic-inspired publishing IP, Amelia Fang.

Created by author and illustrator Laura Ellen, the Amelia Fang book series is published by Farshore/HarperCollins UK and has sold over 380,000 copies in the UK, as well as translated into 24 languages worldwide. It follows the tale of a little vampire with a big heart as she embarks on adventures on the city of Nocturnia.

The title is favoured by seven to nine year olds, with seven books in the series, filled with gothic tales and creative illustrations. Rubies notes that the character Amelia Fang works well within World Book Day and Halloween ranges.

The costumes themselves will feature Amelia Fang, the lead character, and her signature spooky outfits in a variety of sizes. Rubies will design, market, manufacture and distribute the range in the UK next year.  

The IP is the latest to joins a robust and growing portfolio of character licenses that spans everything from Marvel and DC to the likes of Dennis the Menace and Horrid Henry.

Tracey Devine-Tyley, head of licensing and portfolio EMEA, said: “We understand how important reading is to children as it helps develop their minds and imaginations and we strive to support this through any of the licenses we hold which celebrate reading. Amelia Fang is a fantastic license for us to acquire as it is a beloved book series, with a strong and growing group of fans consisting of both children and parents.”

Laura Ellen Anderson, creator of Amelia Fang, added: “I’m so excited to see Rubies bring the Amelia Fang costume to life. It’s wonderful to know that my fans and readers will be able to easily access this costume which can be worn for events such as World Book Day and Halloween, or just for fun.”

The costumes will be available to order early next year on www.rubiesuk.com.