64-65-66-67 SOTN Preschool_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 06/01/2017 13:05 Page 65
State Of The Nation: PRESCHOOL
Jazwares Outlines Chuggington Plans Jazwares has revealed some of its plans for Chuggington in its role as global master toy licensee for the Ludorum brand. Jonny Taylor, Jazwares’ UK md, told LSB that everything about the range had been given a full refresh – from the packaging and branding through to the target age demographic which is skewed slightly younger than previously. The toys have been designed specifically with children aged two to four in mind. Above: The Chuggington There are 24 Little Chuggers in the range, various track packs and location play-sets, while range has been given a the specially designed ConnecTrax system is compatible with other train systems. The range complete refresh. will launch at Easter with a wider roll out planned for autumn/winter 2017. The TV episodes will continue on the BBC this year, while a new short-form episodic format will be premiering on a major SVOD platform in the UK as well rolling out across digital platforms globally in 2017. Jonny said: “We believe there is an opportunity within the preschool railway category to encourage collectability at low-medium price points. Our aim is to create a solid range which will deliver consistently strong sales throughout 2017. “We are working with a brand that has built up a decade’s worth of dedicated fan base. The show continues to be a CBeebies flagship brand and audience numbers remain high for every single episode.” Below: The Arty Mouse licensing programme is off to a strong start.
Trends UK Adds Thomas Mattel has welcomed Trends UK to the consumer products programme for Thomas & Friends. The deal sees the introduction of electronic learning aids from summer 2017, aiding the development of early learning, numeracy and communication skills. Above: A Smart Tablet The new range includes Thomas & is among the new Trends launches. Friends Smart Tablet, Thomas & Friends Flip-up Phone and Learn with Thomas Magnetic Fridge Toy.
Cinema Debut For Peppa
Brace For Arty Mouse The licensing programme for Top That Publishing’s Arty Mouse brand is continuing to grow, with Signature Books and Tap Tap Tales now on board. Signature Books has signed up to create personalised gift books. Three Arty Mouse titles will join its LIFE book range in 2017, with the launch planned to take place at Spring Fair in February. All titles in the LIFE range – which stands for Learning Is Fun & Educational – have been written and designed to have an educational element and also include the child’s name throughout the illustrations and on the cover. Meanwhile, Tap Tap Tales will create a range of educational apps including Silhouettes and Puzzles, Colouring, Tracing, Shapes, Words, Numbers and Positioning. Each will contain 25 exercises and will be available in seven different languages. The deals were brokered by Edutainment Licensing. Below: Peppa Pig My First Cinema Experience arrives in the UK in April.
eOne’s Peppa Pig brand is to make its big screen debut in the UK and Australia this year. Nine new episodes and an interactive sing-a-long contest will form an hour-long cinema format called Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience, specifically for preschoolers. In Australia, Peppa Pig My First Cinema Experience: Peppa’s Australian Holiday will arrive on March 16, 2017. Meanwhile, Peppa Pig My First Cinema Experience will hit the UK on April 7, 2017 leading with new episode, Peppa Visits London. The release will include special appearances from new characters including Policeman Panda voiced by David Mitchell and Mrs Crocodile voiced by Jo Brand. To coincide with the theatrical release, a collection of London and Australia themed Peppa Pig merchandise will be released at retail in spring 2017 across categories including toys, accessories and publishing. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2017
65