Zoonicorn Toonz United Smile
Licensing News
Zoonicorn & Toonz Name United Smile as Zoonicorn’s Global Master Toy Licensee

Global kids and family entertainment major Toonz Media Group and Zoonicorn LLC have entered into a new partnership with United Smile, a boutique toy company, as the new worldwide master toy licensee for the global preschool property Zoonicorn. United Smile will develop and introduce a wide assortment of Zoonicorn toys, beginning with a debut range set to launch globally Spring 2024, timed to the brand’s growing momentum as the Zoonicorn television series continues to land on platforms worldwide. The upcoming new toy line from United Smile will include plush, feature plush, figurines and playsets, for children ages 2-5. The new products will be available through a global network of distributors.

World of WPI Fresh Fairies
News
World of EPI Launches Fresh Fairies Evoking a New and Authentic Bantu knots, Puff Balls, and More

Doll maker World of EPI reimagines winged pixies and fairies from folklore with the Fresh Fairies ($6.99). Each of the collection’s 3” tall dolls have been created with the same tender care and attention to detail as all of the award-winning Fresh Dolls’ brand that spotlights ethnicities from around the world — and in our neighborhoods. These whimsical fairies have the sweetest facial expressions, adorable poses, plus authentic Bantu Knots, Puff Balls, Head Wraps, Afros and Afro Puffs hairstyles.

WildBrain Canadian
News
WildBrain Television Champions Canadian Content with Exclusive Premiers for Three New Shows

WildBrain Television, one of Canada’s most-loved kids’ and family broadcast networks, is pleased to unveil a new, fun-filled live-action slate of Canadian content, including three exclusive premieres, for the whole family to enjoy. The excitement kicks off on Family Day weekend with the global debut of the highly anticipated movie Life with Luca and continues into spring with premieres for two brand-new series: I Woke Up a Vampire and Home Sweet Rome. Plus, Canadian audiences can catch more action during a national free preview across WildBrain’s English channels from February 13 to March 20.

Game Night in a Can Goliath
News
Goliath Group Acquires Game Night in a Can License

Goliath Group, a family-owned global toy and games company, announced the acquisition of the Game Night in a Can license from game inventors and creative studio, Barry & Jason Games & Entertainment. Game Night in a Can features 35 creative and physical challenges, based on popular segments from Barry McLaughlin and Jason Lautenschleger’s touring live comedy game show. Audience favorites include Just Say Noah, where people were invited on stage to create new animal species, and Frumpy Bumpers, a competitive butt-bumping game.

Mad Engine Global Bruce Cameron
Licensing News
Mad Engine Global Signs Merchandizing Deal with ‘ A Dog’s Purpose’ Author W Bruce Cameron

#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author W Bruce Cameron has announced that he has inked a deal with licensed apparel maker Mad Engine Global to have his line of dog-lover branded apparel online and in major retailers. Cameron is the most successful author of dog-related fiction worldwide. He, with his wife, Cathryn Michon, is co-screenwriter of all three of the major motion pictures made from his books told from the point of view of very good dogs. The film of his book A Dog’s Purpose was a major international hit, reaching #1 status in many countries, including China.

Ageless Innovation Hasbro
News
Hasbro Announces First-Ever Licensee Focused on Older Adults: Ageless Innovation

Ageless Innovation, a global company devoted to reimagining how we positively live and age together through the power of play, has been tapped by global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, Inc. to create new gaming experiences specifically for older adults and their families. Ageless Innovation will be the first-ever Hasbro licensee dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults through classic gameplay. Building off Ageless Innovation’s extensive knowledge in creating play experiences for older adults – paired with Hasbro’s unmatched expertise in the branded entertainment industry – the partnership will aim to create fun and playful social interactions through intergenerational play via a collection of unique yet familiar games. The line-up, which will reimagine iconic Hasbro properties, will feature entirely new components and play experiences specifically designed with older adults in mind, including easy to grasp pieces, easy to read content, and intergenerational storylines.

Toys for Tots Logo Campaigns 75th
News
Toys for Tots Reaches Tremendous Milestones in 75th Year

Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere Community Action Program, distributed 24.4 million toys, books, and games to a record 9.9 million children in need in 2022. “We were astounded by the support provided by the American Public and our Corporate Sponsors. They helped us not only accomplish the mission, but greatly exceed ALL expectations,” said Lieutenant General Laster, President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. He continued, “these unprecedented numbers were an incredible milestone to celebrate the Program’s 75th year of supporting underprivileged children in 833 communities across the Nation.”

Toy Foundation Toy of the Year 2023 TOTY Turkey
Events News
The Toy Foundation Secures Toy Donation & Financial Aid Channels for Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief

In anticipation of the toy industry’s collective interest in responding to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, The Toy Foundation (TTF) has secured partners for toy donation deliveries and for bringing direct financial aid to on-the-ground organizations. Tragically, fatalities from the catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake this week surpassed 21,000 men, women, and children in Turkey and Syria. Tens of thousands more are injured and without housing and other essential items as cold weather continues to sweep the area. Immediate support is needed to provide access to food, clothing, and shelter.

Daniel Tiger at the Dentist
Entertainment Gaming News
PBS Kids Launches ‘Daniel Tiger: At the Dentist’ to Educate Young Ones on Dental Health

Going to the dentist is a big “first” for preschoolers, and Daniel Tiger is once again is here to help prepare kids for these milestone moments with “Daniel Tiger: At the Dentist.” It’s a fun, replay-able game that, alongside Daniel Tiger and Dr. Plat, prepares children for a positive experience when going to the dentist.  Through relaxing, interactive gameplay with Daniel and Mr. Dino, kids will familiarize themselves with a dentist visit by experiencing the sights and sounds of various instruments and processes utilized by the dentist! Additionally, the game will encourage little ones to brush their teeth for two minutes, as recommended by the AAPD.