The Blippi franchise, which has been inspiring curiosity in millions of preschoolers around the world, is further expanding its reach with an increased investment in Meekah, Blippi’s beloved best buddy. Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media, is spinning off the Meekah character with a dedicated YouTube channel, merchandise items, a music album, and a streaming distribution deal with Netflix.
Miko, the AI robot friend loved by millions of kids worldwide, has become a streaming star. Produced by Moonbug Entertainment and available now on YouTube, Miko: The Animated Series follows six-year-old Liza and her companions Red and Blue — two robot characters based on the bestselling Miko 3 robot.
Looking for the perfect gift for The Office fan in your life? Well, you’re in luck! Build-A-Bear Workshop has just launched their new collection inspired by The Office and all its iconic characters. Relive all your favorite scenes from The Office with gifts and collectibles from the newest collection! Make your bear the World’s Best Boss in the Michael Scott costume or get them ready to run their own beet farm with the Dwight Schrute ensemble. Top it all off with an infamous Dunder Mifflin tee to show your true devotion. The Office collection will be available November 17th under the Bear Cave section at buildabear.com!
Mercer Mayer, one of the most beloved and bestselling children’s book authors and illustrators of all time, has partnered with digital media writer, producer, and game designer John R. Sansevere to form TWELVE/30, LLC with a mission to develop and exploit Mercer Mayer’s catalog of over 300 titles across all media and consumer products. TWELVE/30 has exclusive media and licensing rights across all consumer products categories and all new publishing. Sansevere will serve as the company’s Managing Partner.
Smart Teddy, the connected plush toy brand, is pleased to announce a new line of ‘Early Learning’ sets. The new line of cards featuring Amazing Animals, All My Emotions and Numbers, will create additional educational content in new and innovative ways. Each card contains an electronic tag and with a tap of Smart Teddy’s ‘Super Paw,’ the plush will read the card aloud and explain the rules, promoting independent play for kids and parents.
CAMP, The Family Experience Company, and Nike invite families to put on their silliest game faces and get ready to play at NIKE KIDS CAMP, where every kid is number one. Families will dribble, dunk, and pass their way through sports-themed play spaces that are zany, colorful, and most of all, fun! NIKE KIDS CAMP opens at the Westfield Century City mall on November 19th.
Grand Prix International (GPI) has launched a new manufacturing program assisting BIPOC and Women-owned toy and game businesses to bring their products to market. The new initiative allows young and growing businesses to accept mass-market retail purchase orders that previously would have been a financial challenge to accept.
VIZ Media, a world-leading producer of manga and anime, is pleased to announce the appointment of Boutique Licensing Agency (BLA!) as its European agency, to lead VIZ Media’s consumer products business expansion internationally. Featured in the portfolio are icons such as Rumiko Takahashi’s epic time-traveling demon-fighting tale Inuyasha, and Tite Kubo’s fantasy-adventure Bleach, including the latest adaptation, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Plus, exciting new work by both debut and experienced creators such as the devilish destruction in Devil’s Candy from Rem and Bikkuri or the cock with a hero’s mission in Rooster Fighter by Shu Sakuratani – both hailed webcomic sensations respectfully.
After close to four decades of international success, award winning and family-owned European puzzle, and game developer Trefl officially enters the U.S. market just in time for the holidays and is now available on TreflUSA.com. Considered one of the biggest puzzle producers in the world, Trefl is known for its high-quality designs, innovative pieces and beautiful imagery resulting in picturesque masterpieces. Now available for the first-time in the U.S. on TreflUSA.com are the Trefl Wood Craft Origin line and the Trefl Prime Puzzle featuring Unlimited Fit Technology.