American Girl Isabel and Nicki
News
American Girl Declares the ‘90s History with its Newest Historical Characters, Isabel and Nicki!

American Girl is officially declaring the ‘90s history [insert gasp here!], and is excited to party like it’s 1999 with the introduction of the brand’s first-ever twin characters, Isabel and Nicki! As the wave of ‘90s trends and pop culture nostalgia surges on, there’s no better time for American Girl to honor this dial-up decade with a story set in the flannel and music capital of the 1990s, Seattle, WA!

The Insights Family Hires
News You're Hired
The Insights Family Already Into Double Digit Hires in 2023

The Insights Family, the global leader in kids, teens, parents, and family market intelligence, continues to expand as part of its new growth strategy with a further eight new hires, following on from the recent appointments of new Chief Growth Officer – Tom Williams, and SVP Marketing & Partnerships – Rachel Bardill. The further Insights Family eight hires are from across the business including the company’s technology, research, customer success and support functions. The roles are intended to support the Manchester based organizations transition from a fast-growth scale-up to a high-performance, fast-growth organization.

How the Grinch Lost Christmas!
News
All Time Dr Seuss Classic Sequel this September – ‘How the Grinch Lost Christmas!’

On September 5, 2023, Dr Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books will publish Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Lost Christmas!, an official sequel to the beloved holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, which was originally published in 1957 and has sold nearly 10 million copies in North America alone. With this new story set in Who-ville, readers will finally get to know how the Grinch spent Christmas one year after the events of his big heist and will see if he has truly embraced the spirit of Christmas. The publication was announced by Judith Haut, EVP, Deputy Publisher, Random House Children’s Books, with Susan Brandt, President and CEO, Dr. Seuss Enterprises. The publication will be supported by a major marketing and publicity campaign, including opportunities for fans to interact with the Grinch character around the country.

TheSoul Publishing Rocket Caravanserai j&m Brands
Licensing News
TheSoul Publishing Partners with J&M Brands, Caravanserai, & Rocket Licensing to Expand Brand Licensing Program Across Europe

TheSoul Publishing, a global leader in content creation, is excited to announce its partnership with several top international licensing agencies, including J&M Brands, Caravanserai, and Rocket Licensing to develop programs across a number of its flagship brands, including Baby Zoo, 123 GO!, and 5-Minute Crafts. These European based agencies, leaders in their respective markets, will collaborate with TheSoul Publishing to expand the reach and impact of its popular content. With a focus on creating globally appealing content, TheSoul Publishing is committed to building relationships with agencies to develop global consumer products programs worldwide. These partnerships allow TheSoul, which has over 1.5 billion social media subscribers, to further extend the reach of its brands and characters by introducing new branded consumer products to international audiences.

Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure
Events Licensing News
Penguin Ventures and Histrionic Productions Announce Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure

Penguin Ventures together with Histrionic Productions are thrilled to announce The Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure in the heart of London’s iconic Covent Garden Piazza this Easter from 21 March – 16 April. Through a captivating mix of live performance and puppetry, visitors will be transported back to a Covent Garden of old, teeming with fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables as Beatrix Potter heads out on a mission to rescue Jemima Puddle-Duck from the clutches of Mr. McGregor. During this brand-new 50-minute interactive outdoor adventure, families will experience Peter Rabbit’s adventures in person as they accompany Beatrix Potter to search for secret notes, maps, and other clues and meet Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and a few surprise encounters along the way. The perfect Easter gift, tickets go on sale on Monday 27 February at midday for this mischievous immersive experience from www.peterrabbiteasteradventure.com

Monster High Live North America
Events News
Family Entertainment Live and Mattel Announce Monster High Live North American Tour

Family Entertainment Live and Mattel, Inc have announced Monster High Live, a national tour kicking off in September 2023. Seasoned producer Full Stop Productions has been tapped to create and design the touring production centered on Mattel’s globally celebrated IP. Monster High Live will deliver fang-tastic music, dancing, and the important messages of acceptance and inclusion to its passionate fandom. Today’s news marks the second time Family Entertainment Live and Mattel have collaborated, having brought the incredibly popular Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live national tour to life in 2019. The all-new cast of Monster High Live will take the franchise’s beloved stars Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, and Frankie Stein through a storyline centered on preparing for the school’s annual Monster Ball. Hit music from the film and animated series as well as familiar pop songs will be featured in brilliant production numbers as the characters realize that differences are meant to be embraced.

fluffyweight logo
News
New FluffyWeight Plush Proven Effective for Comforting Neurodivergent Children

When a child reaches for their favorite stuffy, their world just feels better. But some children (and kidults), perhaps dealing with neurodivergent attributes (anxiety, ADHD or autism or sensory processing disorders) need a bit more heft to their toy. Say hello to FluffyWeight weighted Cat, Dog and FluffyWeight Puppy. Parents who gave a fluff reported fewer child meltdowns, smoother bedtimes and overall wellbeing in the house and on the run in a scientific study coast to coast!

Creed Rise Glory Championship Edition
Gaming Licensing News
Creed: Rise to Glory – Championship Edition, Inspired by MGM’s Upcoming Creed III Film, Arrives on PlayStation VR2 April 4th

Survios, the industry-leading virtual reality studio, and MGM Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), are excited to confirm the return of Creed: Rise to Glory with Creed: Rise to Glory –  Championship Edition. In connection with the nationwide theatrical release of Creed III debuting March 3rd, 2023, Championship Edition will feature new characters, costumes and locations based on the film.

VP Racing Licensees
Licensing News
VP Racing Starts the Year Strong With New Slate of Licensees

VP Racing Fuels, Inc, a global leader in performance fuels, lubricants, and additives, is proud to announce a lineup of new licensees for the brand’s merchandising program. “VP Racing’s licensing program is run with one objective in mind, to expand the brand reach and play a significant role in building the brand in the U.S. and globally,” said Bob Merz, Director of Brand Management and Licensing at VP. “Our licensees are chosen for their quality design, manufacturing capabilities, and varied distribution networks.”