Discovery Partners with Penguin Young Readers Group
Discovery Communications announced a partnership with Penguin Young Readers Group to publish two children’s books based on Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl event. The books are scheduled for publication in February 2012, to coincide with the airing of Puppy Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday 2012. One of the books covers all aspects of Puppy Bowl including players, main event, cheerleaders, and the half-time show. The other is a full-story sticker activity book for children age 5–8.
The deal, which is for North America only, was brokered on behalf of Animal Planet by its licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group.
Two Books Inspired by Jimmy Fallon Segment on the Way
NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group and Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, announced that they will publish Thank You Notes, a series of two books by NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon host Jimmy Fallon. The books are based on the popular “Thank You Notes” segment, which airs every Friday night on Fallon’s show.
Thank You Notes will address more than 150 subjects in need of Fallon’s undying gratitude, and each page will feature one of Fallon’s special notes and a photograph of the recipient. From sweater vests and adult mittens, to his dad, to a light bulb he is too lazy to replace, the book will incorporate many of the subjects that make Fallon’s life a little bit fuller.
The first Thank You Notes book will be published as a trade paperback and will hit store shelves on May 23.
Stone America Announces StinkyKids Book Deal
Stone America Licensing announced that Raven Tree Press has been appointed exclusive publisher for StinkyKids traditional soft- and hardcover storybooks as well as electronic/digitized formats. Raven Tree Press will also be publishing the reprint of StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors, the first in a series of StinkyKids stories that is already being sold. The book will complement the current doll line created by licensee Madame Alexander that is now available at retail.
Bazooka Deal Will Result in Organic Snack Offerings
Bazooka Candy Brands, the confectionery division of The Topps Company, Inc., announced it has acquired the Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews business from Sharkies, Inc. This acquisition enables Bazooka Candy Brands to offer snacks made with only natural ingredients while diversifying and strengthening its existing portfolio. Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews, an organic, portable snack food made with only natural ingredients, is currently available at retailers nationwide and can be found in the nutrition, organic, and snack aisles.