Sesame Street tucks into the breakfast market with its own cereal launch

Sesame Workshop is tucking into the breakfast market with the launch of the first Sesame Street Cereal, a new range developed in partnership with cereal specialist, General Mills. The range will appear on shelves across the US from January 2021.

The cereal has been developed to support growing bodies with essential nutrients, while also engaging young minds with activities and stories. The cereal will arrive in two varieties: berry flavour with number-shaped pieces, and cinnamon flavour with letter-shaped pieces.

The back of each box will open like a book and will feature dual language (English and Spanish) short stories with the Sesame Street favourite, Elmo.

“We are thrilled to team up with Sesame Street, to launch cereals with key nutrients, delicious flavors, and playful learning opportunities to make breakfast that much more meaningful for parents and kids alike,” said Hillary Balma, senior brand manager, General Mills. “We know that breakfast can be challenging for parents who are struggling to find foods that offer both the nutrition and the fun flavors kids want.”

To create meaningful playful learning opportunities at breakfast, Sesame Street Cereal boxes offer games and six dual-language stories with everyone’s favorite 3½ -year-old monster, Elmo. Story themes include Elmo Visits the Farm, Elmo’s Day at School, On the Go with Elmo, and others. Each story follows Elmo and his friends as they play and learn on Sesame Street and prompts questions to help kids stretch their imaginations, engage in counting, recognize shapes and letters, and more.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and that means nourishing the mind and body,” said Gabriela Arenas, vice president of licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop. “Breakfast gives kids the boost they need to grow, play, and learn each day. We’re pleased to team up with General Mills to give families a nutritious meal choice and an opportunity to start the morning with their favorite Sesame Street friends.”

Sesame Street tucks into the breakfast market with its own cereal launch

Sesame Workshop is tucking into the breakfast market with the launch of the first Sesame Street Cereal, a new range developed in partnership with cereal specialist, General Mills. The range will appear on shelves across the US from January 2021.

The cereal has been developed to support growing bodies with essential nutrients, while also engaging young minds with activities and stories. The cereal will arrive in two varieties: berry flavour with number-shaped pieces, and cinnamon flavour with letter-shaped pieces.

The back of each box will open like a book and will feature dual language (English and Spanish) short stories with the Sesame Street favourite, Elmo.

“We are thrilled to team up with Sesame Street, to launch cereals with key nutrients, delicious flavors, and playful learning opportunities to make breakfast that much more meaningful for parents and kids alike,” said Hillary Balma, senior brand manager, General Mills. “We know that breakfast can be challenging for parents who are struggling to find foods that offer both the nutrition and the fun flavors kids want.”

To create meaningful playful learning opportunities at breakfast, Sesame Street Cereal boxes offer games and six dual-language stories with everyone’s favorite 3½ -year-old monster, Elmo. Story themes include Elmo Visits the Farm, Elmo’s Day at School, On the Go with Elmo, and others. Each story follows Elmo and his friends as they play and learn on Sesame Street and prompts questions to help kids stretch their imaginations, engage in counting, recognize shapes and letters, and more.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and that means nourishing the mind and body,” said Gabriela Arenas, vice president of licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop. “Breakfast gives kids the boost they need to grow, play, and learn each day. We’re pleased to team up with General Mills to give families a nutritious meal choice and an opportunity to start the morning with their favorite Sesame Street friends.”

Sesame Street prepares to launch 51st season to HBO Max this week

Sesame Workshop is gearing up for the launch of Sesame Street’s 51st season this Thursday, November 12th on HBO Max, marking the first season of the popular pre-school series to debut on the streaming platform. A run of 35 episodes will be available on the platform, ahead of the season’s launch onto PBS Kids next autumn.

“We are proud to announce our newest episodes of Sesame Street, designed to entertain and educate kids as we help them build curiosity, creativity, and persistence – an especially crucial focus as families continue to face unprecedented challenges,” said Steve Youngwood, Sesame Workshop’s president of media and education and COO, who becomes the nonprofit’s CEO in January 2021.

“This season debut on HBO Max marks another key moment in our partnership with WarnerMedia. We are grateful to them and our longstanding partners at PBS for their continued support as we work together to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

 Tom Ascheim, president, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, added: “Sesame Street has a longstanding legacy of doing incredibly important things for children by shaping culture and sparking important conversations among all of us.

“For me personally, I’m thrilled to be reunited with all the exceptional people that make Sesame Workshop the force that it is.”

Sesame Street’s latest season marks the beginning of a two-year curriculum focused on playful problem-solving, designed to build critical thinking skills in young children and better equip them to handle challenges in school and beyond. As Sesame Street Muppets, human cast members, and guest stars alike face obstacles – while building a castle, staging a circus, fixing the inner workings of a grandfather clock, and more – they approach these problems with curiosity, creativity, and perseverance.

A new anthem – “I Wonder, What If, Let’s Try” – performed by celebrity guest Hailee Steinfeld, brings this curriculum to life and makes its season debut on Thursday, November 26. The anthem will appear in Sesame Street episodes through the year.

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

Posh Paws named EMEA plush partner for Sesame Street

The plush specialist, Posh Paws and its parent company Whitehouse Leisure, has been named the new plush partner for the iconic and globally popular Sesame Street brand in a deal that will cover the EMEA region. Under the partnership, Whitehouse Leisure will also be developing plush ranges for amusement channels.

In a deal brokered by Sesame Workshop’s UK and Eire licensing agent, Bulldog Licensing, Posh Paws will build on the brand’s character appeal with a line featuring interactive Elmo and Cookie plush, alongside a wade range of basic plush characters.

The firm will support the product launch with a heavyweight marketing and PR strategy featuring TV, print and digital campaigns including a focus on opportunities to work with influencers in the pre-school area.

Over 50 years since its launch, Sesame Street remains a favourite brand in the UK. The property has four series airing on leading commercial preschool broadcaster, Tiny Pop. Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck launched in 2018, and the channel has since complemented the show with Elmo’s World, which debuted in January 2020, before Cookie’s Crumby Pictures and Super Grover 2.0 joined the portfolio this autumn.

Posh Paws joins a licensing programme for Sesame Street which is reportedly ‘showing huge growth across multiple categories.’ The successful, long-established adult apparel lines were recently joined by accessories and homewares ranges. Meanwhile, the children’s programme is experiencing robust revenue growth across apparel, accessories, toys and home, with multiple new product launches planned over the coming year.

“As retailers everywhere look to build on their portfolio of great classic properties, Sesame Street offers something for everyone; from the fans who have followed Cookie Monster and friends from the outset over 50 years ago, to the new generation discovering the delights of Sesame Street and their favourite furry red monster Elmo for the first time,” said Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing. 

Lauren Shipman, brand and marketing director at Posh Paws International, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with one of the world’s best-loved brands in Sesame Street. The characters have entertained and educated generations of children and continue to be a staple for kids and adults everywhere.

“We look forward to continuing the strong growth the brand is seeing across retail with new and innovative product ranges to appeal to fans everywhere.”

Sesame Workshop expands its See Amazing in All Children initiative for Autism Acceptance Day

Sesame Workshop is expanding its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative with new video and content featuring Julia – its four-year-old Sesame Street character with autism.

The resources will be available for free in English and Spanish and will show children that ‘we can all be superheroes when we help each other.’ It has all been launched in honour of Autism Acceptance Day.

On top of this, at a time when many families are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, the resources provide coping strategies for parents of children with autism, supporting them as they adjust to a “for-now” normal while still addressing their children’s unique needs.

Complementing the new materials, HBO and PBS KIDS will premiere a Julia-focused episode on April 6, the Fluffster Kerfuffle. The episode is centred around learning how to play well together—which might look a little different for Julia.

The resources released today include coronavirus-related tips for families with autistic children, an animation created in partnership with Exceptional Minds, original videos starring Julia, her family, and Sesame Street friends, and new articles and printable activities, including strategies for parents and caregivers to help children cope with—and even embrace—changes in their everyday routines.

“We’re proud to mark Autism Acceptance Day by celebrating the amazing in every child and continuing our commitment to autistic children and their families,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of US Social Impact, Sesame Workshop.

“Especially during these uncertain times, Sesame Workshop is here to support families with the tools they need to navigate everyday moments as well as the challenges that come their way.”

Created in 2015, the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of autism, foster greater empathy and understanding, and support families with free, bilingual resources.

The initiative was developed in consultation with over 250 organisations and experts within the autism community. With one in 54 children diagnosed with autism, See Amazing in All Children is designed to show that all children -autistic and neurotypical alike – are amazing in their own ways.

Sesame Workshop rolls out new content for its Caring for Each Other platform

Building on its launch last week of the Caring for Each Other initiative, Sesame Workshop is rolling out new content to help families stay physically and mentally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Today’s release on SesameStreet.org/caring includes animations on healthy habits, resources providing comfort, and activities that caregivers can use to spark learning in areas like reading, math, science, and more. The animated spots – which will be available in 19 languages – include Elmo’s new Washy Wash song, as well as Sesame Street Muppets learning how to sneeze properly.

New messages of love, kindness, and fun will be posted on a regular basis on Sesame Street social media channels, including Snack Time with Cookie Monster, Singalong with Elmo, Move & Groove with Abby Cadabby and Grover, and Story Time with Alan.

“Sesame Street is there for children and families whether it’s a sunny day or a stormy one, and unfortunately many families are facing unprecedented challenges right now,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of US social impact, Sesame Workshop.

“Through Caring for Each Other, we’re committed to supporting families for the duration of this crisis and beyond – equipping them with the tools they need to get through this together and look to the future with hope and optimism.”

The new animated spots will be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including HBO, PBS KIDS and local PBS stations, Univision, the Ad Council, YouTube, Sesame Street in Communities partners, and international broadcast partners.

They will be available in the coming days in languages including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Dutch, Dari, German, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Kurdish, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Rohingya, Somali, Swahili, and additional dialects.

“As families around the world adjust to their new realities, parents and caregivers are looking for help in creating new routines, staying healthy, and fostering learning at home,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president of curriculum and content, Sesame Workshop.

“At Sesame Workshop, we’re here to support the caring adults in children’s lives as they help their children navigate these challenging times.”

The Caring for Each Other initiative was launched last week in response to the unprecedented uncertainty facing young children and families. SesameStreet.org/caring will be updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves on an ongoing basis, with resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy.

Sesame Workshop launches Caring for Each Other platform as US states enter lockdown and schools close for ‘the foreseeable’

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Sesame Street is offering a wealth of free resources to help children and families throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative – called Caring for Each Other – marks the beginning of a commitment to support families for the duration of the crisis, with Sesame Street content, learning activities, and virtual play dates all launching soon.

The launch arrives as families across the US battle the coronavirus pandemic with self isolation measures, and as New York enters lockdown. Across the UK, families and parents prepare to tackle a period of school closures for the ‘foreseeable’ future.

Sesame Workshop’s initiative features resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy.

SesameStreet.org/caring will be regularly updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves.

“Around the world, young children’s lives are being turned upside down, and parents and caregivers are looking for ways to give their children – and themselves – a sense of stability in this new normal,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president for curriculum and content, Sesame Workshop.

“But there are things parents and caregivers can do to face each day with optimism. Sesame Street is here to provide the caring adults in children’s lives with the resources they need to help children, and foster their healthy development at home.”

Sesame Workshop is also creating new content on topics like hand washing, how to cough or sneeze properly, and how taking good care of yourself means taking good care of others, which will be available in the US and globally in a wide range of languages and released in the coming weeks.

“Sesame Street has long been a source of comfort for children and families during difficult times,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president for US Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “While we don’t always know what to expect, we know that Sesame Street friends have the power to convey simple strategies and messages to help children and the caring adults in their lives find comfort.

“With Caring for Each Other, we can help families get through these uncertain times and build hope for the future.”

Additionally, over 110 free Sesame Street ebooks are available on all major ebook platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Google Play, and Kobo.

Resources will also be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including community providers serving vulnerable families through Sesame Street in Communities and PBS stations.

Bulldog Licensing secures Rubie’s for Sesame Street dress up and accessories

Fans of Sesame Street can now dress up as their favourite characters, including Elmo and Cookie Monster, thanks to a new range of dress up and accessories from Rubies Masquerade.

The European agency, Bulldog Licensing – which manages the consumer products programme for Sesame Street in the UK and Eire – has signed the deal with Rubie’s to develop adult, children’s and pet lines for the dress up and accessories range.

Rob Corney, Bulldog Licensing MD, said: “Sesame Street has a special place in the hearts of all generations throughout the UK, so the new partnership with Rubies Masquerade is a great addition to the consumer products portfolio. The characters are part of the nation’s fabric and will make fantastic dress-up products.

“Sesame Street showcased its brand power with the 50th birthday celebrations last year and this is carrying through with activity throughout 2020 and beyond. The licensing programme is seeing significant growth in the territory with new partners, new categories and increased listings, a trend which is set to continue with retailers looking to back the brand in increasing numbers.”

Fans of Sesame Street can catch Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck on Tiny Pop. With over 25 million fans across its social media channels, over a million of whom are in the UK, Sesame Street continues to engage with both children and adults alike.