Developed together by Eliana Martinez Tomalino and Stefano Orowitsch, Bababoo and friends made its US debut back in 2022 in specialty stores and online at Bababooandfriends.com, bringing their creative, high-quality wooden toy brand to a new audience. In April 2023 the Bababoo and friends brand continues to grow with the launch of a variety of their products at Barnes and Noble, in select stores, and online. Designed for children aged 12 months and older, this highly reputable European brand radiates positivity and inclusion throughout its entire product line of books and wooden toys. With a fully developed character line, Bababoo and friends was created to stimulate imagination, sensory development, and creativity through storytelling and traditional play.

Nickelodeon will welcome preschoolers into the magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse, marking the linear debut for the hit mixed-media series from DreamWorks Animation, beginning Monday, May 1, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on the Nick Jr. channel. The hybrid live-action and animated series follows the super fun adventures of Gabby, as she unboxes a brand-new surprise in every episode before jumping into a fantastical world full of adorable cat characters that live inside her magical dollhouse. Following the premiere, new episodes from the first season will continue to roll out Monday through Thursday for three consecutive weeks on the Nick Jr. channel.

Benebone, a premium brand of durable dog toys, has partnered with international recycling leader TerraCycle to enable consumers to recycle their companions’ well-loved nylon dog chew toys through the Benebone Free Recycling Program. As an added incentive, for every shipment of Benebone dog chews sent to TerraCycle, collectors earn points that can be donated to a non-profit, school, or charitable organization of their choice. “There’s no doubt that dogs love their Benebones, and we’re proud to offer dog owners this option when it’s time to retire their pup’s toy,” says Benebone Chief Growth Officer Nate Harceg. “Now our beloved Benebones can have new life with this sustainable recycling program.”

Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has formed the Writers’ Neighborhood, a five-year initiative focused on identifying and supporting new and emerging writers from underrepresented racial groups as they build careers in children’s media. The eight-week program aims to help hone the skills and broaden the experience of talented creatives who better represent the increasingly diverse audience for the company’s own hit series, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Alma’s Way, and Donkey Hodie, as well as that of the broader children’s media industry. In the wake of its successful pilot in fall 2022, Fred Rogers Productions will accept applications for the program’s second cohort from May 1 to May 15.

Mattel, Inc has announced a forthcoming update to the Mattel Creations Virtual Collectibles Platform. On April 27, the platform will introduce its own peer-to-peer marketplace, allowing owners of Mattel virtual collectibles to display, trade, and sell their assets. To coincide with the update, Series 5 of the Hot Wheels NFT Garage will launch at the same time.