Jada Toys, one of the world’s leading toy and collectible companies, has announced a new licensing partnership with Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media company behind multiple well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, to create and distribute consumer products based on its hit preschool series, Donkey Hodie. This will be the first time Donkey Hodie inspired toys will be available for retail purchase.
The initial Donkey Hodie toys to be available for young viewers and their families starting in fall of 2023 on Amazon include a 14-inch Donkey Hodie plush and 16-inch Purple Panda plush. These first two plushies will be followed by four more items set to launch through 2023 into 2024. Among the additional products in the new lineup are figures, vehicles, and finger puppets.
“We strive to provide our customers with the best quality product from the most sought-after licenses,” said Amy Austin, VP Global Licensing and Retail Marketing of Jada Toys. “Donkey Hodie is an inspiring series for the preschool audience. This partnership with Fred Rogers Productions speaks to our shared commitment to deliver best-in-class entertainment properties for children and families.”
“We’re so excited about the beautiful debut collection of products that Jada Toys is bringing to market,” said Matt Shiels, vice president of business and legal affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “Jada has captured the playful spirit of the characters that children and families have fallen in love with, and we’re so happy to be building the Donkey Hodie brand with them.”
Photo source: Jada Toys Now in its second season on PBS KIDS, Donkey Hodie is a puppet series inspired by the quirky, funny side of Fred Rogers and by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The Emmy-nominated show from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic go-getter who takes on each day with curiosity and resilience, and her pals Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog. Donkey Hodie empowers young viewers ages 3-5 to dream big and overcome obstacles in their own lives, work hard and persevere in the face of failure, be resourceful, and discover they can solve problems on their own—and laugh themselves silly along the way.
Since the series’ launch, seven highly rated games have been released, and 12 books have debuted from master publisher, Simon & Schuster, all furthering the series’ learning goals for children beyond broadcast. Donkey Hodie has consistently ranked in the top ten for children 2-8 on PBS KIDS since its debut in 2021, having great success on SVOD as well as the PBS KIDS Games app, website, and on the PBS KIDS Channel on Amazon Prime. The series has been streamed more than 80 million times so far in 2023, and Donkey Hodie games regularly rank in the top ten on the PBS KIDS Games app.