Chorion has secured a key TV tie-in book deal with Simon & Schuster UK for its new pre-school underwater adventure property, The Octonauts.

Simon & Schuster Children's Books has signed a publishing deal for UK and Commonwealth rights for a range of TV tie-in books including picture books, novelties, activities and ebooks.

Cbeebies in the UK, TF1 in France and ABC Australia has all pre-bought the series, with TV launches planned for 2010. The book line will follow the debut of the TV show.

"We are delighted to have Simon & Schuster on board to develop The Octonauts TV tie-in publishing programme with us," said Alison Faulkner, worldwide publishing manager at Chorion.

Ingrid Selberg, publishing director at Simon & Schuster Children's Books UK, added: "We fell hook, line and sinker for The Octonauts, with its rare combination of originality as well as strong commercial appeal."

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