Simon & Schuster to Release Teletubbies Books

HALIFAX: DHX Brands is partnering with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for a series of books based on the brand-new Teletubbies.

The deal, brokered by CPLG North America, will see Teletubbies books released in the U.S. and Canada under the Simon Spotlight imprint. The range will include story, board and novelty books, beginning next year. The new iteration of the much-loved preschool brand is airing on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and Family Jr. in Canada.

“Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is a perfect licensee for Teletubbies, with a strong presence in North America and a fantastic reputation,” said Tom Roe, commercial director at DHX Brands. “Books are a significant segment of preschool consumer products and we’re excited to work with one of the world’s leading publishers on high-quality innovative products as a core component of the Teletubbies offering. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing joins a growing, world-class team of Teletubbies licensees as we continue to roll out this iconic brand worldwide.”

“The original Teletubbies show was a phenomenal hit that made Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po and Tinky Winky instantly recognizable,” added Valerie Garfield, VP and publisher of novelty and licensed publishing at Simon Spotlight. “Their colorful, charming and just-right age-appropriate stories make them ideal entertainment for the preschool audience and, with the new series now airing in North America, we knew that the time was right to bring the brand back with a new series of books. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with DHX Brands and helping to have a whole new generation say ‘Eh Oh!’”

Other licensees include Spin Master for toys, Accessory Innovations for bags and backpacks, SG Company for footwear and VTech for ELAs. More than 65 licensing deals have been signed for the new Teletubbies worldwide.