Fred Rogers Productions Taps Master Publishing Partner for Donkey Hodie

Fred Rogers Productions has appointed Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing master publishing partner for Donkey Hodie, a multiplatform puppet series for preschoolers launching early next year on PBS Kids.

Per the deal, a wide range of books inspired by the new show and the work of Fred Rogers will begin rolling out at retail in Q1 of 2022. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing’s assortment of titles for Donkey Hodie will encompass storybooks, Ready-to-Read beginning readers, board book, novelty titles, early chapter books and e-book formats.

Donkey Hodie is an imaginative puppet series that follows the adventures of the titular character—a sweet, yellow donkey with a magenta mohawk—and her pals in the land of Someplace Else. Donkey Hodie is the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The new Donkey Hodie series is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures. It is currently in production on 40 half-hour episodes and will feature new music along with reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ original songs.

Paul Siefken, president and CEO at Fred Rogers Productions, said: “We’re very excited to build on our successful relationship with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for our newest brand, Donkey Hodie. Donkey Hodie shows children that they can accomplish great things with a can-do attitude, perseverance, and a little help from their friends.”

Valerie Garfield, VP and publisher of novelty and licensed publishing for Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, said: “We’re delighted to develop books for this stunning new series and build on its timely messages about creative problem-solving and goal-setting for preschoolers beyond the screen. We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Fred Rogers Productions with another standout brand that will inspire kids and families to learn and play together.”