Nelvana announced a slate of new global licensing partnerships across its portfolio of beloved legacy brands, reinforcing the continued cultural relevance and commercial strength of nostalgia-driven properties.

The newly signed agreements span apparel, accessories, home décor and specialty crafts, bringing fresh consumer products to market inspired by iconic series including Babar (co-licensed with The Clifford Ross Company), Max & Ruby, Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear, Pippi Longstocking and Franklin the Turtle.

Timed ahead of Licensing Expo 2026, the announcement highlights Nelvana’s strategic focus on expanding its consumer products footprint through high-quality, design-forward collaborations that resonate with both nostalgic adult audiences and new generations of fans.

The new licensing agreements include:

• Undiz, which launched a Babar-inspired apparel collection in March in France
• Retrokid released adult apparel collections featuring Max & Ruby, Pippi Longstocking, Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear and Franklin the Turtle in April across North America
• Rowing Blazers, which released a Babar capsule collection in spring 2026
• Aykroyds & Sons, developing Babar apparel for retail distribution in 2026
• Trevco, producing print-on-demand Max & Ruby, Pippi Longstocking, and Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear apparel and accessories in 2026
• Ploom Baby, launching Max & Ruby, Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear and Franklin the Turtle sleepwear and loungewear collections in 2026
• Little Van Gogh’s, launching a Babar wall art collection in the second quarter of 2026
• Penny Linn, introducing Babar, Max & Ruby, Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear and Franklin the Turtle needlepoint canvases and accessories in 2027

Carly Slack, Director, Global Licensing, Retail & Marketing at Nelvana, said:

“These partnerships reflect the enduring emotional connection audiences have with Nelvana’s classic brands. By collaborating with best-in-class partners across fashion, lifestyle and specialty categories, we’re creating meaningful, high-quality products that allow fans to rediscover the stories they grew up with in new and relevant ways.”

Steve Gaskin, Founder and CEO of Retrokid, added: “These Nelvana properties are a huge part of many childhoods—including my own. Translating that nostalgia into apparel gives fans a tangible way to reconnect with those memories while keeping things fresh and current.”

Robyn Cowling, Head of Licensing at Aykroyds & Sons, said: “Babar is a timeless brand with strong recognition and multi generational appeal. We’re so excited to introduce collections that respect its legacy whilst also appealing to today’s global retail landscape. The design team is doing an amazing job across several departments and we can’t wait for the Babar collections to be out!”

The partnerships span North America and Europe, with product rollouts planned throughout 2026 and into 2027. The deals reinforce Nelvana’s commitment to growing its licensing business through strategic collaborations that blend heritage IP with contemporary design, sustainability and retail innovation.

As demand for nostalgia-driven products continues to rise, Nelvana remains focused on unlocking new commercial opportunities for its library while maintaining the integrity and storytelling legacy of its brands.

For more information on licensing opportunities, please contact info@nelvana.com.