Macmillan Children’s Books named global master publishing partner for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Multi-award-winning independent animation studio Aardman has announced a second publishing deal with Macmillan Children’s Books, naming the company the global master publishing partner for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

The new feature length film, directed by Sam Fell and featuring the voices of Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Jane Horrocks, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays and more, is currently in production at the Aardman studios in Bristol and is due to launch on Netflix in 2023.

Macmillan Children’s Books has acquired world rights in all languages for three years. The publishing will launch on release of the film with a picture book of the film, a novelisation, a sticker activity book and a handbook.

The new agreement follows a previous publishing programme between the companies for Aardman’s animated musical special Robin Robin, which saw a range of picture books and novelty books published.

Robert Goodchild, Commercial Director at Aardman, says: “We’ve built a great partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books through its brilliant publishing programme for Robin Robin. We’re really pleased to be building on this relationship further by releasing these exciting product lines together for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. The books will be the perfect film accompaniment for young fans, and we can’t wait to get started on bringing them to life.”

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, MD at Macmillan Children’s Books, adds: “Following the success of the Robin Robin range of publishing, we are delighted to be continuing our publishing partnership with creative powerhouse Aardman to bring Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget books to life. The original Chicken Run film was the highest grossing stop-motion animation ever and is one of the jewels in the crown of Aardman’s many achievements; we could not be more excited to be collaborating with them on this range of tie-in books for this much anticipated sequel.”

 

Fred Rogers Productions names Scholastic master publishing partner for Alma’s Way

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organisation behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has tapped Scholastic as worldwide master publishing partner for Alma’s Way, the critically-acclaimed animated PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street).

The multi-year agreement includes a range of readers and activity books in both English and Spanish, which will begin publishing in spring 2023.

“We are delighted to partner with Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, and welcome them to the Alma’s Way family,” says Matt Shiels, VP of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “The upcoming Alma’s Way titles will provide engaging stories and creative activities that will allow children to fully immerse themselves in Alma’s world.”

“We can’t wait to bring the wonderful role model, Alma, to young readers everywhere with Fred Rogers Productions and the inspirational Sonia Manzano,” says Debra Dorfman, VP and Publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media. “In every story, children will relate to the everyday issues Alma faces and learn from her thoughtful reasoning as she thinks her way through life’s ups and downs.”

Through the new partnership, Scholastic will have exclusive rights to multiple formats, including: 8x8s; leveled readers; board books; jacketed hardcover picture books; novelty, activity, and sticker books; phonics and bind-ups/box sets; e-books; and audiobooks. In addition, Scholastic holds non-exclusive rights to sticker and activity books outside the U.S.

Aimed at viewers ages 4-6, Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents, Abuelo, and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family and community members. Each episode models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. The series’ 40 half-hour episodes showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.

Alma’s Way is created by, Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions.

Farshore to publish Squishmallows official collector’s guide

Farshore has acquired publishing rights to the official collector’s guide for the award-winning plush property, Squishmallows. Emma Cairns-Smith, Global Licensing Acquisition Director for Brands and Licensing at Farshore, signed a worldwide rights deal with Jazwares along with its Kellytoy subsidiary for the Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide.

 Since Squishmallows launched in 2017, over 100 million Squishmallows plush products have been sold globally. The phenomenon has spread to online spaces, with the brand achieving 6.1 billion impressions online and “Squish Hunting” – people posting videos and photos dedicated to collecting the 1,000+ ultra-collectable Squishmallows – becoming hugely popular.

Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide is designed to be the perfect gift for all plush-loving superfans and the official guide to the world of Squishmallows. Scheduled to launch in July 2022, it will feature tips for finding rare and collectible Squishmallows, all the information you could want about Squishmallows Squad collections, a Squishmallows Super Fan quiz and more.

Emma Cairns-Smith, representing Brands and Licensing at Farshore, says: “Squishmallows is a gigantic toy brand with an army of TikTok fans and influencers behind it. We are so excited to create publishing which engages with those fans across the globe.”

Sam Ferguson, Vice President, Global Licensing, Jazwares, adds: “Collaborating with Farshore brings new opportunities for fans to explore the ever-growing world of Squishmallows with fun tips and tricks that bring a new level of fun to the hunt.”

 Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide is scheduled to publish on 7 July 2022, for fans aged 9-18+

 

 

Magic Light Pictures partners with lifestyle brand Joules for exclusive The Gruffalo collection

Magic Light Pictures is partnering with the premium lifestyle brand, Joules, for the launch of an exclusive collection of Gruffalo clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. The new collection will launch in Joules stores and online mid-September.

The range features colourful apparel and accessories for babies and children up to six years old. Part of the Better Cotton Initiative, Joules’ range uses organically grown cotton for its items, spanning jackets, boots, hats, gloves, and bags adorned with the Gruffalo’s terrible teeth, tusks, and purple prickles.

The collection will also feature t-shirts, tops, leggings, dresses and jackets featuring vibrant images of The Gruffalo, Mouse, Fox, Owl and Snake, and patterns inspired by the deep, dark wood.

Daryl Shute, brand director at Magic Light Pictures, said: “We are delighted to launch this new licensing collaboration with Joules. As a contemporary country loving brand who share our values they are the perfect partners to capture the spirit and charm of The Gruffalo and this really comes across in this wonderful collection.

The team’s unrivalled attention to detail in delivering fun and quality for families has created fabulously stylish and quirky lines that we are sure kids are going to love wearing. We hope that our partnership will continue for many more such covetable collections.”

Josie Will, licensing manager at Joules, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Magic Light Pictures to create this enchanting new Gruffalo-inspired range. He is such a treasured character for families all over the world and we love him too – the story really chimes with our own rural roots and the way we take inspiration from nature.”

The launch will be supported by Joules’ online market place ‘Friends of Joules’, where you can discover a carefully curated selection of additional Gruffalo merchandise from the brand’s partner sellers.

Created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo is a modern classic children’s story that has been published in 105 languages. Magic Light’s award-winning animation has been seen in more than 185 countries since its launch on BBC One on Christmas Day 2009, which attracted 10 million viewers.

King Features expands global publishing to tap into new audiences for its classic IP

King Features Syndicate is revitalising its global publishing programme in a move to deliver its classic franchises, such as The Phantom, Flash Gordon, and Popeye to younger generations through graphic novels, coffee table books, YA books and more. The initiative to develop new partnerships for original content is being overseen by publishing director, Christina Nix Lynch

To date, the traditonal publishing programme, spanning IP including Prince Valiant and Mandrake the Magician has focused on comic reprints. While maintaining its reprint market, King Features recently shifted the focus on developing new content for both its classic and new IP.

The new publishing approach gives King Features the opportunity to introduce new audiences to its iconic properties via graphic novels, coffee table books, and YA and middle reader books.

This past year, King Features partnered with StoneBot Studios to relaunch Mandrake the Magician with a young adult comic miniseries that introduced his niece, Mandy, as the lead character. Legacy of Mandrake the Magician unveils a new generation of heroes anchored by a strong female lead who faces off against familiar Mandrake universe foes. By weaving in elements of the original storyline that first debuted more than 85 years ago, the series appeals to both old fans and new.

Last year also marked the 40th anniversary of the Flash Gordon cult-classic film and in celebration, Titan Publishing released Flash Gordon: The Official Story of the Film, a coffee table book filled with cast and crew interviews, never-before-seen concept art and more, allowing fans to find new things to love about the film four decades later.

In addition, King Features is planning to launch a YA graphic novel series for Flash Gordon with Macmillan that offers a new twist on the classic story as the original characters are re-imagined as young adult heroes. More information, including the imprint and launch dates for the series, will be released soon.

King Features is also reaching new audiences through publishing for its roster of syndicated comics and puzzles. Hermes Press is bringing Bill Holbrook’s On The Fastrack to young readers with a graphic novel centered around Dethany, one of the lead characters from the 36-year-old comic strip. Meanwhile, tapping into the surge in popularity that puzzles have seen over the last year, Leap Year Publishing is working to bring puzzle books based on King Features’ most popular syndicated puzzles to market.

King Features has also spotted the potential to grow its global fan bases through publishing, and in 2020 the firm’s international agents signed more than 50 publishing deals.

Since the first costumed superhero’s debut 85 years ago, King Features has continued to build awareness and grow The Phantom’s fanbase internationally. In India, where The Phantom has been a beloved character for decades, Regal Publishers is releasing 77 new titles in Malayalam and English to tap into affinity for the brand and keep the character fresh for his millions of fans. It is also introducing Mandrake the Magician to the region this year with 20 new titles.

Also in the territory, Shakti Comics will be releasing comics in English, Hindi and Bengali for Flash Gordon, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician, while Lion Comics will launch Secret Agent X9, Rip Kirby, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician comics in Tamil. The Phantom’s popularity also continues in Australia with comics from Frew, and has been thriving in the Nordics for decades thanks to the works distributed by Egmont.

“We are always seeking fresh approaches for our classic IP by partnering with a variety of publishing partners in cutting edge,” said King Features’ director of licensing Christina Nix Lynch.

“For both the longevity of our classic properties and the growth of newly launched or represented IP, it is critical that we find the right partners to develop unique and engaging takes on these characters that will appeal to both original fans and untapped audiences. We are thrilled to have such an incredible roster of publishers helping us achieve this and look forward to working closely together to continue bringing new content to fans worldwide.”

Carla Silva, King Features’ general manager and vice president, global head of licensing, added: “Publishing is a key driver in King Features’ strategic plan to re-imagine classic brands and introduce them to new audiences. And Christina’s work has been instrumental in achieving our goals. From her in-depth analysis of the category to creative thinking around formats, distribution channels and markets, while securing fresh, best-in-class publishing houses as well as emerging talent, she continues to successfully grow our program with partners that are passionate about comics and our brands. Thanks to her efforts, our publishing program is flourishing and positioned for continued growth.”

This autumn, King Features and Hermes Press will release a new coffee table-sized retrospective dedicated to the 90-plus year history of Popeye the Sailorman, while for the company’s slate of newer IP, publishing affords the opportunity to raise awareness for the brands and build a richer, more complex world for fans to explore.

One such example is the robust publishing program that King Features is developing for the acclaimed video game property, Cuphead. Ahead of the highly anticipated release of The Cuphead Show!on Netflix, King Features has signed on a full slate of global publishing partners for graphic novels, art books and middle grade readers.

Dark Horse Comics has renewed its worldwide deal to further expand its lineup of Cuphead books, detailing the launch of the “Art of Cuphead” art book and the graphic novels.

Additionally, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, who released two Middle Grade novels inspired by the video game in 2020, is expanding their program into Russia with the Exmo Publishing Group in 2021. In Spring 2022, Running Press (a subsidiary of Hachette) is joining the video game’s publishing roster with plans to release a Cuphead “Mini Kit”, consisting of a mini book and a Cuphead character figure.

In the future, King Features is also planning to introduce new graphic novels and early reader books to further expand the world of Cuphead for younger audiences.

Moomin Characters backs Finnish literacy campaign Read Hour as it makes UK debut

Finland’s successful literacy initiative, Read Hour is coming to the UK for the first time this year, with the help of the country’s best loved literary export, the Moomins.

Celebrated on UN International Literacy Day, Read Hour was created by the Children and Youth Foundation with a mission to encourage people to spend one hour of their day on September 8th reading.  Kids will be encouraged to read whatever they can get their hands on, whether a book, magazine or comic book.

After witnessing the success of the Read Hour campaign in its home country, Moomin Characters was inspired to help launch the initiative on an international scale. Three years since its launch, Read Hour has now attracted growing support. Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland, has been the patron since Read Hour began and thousands of Finns shared their Read Hour participation on social media every year.

In the UK, organisations who have pledged to support Read Hour so far include Waterstones, Macmillan Children’s Books, Sort Of Books, Oxfam, World Book Day, BookTrust, Love Reading and many more.

There will be special Read Hour events taking place at Waterstones stores in London and Glasgow on September 8th at 4pm. The Glasgow event at the Sauchiehall Street store will see Moomin storyteller Liz Fost entertain audiences with interactive storytelling and crafts.

Meanwhile, in London’s Kingston store, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and have a photo with Moomintroll and hear tales of Moominvalley from children’s author Philip Ardagh, the author of The World of Moominvalley.

Roleff Kråkström, managing director of Moomin Characters, said: “We have made a long term commitment to helping spark a love of reading and writing in young people around the globe, and are delighted to be bringing Read Hour to the UK as part of that mission.

“We believe that being able to read and write opens up a world of possibilities for young people, allowing them to communicate their hopes and dreams, relate to others, engage with the big issues of our times, and create positive change.”

Jennifer Saunders, Cressida Cowell, Laura Dockrill and Philip Ardagh are among the celebrities and authors who will be supporting Read Hour on social media. Anyone taking part is encouraged to share a photo of themselves or the book they are reading on social media using the hashtag #ReadHourUK.

The official Read Hour will be held at 2pm-3pm, but anyone unable to take part then is encouraged to hold their own Read Hour at any time that suits them on September 8th. Reading alone and reading together with a family member, friend, classmates or colleagues are equally encouraged.

A range of Read Hour resources are available here for bookshops, schools, and libraries who would like to take part in the initiative. Please contact emily@riotcommunications.com for further information.

The Tom Gates kids’ book series taps back to school market with Sainsbury’s campaign

The first range of products based on the popular Tom Gates children’s books, and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates TV series are landing in store at Sainsbury’s and Argos this month, with a back-to-school promotion supported by a month-long POS campaign and a national competition.

Developed by The Point.1888, the retail promotion will form part of the UK licensing agent’s wider brand programme to encourage kids to get creative through doodling, music, and crafting. A total of 275 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK – as well as online across Sainsbury’s and Argos – will be selling the exclusive back-to-school range, which includes gel pens, backpacks, doodle books, lunchbags, sipper bottles, and more.

The line will be tied together with a range of the popular Tom Gates books, while the launch will also be supported by a ‘summer doodle’ competition in Sainsbury’s stores run by Tom Gates Entertainment with a range of prizes including an exclusive doodle by creator Liz Pichon.

A writer and illustrator, Pichon has produced 19 award-winning, multi-million-copy-bestselling Tom Gates books to date. Translated into 45 languages, the stories are written to be warm and funny, full of family, friends and treats, and ‘bursting with creativity and music.’

The books are published by Scholastic in the UK and have won over 25 awards and sold more than 11m copies worldwide.  The 19th book in the series, Random Acts of Fun is published in October.

Meanwhile, the TV series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (produced by TG Entertainment) launched first on Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland and is now being enthusiastically received by Tom Gates fans around the globe. A range of Tom Gates licensed products have launched in the UK in summer 2021 and roll out internationally in 2022.

Tessa Moore, head of marketing at Tom Gates Entertainment, said: “The Tom Gates brand is warm and funny, bursting with creativity, and much loved by families across the globe. We are excited to launch this exclusive new range with Sainsbury’s supported by a fantastic competition encouraging children to get creative in their summer holidays and win some special prizes.”

Janine Richmond, head of product and brand at The Point.1888, said: “School has been disrupted over the last two years and we hope this new Tom Gates range will help young fans across the country get excited about being back and having fun in the classroom.”

The Tom Gates kids’ book series taps back to school market with Sainsbury’s campaign

The first range of products based on the popular Tom Gates children’s books, and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates TV series are landing in store at Sainsbury’s and Argos this month, with a back-to-school promotion supported by a month-long POS campaign and a national competition.

Developed by The Point.1888, the retail promotion will form part of the UK licensing agent’s wider brand programme to encourage kids to get creative through doodling, music, and crafting. A total of 275 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK – as well as online across Sainsbury’s and Argos – will be selling the exclusive back-to-school range, which includes gel pens, backpacks, doodle books, lunchbags, sipper bottles, and more.

The line will be tied together with a range of the popular Tom Gates books, while the launch will also be supported by a ‘summer doodle’ competition in Sainsbury’s stores run by Tom Gates Entertainment with a range of prizes including an exclusive doodle by creator Liz Pichon.

A writer and illustrator, Pichon has produced 19 award-winning, multi-million-copy-bestselling Tom Gates books to date. Translated into 45 languages, the stories are written to be warm and funny, full of family, friends and treats, and ‘bursting with creativity and music.’

The books are published by Scholastic in the UK and have won over 25 awards and sold more than 11m copies worldwide.  The 19th book in the series, Random Acts of Fun is published in October.

Meanwhile, the TV series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (produced by TG Entertainment) launched first on Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland and is now being enthusiastically received by Tom Gates fans around the globe. A range of Tom Gates licensed products have launched in the UK in summer 2021 and roll out internationally in 2022.

Tessa Moore, head of marketing at Tom Gates Entertainment, said: “The Tom Gates brand is warm and funny, bursting with creativity, and much loved by families across the globe. We are excited to launch this exclusive new range with Sainsbury’s supported by a fantastic competition encouraging children to get creative in their summer holidays and win some special prizes.”

Janine Richmond, head of product and brand at The Point.1888, said: “School has been disrupted over the last two years and we hope this new Tom Gates range will help young fans across the country get excited about being back and having fun in the classroom.”

Signature Publishing launches first Aardman arts and crafts magazine, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty

The entirety of the Aardman cast of characters are being brought together for the very first time, through the launch of a children’s magazine titled, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty.

The result of a new partnership between the Bristol-headquartered studio and Signature Publishing, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty will celebrate the much loved Aardman characters, including the likes of Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Timmy Time, as well as the creativity that goes into drawing and modelling them.

The magazine will feature activities like colouring, crafting and baking, while covering topics like How to Draw Wallace & Gromit, and how to create a Shaun figurine from the supplied modelling clay.

“We are thrilled to work on this very special collaboration with such an esteemed studio as Aardman, bringing their iconic characters to life through creative play and colouring in their very own unique children’s magazine,” said Rachel Craven, commercial and advertising manager at Signature Publishing.

Ian Downes of Start Licensing, said: “We are delighted to be working with Signature Publishing on this Aardman magazine.  They were quick to recognise how well Aardman and their characters were suited to an arts and crafts magazine. They have used the characters really well and this is a great example of how a focussed licensing partnership should work.”

Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty launched on August 4th and is billed as the ‘ideal magazine to entertain and inspire children during the summer holidays.’ Each issue comes with a bumper colouring set including modelling clay to craft Shaun with, pens, colouring pencils and stickers.

Story House Egmont reveals its new PAW Patrol kids’ magazine, PAW Patrol Extra

Story House Egmont has launched its newest preschool magazine, teaming up with Spin Master Entertainment to introduce PAW Patrol Extra, a new monthly title designed to ‘satisfy the incredible demand’ for PAW Patrol content.

The new launch marks the second PAW Patrol licensed title in the Story House Egmont portfolio and follows the successful launch of the PAW Patrol flagship magazine some five years ago. Half a decade on, and Egmont still reports “incredible demand” for the UK’s leading preschool magazine.

Last year, amid what is recognised as a challenging year for the children’s magazines market, the flagship PAW Patrol title sold 880,000 copies and delivered £4 million in RSV. Out of a 17-issue publishing schedule, 2020 saw three issues selling over 63,000 copies and generating close to £1 million in RSV on those issues alone.

The new PAW Patrol Extra has now been billed as ‘the perfect complimentary purchase for PAW Patrol fans’, focusing on specific characters, themes and seasonality, and creating new and captivating content. The branded covermounts are closely linked with the editorial and will reflect important core themes from PAW Patrol TV episodes like empathy and friendship.

The first issue of PAW Patrol Extra focuses on Marshall – the fan favourite fire-fighter pup. From the firehouse to his fire truck, Marshall is a Dalmatian who is all action, which is exactly what readers will find in the first issue of PAW Patrol Extra. As well as stories, stickers, games and posters, issue number one is complimented by four Marshall-themed gifts.

Kiran Vara, publisher of PAW Patrol Extra magazine, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the launch of PAW Patrol Extra magazine. In such a highly competitive market, the sustained growth and popularity of the flagship magazine is a testament to the strength of this incredible evergreen brand and we’re so excited to be giving fans even more action-packed fun with the launch of PAW Patrol Extra.”