The Point.1888 has been busy securing multiple new licensees for HarperCollins Children’s Books’ publishing brands, Mog the Forgetful Cat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
Written and illustrated by Judith Kerr, the heritage publishing properties have expanded their licensing programmes due to the continued popularity of the brands across a wide demographic.
The four newly signed for Mog include University Games (puzzles and games); Misirli (hosiery); Poetic Brands (daywear and nightwear); and Bakehouse (LBE).
The new licensees will sit alongside the existing programme which includes dress-up, prints, stamps and audio. The agency has also recently renewed with existing partner Aurora for plush.
Based on demand, the new partners are working to commence roll-out of products this year, and then into 2024 and will follow the recent success of Mog the Forgetful Cat stage show at The Old Vic in London. The launches will also be timed with the recent announcement of the first ever Mog Christmas Special Animation, launching on Channel 4 this Christmas.
For The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Point.1888 has brokered new deals with Tonies (audio) and Misirli (hosiery). The new licensees will add to the current range of products that includes dress-up, babywear, calendars, lunchware, prints and stamps. The Point 1888 has also renewed recently with Aurora for plush and University Games for puzzles and games.
2023 celebrates the centenary year of Judith Kerr’s birth, making the growth of the licensing programmes even more timely.
“We’re delighted to welcome all the new licensees to both Mog the Forgetful Cat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea licensing programmes,” commented Katie Wilkinson, head of publishing and operations at The Point.1888. “It’s such an exciting time for both properties, with live shows and new animation launching this year, the timing couldn’t be better. At the same time as we have signed new best in class partners, we are working with retail and existing licensees to maximise breadth of distribution and we have exciting developments across multiple retailers which will mean consumers will have far greater access to products from these much-loved brands.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with all partners and HarperCollins to deliver a fantastic licensing programme.”
Holly Tonks, editorial director, heritage brands at HarperCollins Children’s Books, continued: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Point.1888 on Mog the Forgetful Cat & The Tiger Who Came to Tea – two timeless classics that continue to bring joy to generations of families year on year. With celebrations of Judith’s centenary year very much at the heart of 2023, HarperCollins Children’s Books welcomes this wonderful addition to what has already been a very special year.”
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