Rocket Licensing has sealed a deal that brings Acamar Films’ Bing to the Nursery Times and Crinkly Comics sensory cloth book publishing brands.
Rocket manages the Bing licensing campaign in the U.K. and Ireland. The four launch issues will include two Nursery Times newspapers based on the Bing episodes Frog and Smoothie, while two Crinkly Comics (Bing: At Home and Bing: Matching Colours) will introduce first words to young children. The retail launch is set for August.
The Crinkly range is distributed in the U.K. and internationally via Dynamic Distribution. The new Bing titles will be available in Waterstones, independent bookshops, toy shops, baby boutiques, gift shops, baby play cafes, museums, galleries and zoos, as well as online retailers.
Jo Joof and Nicola Moore are the publishers and founders of Nursery Times and Crinkly Comics. They noted: “Bing is the perfect match for us. We are sure fans of the crinkly format will adore these publications, and we are looking forward to adding more titles to the range.”
Heather Crossley, publishing director at Acamar Films, added: “In this National Year of Reading, our partnership with Jo and Nic feels especially meaningful, as these first cloth formats help to nurture early reading habits among very young children. This innovative, award-winning format is an exciting addition to our Bing publishing portfolio.”
Joanna Massive, director of Dynamic Distribution, added: “By combining Bing’s much-loved early life lessons with Jo and Nic’s signature bold artwork and storytelling, these titles support early learning through an engaging sensory experience and unique format. And, of course, Bing’s global popularity among preschoolers means this fun collaboration offers exceptional widespread market appeal”.
Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director of Rocket Licensing, added: “The themes in Bing really chime with the Crinkly Newspaper and Comic formats and focus. This is a perfect partnership.”
