Top Stories

Mattel has entered into an agreement with Simon & Schuster, which will handle sales and distribution of the new Mattel Press imprint and the American Girl Publishing imprint in the U.S. and Canada.

Among a series of announcements from Disney Branded Television and Disney Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is news of a greenlight for Disney Junior’s Ariel, an animated musical show for preschoolers inspired by The Little Mermaid.

Genius Brands International is changing its name to Kartoon Studios.

Toon2Tango is highlighting Monster Loving Maniacs, a 2D comedy that follows monster-hunting kids who secretly love the paranormal creatures.

The preschool series Beardy Bodo leads the offering from Riki Group, currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The June period is dedicated to MIFA/Annecy for MIAM! animation.

The BBC Studios Kids & Family preschool animation Supertato is based on the books by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

Irish animation studio Kavaleer Productions has hired producers Alan Keane and Geraldine Weber to aid in its growth phase.

Dandelooo’s partner studio, Ooolala, is in full production on the preschool animation Billy the Cowboy Hamster for France Télévisions and the serialized series The Upside Down River for Canal+.

Magic Light Pictures’ Pip and Posy, based on books by writer Camilla Reid and illustrator Axel Scheffler, follows friends whose lives revolve around play.