Dr Seuss Enterprises is making strides across Europe, having secured new and renewed international licensing deals with the German publisher, Verlag Antje Kunstmann for The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The German company has now landed the exclusive publishing rights to the titles across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Verlag Antje Kunstmann first published The Lorax eight years ago, however the deal will mark the first time it has published the popular story How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The publishing house will begin to release the titles this month, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of The Lorax. Both The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be translated by the award-winning German graphic artist and children’s book author, Nadia Budde for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.

“Verlag Antje Kunstmann has been an excellent publisher for our titles and we’re looking forward to expanding this partnership as Dr. Seuss’s iconic library continues to perform outstandingly well in these European markets,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Illustrated books editor Heike Bräutigam at Verlag Antje Kunstmann, added: “We’re excited to expand our work with Dr. Seuss Enterprises as Dr. Seuss’s children’s books are timeless classics that deserve to be discovered, read and enjoyed by a broad young readership in our markets.”

The expansion of the partnership with Verlag Antje Kunstmann marks the latest growth for the Dr. Seuss portfolio globally. Recently, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced deals with European licensees Verbarium Publishing, Botart Publishing House, and Thalia, and Australian licensees Amscan, Lake Press, MJM Australia, and Zak Australia.