38-39 SOTN Preschool.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 16/09/2020 13:17 Page 38
Below: Baby Shark dives from YouTube onto Nick Jr. in 2021.
STATE OF THE NATION: PRESCHOOL & NURSERY
Tot Stars The preschool category has seen a raft of innovation and key reveals over the summer months – from toy success and new signings, through to apparel collaborations. LSB rounds up some of what’s been happening.
Wow Stuff revs up Wow Stuff has turned its attention to the preschool space, gearing up for the launch of its Peppa Pig Clever Car. Arriving in Europe in October – followed by a US launch in spring 2021 – the product includes obstacle avoidance technology which it employs when it detects anything in front of it (such as a cushion, chair leg or other household fixtures), causing it to veer around it, while beeping its horn. Before setting off the child is challenged with matching the colour of the characters to the colour of the car seats, as well as ensuring Mummy or Daddy Pig is in the driving seat. It also comes with Peppa and George characters. “We’re thrilled to be working on the toddler-tech category and bringing real innovation to preschoolers in one of the most iconic Peppa Pig play activities,” said Kenny McAndrew, co-founder and head of licensing at Wow Stuff.
Above: The Peppa Pig Clever Car arrives in Europe this October.
Sambro swims with Baby Shark Sambro has secured a deal with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and Pinkfong to create a new range of arts and crafts, novelty and outdoor products for the Baby Shark brand. The range will include painting sets, doughs and inflatable play products and will hit retail shelves in spring 2021. “We are delighted to be continuing our long running partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and are excited to be diving into the exciting world of Baby Shark,” said Tony Hicks, ceo at Sambro. Venetia Davie, vp consumer products UK at ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “In 2021 Baby Shark dives from YouTube onto Nick Jr. with Baby Shark’s Big Show, a new animated series featuring an array of new characters, a humorous script and songs that are just as catchy as the original. “We are thrilled to be working with Sambro and Pinkfong to expand the world of Baby Shark and create innovative new products that will be hitting homes, gardens, swimming pools and the great outdoors early next year.”
Jazwares adds CoComelon Moonbug and Jazwares have teamed up for the launch of a toy line inspired by the musical and educational 3D animated video series, CoComelon. Available on Netflix and YouTube, CoComelon is the number one mostwatched channel on YouTube with over 3.5 billion monthly views. Due to high demand, Jazwares is working with retailers to replenish stock so more parents can access the products. The line includes a wide array of categories such as plush, vehicles, figurines and role-play. Key items include the Musical Yellow School Bus (which comes with a JJ figure), Musical Bedtime JJ Doll, Musical Doctor Checkup Set and Family and Friends Six Pack of characters.
38
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
Above: The Musical Yellow School Bus is a key item in the Jazwares range.