Sesame Street Lands Running Press Publishing Deal

NEW YORK: Sesame Workshop and Running Press are teaming up to bring classic Sesame Street characters and stories to fans through a range of publishing formats.

The agreement covers new editions and packages, including six deluxe storybook and treasury collections, four titles in Running Press’s exclusive mini-kit format and more. This fall, Running Press will launch A Very Elmo Christmas, a special slip-cased edition of two popular Elmo stories that includes holiday stickers and a Christmas countdown poster.

In 2017, Running Press will roll out the Goodnight Elmo Kit, featuring an Elmo nightlight and mini storybook. New releases will continue throughout the year, with Sesame Street I Can Do It!: A Treasury of Stories coming out in April and a brand-new picture book making a fall 2017 debut. The deal also includes an inspirational book for adults.

“Running Press has embraced a very thoughtful approach presenting our favorite furry friends in unique book formats,” said Jennifer A. Perry, the VP and publisher for North America media products at Sesame Workshop. “We look forward to expanding on our partnership and creating meaningful new Sesame Street content for families to enjoy and learn from together.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Sesame Street on such a robust publishing program,” added Running Press Publisher Kristin Kiser, who negotiated the deal. “With Sesame Street’s superb brand recognition and unique relationship with generations of parents, we are confident that our beautifully designed books and innovative mini kits will find a huge audience of fans who will delight in seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters in such engaging formats.”