With a mission to provide a platform to uplift, promote and remind children of color how unique, divine and magical they truly are, Afro Unicorn entrepreneur, innovator & founder April Showers has announced the expansion of her lifestyle brand for kids (ages 2 – 12), with new licensing partners signed and a retail launch planned this year.
Families across the US are invited to participate in the Spirograph National Art Contest for the opportunity to have their Spirograph art featured at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York! Using the simple magic of pens, gears and paper, artists four and older are encouraged to create a unique design with any Spirograph product and add their own personal flair with color or added materials.
In yet another breakthrough, Fun in Motion Toys has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Rhino Records to produce a collection of Shashibo mystical magnetic puzzle cubes featuring the iconic artwork of the Grateful Dead.
Kids looking to boost their math skills have an assist from the NBA Math Hoops App by Learn Fresh. The free app is available for iOS and Android devices and leverages a simple yet engaging game design to help students in grades 3-8 master the basics of arithmetic using real NBA and WNBA player statistics. Kids draft a team of NBA and WNBA players and compete to score points by solving a series of math problems. Users can play in Quick Play mode or join a league with other users!
Founded by tech innovator and visionary entrepreneur Terri-Nichelle Bradley, Brown Toy Box is on a mission to inspire children from all backgrounds that they can be successful in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) careers. After participating in the ESEA conference this month, Brown Toy Box announced a new partnership with education nonprofit DonorsChoose. Brown Toy Box also announced that the company plans to expand its in-school educational offering with the goal of reaching 100,000 students in 2022. Brown Toy Box fosters inspiration in Black and Brown children so that they can see themselves pursuing STEAM career pathways.
Bulldog Licensing’s latest partner to celebrate the Care Bears 40th anniversary by joining the consumer products program, is luxury knitwear label, Chinti & Parker.
Basic Fun!, a leading global producer of toy and consumer products and master toy licensee for TONKA, is launching a year-long celebration for the beloved brand’s 75th Anniversary. Superstar Shaquille O’Neal will kick-off the “Together, We Tonka” campaign with a photo contest, followed by a call-to-action to take a screen-free summer “Tonka Playcation.” The introduction of an exciting collection of new yet nostalgic TONKA vehicles will also honor the brand’s legacy. Licensed by global play and entertainment company, Hasbro, Inc., TONKA has been the standard for high-quality, imagination-powered toy vehicles since 1947 and a rite-of-passage for generations.
The global gaming phenomenon Cuphead is building upon its successful international presence with new and exciting products and partners tied to Netflix’s The Cuphead Show!, which debuted on February 18. Since launch, The Cuphead Show! has made the Top 10 Kids list in 90+ countries. Studio MDHR’s eight-time platinum-selling video game, Cuphead, has been a global sensation since its 2017 release and is continuing the momentum with new licensing partners across a wide range of product categories tied both to the new Netflix series and the classic video game, including publishing, apparel, home decor and novelties. Cuphead is represented for licensing and entertainment by King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters.
Boss Fight Studio, creator of fan favorite action figures, has acquired the license to develop action figures based on WildBrain’s Classic Strawberry Shortcake character and her friends. The deal, brokered by FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management and WildBrain CPLG, is the latest addition to a diverse array of iconic brands for Boss Fight Studio.