Macmillan Scores Dinosaur Roar! Publishing Rights

LONDON: Macmillan Children’s Books has picked up the global publishing rights for the preschool brand Dinosaur Roar! from Nurture Rights.

The agreement gives Macmillan Children’s Books the exclusive rights to develop and expand the classic literary property—created by Paul and Henrietta Stickland and first published in 1994—into new formats and series. The company will launch the original title in paperback in May 2016, followed by a board book edition in June and a sound board book later in the year. A range of new titles and formats will launch in 2017, including novelty and activity books.

Dinosaur Roar! is the only preschool brand to be endorsed by the Natural History Museum and all products, including the books, will feature the NHM logo. Nurture Rights has inked a deal with the NHM to develop and market Dinosaur Roar! and is working with the museum’s paleontology team to build an authentic dinosaur-themed property for kids 6 and under. This will include an online world for preschoolers, a touring dinosaur exhibition and an IMAX experience.

Stephanie Barton, Publisher 0-6, said: “I have always loved Dinosaur Roar! It is an evergreen preschool title, full of child appeal and great fun to read out loud. To have the chance to publish not only the classic book but to develop a range of new titles inspired by the original, and also to work with the Natural History Museum, is hugely exciting for us.”

Justin Morris, the director of Public Engagement at the Natural History Museum, noted: “The original Dinosaur Roar! picture book has long been a firm favorite with young visitors. This new project has the potential to reach many more preschool children, helping to inspire the next generation and perhaps a few scientists of the future.”

Nick Barrington, the managing director of Nurture Rights, added: “We are delighted to have Macmillan Children’s Books on board as our new publishing partner for Dinosaur Roar! Macmillan is one of the most respected and trusted children’s publishers in the market and we look forward to working with them on this exciting opportunity.”