Signature Publishing partners with One Animation for Oddbods magazine

Signature Publishing and One Animation have inked a deal to launch a dedicated Oddbods-themed issue of Signature’s successful changing-theme magazine for preschool children, ‘ADVENTURES WITH’. Under the partnership, the ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ issue will go on sale in the UK from 10 February.

One Animation’s Oddbods is a global phenomenon, airing in 180 countries across 90 broadcasters worldwide. The brand has also generated 25 billion digital views and averages 14 million views on YouTube per day.

The magazine will follow the quirky but charming Oddbods on their adventures and will feature branded stories, puzzles, colouring and more. The magazine will also include a pizza set toy, which ties in with the magazine content and provides imaginative play value.

“We are so excited to be publishing ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “The brand is so bright and colourful, celebrating individuality and friendships, and creating an Oddbods magazine has been an absolute joy. We’re sure it’s going to be a great success and bring laughter, learning and fun to every child who reads it.”

Sashim Parmanand, CEO at One Animation, adds: “We’re always looking for creative ways to bring the Oddbods characters to life for fans, and this partnership with Signature Publishing provides a perfect opportunity to achieve just that. Signature Publishing has effectively captured the Oddbods’ spirit and created a really fun and engaging magazine, which we know is going to be a huge hit with our fans.”

The three-time Emmy Award-nominated slapstick comedy series follows the adventures of seven adorable, highly unique friends. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events.

‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine is available to buy in the UK at supermarkets, newsagents and magazine stockists and is priced at £4.99.

Signature Publishing partners with BBC Studios for Swashbuckle magazine

Specialist independent children’s publisher Signature Publishing has partnered with BBC Studios to launch Swashbuckle magazine.

The magazine will feature original stories, games, puzzles, colouring, craft, cookery and more, based on the BAFTA-winning and highly popular children’s pirate-themed gameshow on the CBeebies channel and BBC iPlayer starring Gem and her pirate friends.

While including all the slapstick humour and fun of the show, every page of the magazine focuses on developing key early learning skills including understanding the world, maths, language and literacy, physical development, wellbeing and creativity. All the activities are designed to engage with pre-school children, while prompts for grown-ups encourage parents and carers to share the content and join in the fun. Every issue is complemented by an interactive sticker sheet and exclusive Swashbuckle role-play toys.

“It’s brilliant to be partnering with BBC Studios again and publishing a stand-alone, monthly Swashbuckle magazine,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “Pirates are always mega popular with children, never go out of fashion and working with a TV programme that’s as fun and unique as Swashbuckle means that this is one magazine adventure that is bound to be sailing the high seas for a long time to come!”

On sale from today, Swashbuckle magazine will be stocked by retailers nationwide and will be supported by promotional activity at launch, including in Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and WHS High Street.

Swashbuckle joins Signature Publishing’s strong line-up of magazines, including: Go Jetters, published under licence from BBC Studios, Polly Pocket, published under licence from Mattel, Transformers Rescue Bots Academy under license from Hasbro, Gigantosaurus under license from Cyber Group Studios, Spirit Riding Free under licence from NBC Universal, plus original magazines Dino Fun!, Pets2Collect, Dinosaur Action!We Love, Colour It!Fantastic Funworld!, So Magical! and Adventures With. For more information visit www.signaturepl.co.uk.

Signature Publishing partners with BBC Studios for Swashbuckle magazine

Specialist independent children’s publisher Signature Publishing has partnered with BBC Studios to launch Swashbuckle magazine.

The magazine will feature original stories, games, puzzles, colouring, craft, cookery and more, based on the BAFTA-winning and highly popular children’s pirate-themed gameshow on the CBeebies channel and BBC iPlayer starring Gem and her pirate friends.

While including all the slapstick humour and fun of the show, every page of the magazine focuses on developing key early learning skills including understanding the world, maths, language and literacy, physical development, wellbeing and creativity. All the activities are designed to engage with pre-school children, while prompts for grown-ups encourage parents and carers to share the content and join in the fun. Every issue is complemented by an interactive sticker sheet and exclusive Swashbuckle role-play toys.

“It’s brilliant to be partnering with BBC Studios again and publishing a stand-alone, monthly Swashbuckle magazine,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “Pirates are always mega popular with children, never go out of fashion and working with a TV programme that’s as fun and unique as Swashbuckle means that this is one magazine adventure that is bound to be sailing the high seas for a long time to come!”

On sale from today, Swashbuckle magazine will be stocked by retailers nationwide and will be supported by promotional activity at launch, including in Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and WHS High Street.

Swashbuckle joins Signature Publishing’s strong line-up of magazines, including: Go Jetters, published under licence from BBC Studios, Polly Pocket, published under licence from Mattel, Transformers Rescue Bots Academy under license from Hasbro, Gigantosaurus under license from Cyber Group Studios, Spirit Riding Free under licence from NBC Universal, plus original magazines Dino Fun!, Pets2Collect, Dinosaur Action!We Love, Colour It!Fantastic Funworld!, So Magical! and Adventures With. For more information visit www.signaturepl.co.uk.

Signature Publishing continues festive offering with two Elf on the Shelf special magazines 

Following a successful year which saw the now annual issue of We Love the Elf on the Shelfmagazine shortlisted at the 2021 Licensing Awards, Signature Publishing is launching two new specials devoted to the much-loved festive icon.

Lumistella’s The Elf on the Shelf has become a global phenomenon with 14.5 million Santa’s Scout Elves adopted by families worldwide since 2005, and the brand – managed by Rocket Licensing – firmly establishing itself as a family tradition in the UK. With huge momentum behind the brand, and high demand for new and innovative products that capture the magic, Signature Publishing is publishing two official magazines for fans.

“We are absolutely delighted to continue our highly successful relationship with Rocket Licensing and The Lumistella Company, working together on The Elf on the Shelf,” says Signature’s Managing Director, Danny Morris. “Not just because of the impressive sales the magazines have, and will continue to generate, but also because we absolutely adore the brand and the added excitement it brings to so many children in the lead-up to Christmas. It’s so rewarding for everyone involved to be a part of this tradition, using the magazine to extend the brand for existing fans while marketing it to a whole new audience.”

Signature Publishing’s changing theme magazines WE LOVE and COLOUR IT! provide the ideal vehicles for publishing special issues of The Elf on The Shelf. In WE LOVE The Elf on the Shelf, readers can immerse themselves fully in the brand with puzzles, games, makes and competitions. The magazine also comes with a cracker with four surprise gifts inside, plus a snow globe set to decorate. Meanwhile, COLOUR IT! The Elf on the Shelf magazine provides a creative offering with 36 pages of colouring and craft. The magazine also comes with a colouring set, where readers can design and hang their own bauble.

WE LOVE The Elf on the Shelf is on sale 4 November 2021 and COLOUR IT! The Elf on the Shelf on 17 November 2021. Both magazines are priced at £5.99 and are available to buy at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

Other magazines in Signature’s growing portfolio include; TRANSFORMERS and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS ACADEMY published under license from Hasbro. GO JETTERS published under license from BBC Studios. SPIRIT RIDING FREE and TROLLS under license from NBC Universal. SUPER WINGS, published under license from Alpha Group. POLLY POCKET, published under license from Mattel. Plus DINO FUN!, PETS2COLLECT, DINOSAUR ACTION!FANTASTIC! FUNWORLDSO MAGICAL! and ADVENTURES WITH. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Publishing partners with Cyber Groups Studios to launch standalone Gigantosaurus magazine

Following the success of the two special issues of Adventures with Gigantosaurus earlier this year, Signature Publishing has partnered with Cyber Groups Studios to launch the new standalone Gigantosaurus magazine. Aimed at pre-schoolers, the title is based on the award-winning animated TV series and Jonny Duddle’s original book, published by Templar.

Gigantosaurus supports early-years learning through fun stories, puzzles, colouring and lots more interactive activities, while each issue comes with a Gigantosaurus toy.

Gigantosaurus follows the adventures of four dinosaur friends – Mazu, Tiny, Bill and Rocky – as they explore the prehistoric world, searching through jungles, rivers and more, hunting down the elusive Gigantosaurus and making new dinosaur friends along the way. The fun-filled adventure focuses on friendship and teamwork as each friend overcomes their individual fears. The hit TV series is available on Disney +, Netflix and Tiny Pop, and was rated Tiny Pop’s #1 show when the new series launched, reaching 1.95million viewers during the three-month period.

“With such a massive following and proven magazine sales we’re really excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios on a regular Gigantosaurus magazine,” says Editor Julie Patten. “Plus, it’s such a lovely timeless story, full of adventure, excitement, friendship and fun but, most important of all… the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of them all!”

Gigantosaurus magazine launches on 4 November, with the first issue priced at £4.99. It’s available nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

Polly Pocket magazine to hit UK shelves on 22 October

Signature Publishing has teamed up with Mattel to launch the official Polly Pocket magazine, a brand-new magazine dedicated to the iconic toy line and animated TV series.

With over 30 years of legacy and 17m+ compacts sold worldwide, Polly Pocket, the original micro doll, is currently the fastest growing playset doll property, with toy sales up 40 per cent. The animated series by Mattel Television and WildBrain has been a huge success, amassing over 3 billion minutes of watch time, and is available on Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime. Two new series are currently planned, along with a feature film due for cinematic release.

Polly Pocket magazine follows the adventures of Polly and her friends and is jam packed full of puzzles, games, colouring and crafts. Every issue will feature adaptations of the mega popular Polly Pocket TV episodes, and will come with bespoke Polly Pocket toys.

“Polly Pocket has proved to be a really enduring toy property with a long legacy – just as you’d expect from Mattel, the creator of Barbie – and is now bigger than ever,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “It’s a fabulous brand to create a stand-alone magazine and we know that the magazine is going to be hugely popular with children and parents.”

Polly Pocket magazine will be available to buy nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents from 22 October, with the first issue priced at £5.99.

 

Polly Pocket magazine to hit UK shelves on 22 October

Signature Publishing has teamed up with Mattel to launch the official Polly Pocket magazine, a brand-new magazine dedicated to the iconic toy line and animated TV series.

With over 30 years of legacy and 17m+ compacts sold worldwide, Polly Pocket, the original micro doll, is currently the fastest growing playset doll property, with toy sales up 40 per cent. The animated series by Mattel Television and WildBrain has been a huge success, amassing over 3 billion minutes of watch time, and is available on Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime. Two new series are currently planned, along with a feature film due for cinematic release.

Polly Pocket magazine follows the adventures of Polly and her friends and is jam packed full of puzzles, games, colouring and crafts. Every issue will feature adaptations of the mega popular Polly Pocket TV episodes, and will come with bespoke Polly Pocket toys.

“Polly Pocket has proved to be a really enduring toy property with a long legacy – just as you’d expect from Mattel, the creator of Barbie – and is now bigger than ever,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “It’s a fabulous brand to create a stand-alone magazine and we know that the magazine is going to be hugely popular with children and parents.”

Polly Pocket magazine will be available to buy nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents from 22 October, with the first issue priced at £5.99.

 

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.

DC Thomson, Redan, and Egmont among kids’ publishers to back Wastebuster’s Recycle to Read scheme

A group of the UK’s biggest names in children’s magazines, including DC Thomson and Redan Publishing has signed up to become founding members of the education, research, and recycling programme, Recycle to Read, a campaign aimed at creating a more circular economy for children’s toys.

This week will see the programme begin sign up for schools for pilot collections in the autumn term, and will be announcing additional partnerships from the book publishing, retail, and toy sectors over the coming weeks.

Recycle to Read is a new toy and tech recycling initiative launched by Wastebuster in association with EPPIC and Products of Change with the aim of providing a solution for recycling all plastic toys with ‘take back’ collections housed across retailers, schools and household recycling centres in the UK.

This week sees the programme welcome a host of founding members from across the children’s magazine publishing space, including DC Thomson, Story House Egmont, Immediate Media, Kennedy Publishing, Redan Publishing, and Signature Publishing.

Katy Newham, founder of Wastebuster, said: “This is a really exciting time for the programme, thanks to the children’s publishers we are able to get phase one off the ground and we have more and more members coming on board as we progress with our talks.

“The entire industry is beginning to understand the value of using toys as a force for good, when educating children and their families in how to live a more sustainable life. Schools who take part in the Recycle to Read programme will benefit from curriculum linked environmental education, based in real life learning and rewarded with books.

“Our collaborative approach and not for profit ethos, means that we can offer an environmental solution for all UK companies who produce toys, not just the ones with the deepest pockets and our investment in education and research, as well as infrastructure and clear packaging iconography, means that our solution has the potential to be far reaching and long-lasting.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher from Products of Change, said: “With only 18 per cent of plastics being recycled globally, and no recycling infrastructure currently in place in the UK to recycle toys, the recycle to read collective impact initiative will provide a solution to this.

“As a cross industry sector initiative, it will be business that will fund the set-up of the toy recycling infrastructure, with all profits going back in to the initiative as Wastebuster are a not-for-profit environmental educator. Products of Change is extremely proud to be working with the Wastebuster team to bring this solution to the industry.”

For more information on the programme please visit www.recycletoread.org or contact Emily Bell on 07715902681 email emily@wastebuster.co.uk.

Popular preschool property Tractor Ted rolls into Signature Publishing’s Adventures With partnership

Tractor Ted, the popular YouTube preschool series, is rolling into the magazine aisles from next month, becoming the focus of the latest Adventures With magazine from Signature Publishing.

Adventures With Tractor Ted will feature the popular little green tractor that continues to gain momentum in the preschool space with its hit series centered on exploring the farm, teaching children about animals, the country, nature, seasons, food, and farm machinery.

Tractor Ted boasts its own YouTube channel, toy range, books and live appearances, and has become a hit with children across the UK with famous fans including Clare Balding and Ben Fogle.

The Adventures With Tractor Ted magazine will bring the series’ farming fun and discovery to its pages with stories, cooking, puzzles, colouring activities, crafts, facts, and more. The magazine supports Hungry Little Minds, the Department for Education’s drive to improve the communication, literacy and language skills of preschool children, while all activities in the magazine are created to support and develop early years learning.

The issue will also come with an interactive sticker sheet and a toy fruit play-set.

“We are big fans of Tractor Ted, so we’re so excited to be publishing a magazine that’s dedicated to him,” said Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s editorial director. “It’s got everything that young children love – funny stories, loads and loads to do, things to make, cute animals and lots of awesome tractors and farm machines. In the words of Tractor Ted, the magazine is Teducational and totally Tedtastic.”

Alexandra Heard, Tractor Ted’s co-founder and creative director, added: “Producing a dedicated Tractor Ted magazine is crazily exciting and we just love the opportunities that this will bring. The whole ethos of Tractor Ted is to introduce young children to real life farming in a fun, gentle and engaging way.

“We couldn’t have asked for better than to team up with Signature Publishing. To say that we’re totally thrilled would be an understatement – dare we say that we’re like pigs in clover?!”

Signature Publishing’s Adventures With is a preschool focused title with changing themes each month. Adventure With Tractor Ted is on sale from June 10th.