WowWee® and two children’s divisions of Penguin Random House have joined forces to create a global publishing program for the 2018 Toy of the Year: Fingerlings®.
Together, Penguin Young Readers and DK will create a library of narrative and non-fiction titles based on the bestselling children’s toy property Fingerlings®.
The publishing series will be a mixture of formats including handbooks and guides, activity and sticker books, journals, picture books and Mad Libs®. The first three titles, Fingerlings Mad Libs Junior (PYR), Fingerlings Sticker Activity Book (DK) and Fingerlings Meet the Fingerlings Reader (DK), are coming to retail shelves in August 2018, followed by an original story picture book just in time for the holidays. The deal was brokered by Striker Entertainment, the worldwide licensing agency for Fingerlings.
Francesco Sedita, President and Publisher of Penguin Young Readers licensing imprint, said: “We are so excited to be partnering with WowWee and DK to bring a fun and imaginative collection of publishing to the world of Fingerlings. We cannot wait for Fingerlings fans to get their hands on these books!”
Simon Beecroft, Publishing Director for DK’s licensing imprint said: “DK couldn’t be more excited to be working with the exceptionally talented folks at WowWee. We can’t wait to start creating some super-fun books for kids to read all about their favorite Fingerlings and discover more about their world.”
Fingerlings skyrocketed in popularity last holiday season and topped retail best-selling lists around the world! In its inaugural year, the brand won the 2018 Collectible Toy of the Year and overall Toy of the Year awards. A full range of new product, licensing lines, and entertainment program is planned for 2018 and beyond.
“The Fingerlings brand is all about feelings of friendship, fun, and fantastical experiences – right at your fingertips- and our partners at Penguin Young Readers and DK capture all these elements to share with our fans” Sydney Wiseman, Brand Manager and Creator of Fingerlings, WowWee commented. “We are super excited about our partnership and look forward to continuing to bring the world of Fingerlings to life for our beloved Fingerlings friends!”