Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the iconic Care Bears™ brand, is significantly accelerating its publishing program through a major global expansion.
The company has secured partnerships with industry leaders including HarperCollins, Scholastic, Running Press, and Penguin Random House.
In collaboration with existing partners, the expanded program covers a wide array of categories: children’s books, gift products, lifestyle, creative arts, magazines, and collector formats. As the brand continues to grow beyond traditional entertainment, publishing has become a vital platform for exploring new facets of the IP, specifically focusing on social-emotional learning and the magical world of Care-a-Lot.
Katie Wilkinson, Licensing Lead, Publishing at Cloudco Entertainment, said:
“Care Bears has been cherished by fans for nearly 45 years, and the growth we’re seeing in publishing demonstrates the incredible potential the brand holds today”
The expansion reaches key global markets with innovative formats:
HarperCollins Publishers: Appointed as the global publisher for English-language children’s books. Launching in 2026 with Colors of Caring Coloring Book and A Hug & Seek Book. In 2027, they will release History of the Care Bears to mark the brand’s 45th anniversary.
Scholastic Australia: Acquired rights for Australia and New Zealand, with the first titles having debuted in late 2025.
Running Press (Hachette Book Group): Focusing on celebratory and gift books. Care Bears Baby Book: My First Three Years is set for a June 2026 release, alongside an Official Character Guide.
Penguin Random House UK: Targeting the growing emotional awareness segment with coloring books for teens and “kidults.” The Little Book of Friendship is scheduled for late 2026.
Scholastic US: A strategic collaboration to bring the brand to school book fairs and clubs, ensuring high visibility among families.
Search Press: Entering the creative lifestyle sector in 2027 with Care Bears Granny Squares (DIY and crochet), followed by more lifestyle formats.
Care Bears is strengthening its local footprint with Hachette in France, Schwager & Steinlein Verlag in Germany, and Dressler Dublin in Poland. Beyond traditional books, the brand is expanding into magazines, comics, and collectibles through deals with Luppa Solutions (Europe and Latin America), Kennedy Publishing, Panini UK, and Practical Publishing.
Cloudco Entertainment will be attending both the London Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. To discuss collaboration opportunities with the Care Bears’ Italian agents, interested parties can contact: francescam@mdistefanolicensing.com.
