Miraculous Playmates
Licensing News
ZAG Heroez Miraculous Movie Dolls from Playmates and ZAG Available at Major Retailers in the US in Fall 2023

Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir, the globally popular heroes of ZAG Heroez Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir animated TV series, make their film debut this year in the US$100+ million animated movie, Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie. To celebrate, the movie doll line from ZAG’s global master toy partner, Playmates Toys, will be available at major retailers in fall 2023. The announcement was made today by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG, and Georgia Manolas Walker, VP of Marketing, Girls Brands, Playmates.

Ghostforce ZAG Novabrink and Xalingo
Licensing News
ZAG Licensing Partners Novabrink and Xalingo Unveil First ‘Ghostforce’ Products at the ABRIN Expo in Brazil

Global independent animation studio ZAG in conjunction with local licensing partners Novabrink and Xalingo have unveiled the first Ghostforce toy products at ABRIN in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest event in the toy sector across Latin America. ZAG is most well-known for mega hit global brand Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and Ghostforce; and the company is in production on Melody, an animated feature starring singer, songwriter and actress, Katy Perry. Several additional new IPs are also in development.

Magical Beauty Afro Unicorn
Licensing News
Afro Unicorn Expands Merchandise Program, Appointing Global Licensing Partner, Black-Owned Magical Beauty, LLC

Further expanding the Afro Unicorn program and perfectly timed with Women’s History Month, founder and African American trailblazer April Showers announced a new global licensing partner, Magical Beauty, LLC, for the empowerment-led brand with the mission to positively uplift and impact women and children of color. Ms. Showers, founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, stated: “I am extremely proud of what Afro Unicorn has achieved in less than four years, and I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of support we have received from our licensing and retailer partners, the media, and a whole host of influencers that have shared our story. We are thrilled to add Magical Beauty, our first black-owned global licensing partner, as our newest licensee to offer our fans a whimsical experience in hair care.”

Funko Games Disney
New Product News
Funko Games Announces New Slate of Disney Board Games in Spring 2023

Funko Games has revealed a new wave of Disney board games including the all-new original Disney Animated, Disney Villains Sinister Spoons and Disney and Pixar’s – Cars Launch ‘N’ Race. These games arrive in time for fans to embrace the joy and magic that Disney has had for the last 100 years. Debuting with Something Wild! Disney Mickey Mouse Card Game – Steamboat Willie and an assortment of Pop! Puzzles inspired by fan-favorite Disney Pixar films, these fun and vibrant items give families the opportunity to experience their favorite Disney fandoms together.

Lumistella HarperCollins Elf Shelf
Licensing News
The Lumistella Company and HarperCollins Partner to Bring the Story of Santa to Bookshelves for Holiday 2023

’Tis always the season to be jolly, and with this good cheer comes the announcement of a collaboration between The Lumistella Company and HarperCollins Publishers. Starting this September, HarperCollins Children’s Books will release an exciting range of eleven The Elf on the Shelf universe-themed titles over the next five years, and William Morrow Cookbooks will publish a holiday inspired, fun-filled cookbook in fall 2024. Global rights for The Lumistella Company publishing program were sold to Rich Thomas, VP/Director, Publishing, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and global rights for The Elf on the Shelf cookbook were sold to Cassie Jones, VP/Executive Editor and Editorial Director for William Morrow Cookbooks, by Cait Hoyt at Creative Artists Agency.

Dragons Douglas
News
Douglas Welcomes More Dragons and Unicorns to Their Plush Family

Imaginative play thrives in the land of Douglas with the introduction of two new Dragons and five new Unicorns. The plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator is making dreams come true with these latest introductions. Meet Deuce the Two-Headed Dragon: he is stunning. At 10” long he’s covered in olive-gold textured fur that appears to be scale-like. He has two full magnificent heads atop one full body. Both heads sport black and gold eyes. Across his back are a set of the most impressive gold metallic wings.

Toys for Tots Literacy Program
Events News
Toys for Tots Literacy Program Celebrates National Reading Month in 2023

March is National Reading Month, and the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its commitment to helping children “Unplug and March into Reading” by placing books into the hands of less fortunate children and encouraging families to unplug from their screens and electronic devices and enjoy a book together! The Toys for Tots Literacy Program was established in 2008 as a year-round effort to offer our Nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.

Mattel Logo Fourth Quarter 2022 First 2023 Publishing Imprint third
News
Mattel to Launch Owned Publishing Imprint

Mattel’s imprint is expected to launch in the United States and Canada in 2024 and will complement content, support brand initiatives, and create new stories based on iconic Mattel franchises including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, Monster High, Polly Pocket, Barney, and more. Releases will include print books, audio books, eBooks, as well as digital content on Caribu, Mattel’s direct-to-consumer entertainment platform with a video calling feature that allows users to read books, watch videos, draw, and play games or engage in an interactive video call with friends and loved ones. Titles from Mattel’s imprint will complement programs from its best-in-class licensing partners with formats to include board books, storybooks, leveled readers, middle-grade titles, activity titles, guidebooks, and more.