Publishers of children’s products will create books, puzzles and craft activities

New York, NY – May, 29 2014 – PBS KIDS will soon extend its commitment to educating and entertaining children with two new product lines. Parham Santana, The Brand Extension Agency, secured licensing deals for PBS KIDS with Mudpuppy and Downtown Bookworks, both publishers of creative children’s books and products. Downtown Bookworks' new line will include interactive board books, craft kits, and brain boosting activity books while Mudpuppy's will comprise of sticker and building sets, puzzles, finger puppets and other crafting activities.

Each product is designed to inspire and spark more wonder in a kid’s world. “We’re thrilled to have access to PBS KIDS research about how children learn, and their expertise in developing content that is both educational and fun,” says Julie Merberg, Founder and President of Downtown Bookworks. “And we’re looking forward to creating books and kits that get children exploring, creating and enjoying.

Parents will be able to choose products that foster creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking in young children. “We are very excited to partner with PBS KIDS, which shares the mission of giving children opportunities to learn and explore while having fun,” says William Miller, President of Galison/Mudpuppy. “We are starting off with a group of new titles in January 2015 with plans to release more in June.”

“It was a pleasure to work with Parham Santana to secure these new on-brand licensing opportunities and create even more avenues to further PBS KIDS’ mission,” says Dawn Ciccone, Senior Director, Brand Licensing, PBS KIDS.

Aaron Spiegeland, Vice President, Brand Strategy and Licensing, Parham Santana, says, “The best licensing partners share a common vision and mission for the products. All three of these companies—and the products they’re creating together—share a deep commitment to helping children reach their full potential.” Products from Downtown Bookworks are slated to hit retailers this fall, and the Mudpuppy line is scheduled to debut in early 2015.

ABOUT PARHAM SANTANA

Parham Santana, The Brand Extension Agency, helps national brands extend and restage in the retail world. Positioning and brand extension strategies for clients have guided long-term multi-billion-dollar retail programs for thousands of products at major national retailers in every channel of distribution – including Walmart, Kohl’s, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Parham Santana’s clients are among the world’s leading brands, including Food Network, Better Homes and Gardens, Discovery Channel, and American Girl. www.parhamsantana.com

ABOUT DOWNTOWN BOOKWORKS

Downtown Bookworks’ mission is to keep kids engaged in reading, and in the outside world; to spark their imaginations, and to encourage curiosity—with books and kits that are fun, educational, beautiful, and feel good in small hands. www.dtbwpub.com

ABOUT GALISON

Galison Publishing is a New York–based company that produces gift, stationery and toy products. It includes Galison, Mudpuppy, the children’s imprint, as well as Galison Holiday, and Galison Private Label.  Products are sold to wholesale and retail channels by Chronicle Books.  Galison products are also sold online at galison.com.  Follow Galison/Mudpuppy on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

This announcement was also featured on: LIMA, License! Global