By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The global DIY plush toy producer Teddy Mountain has partnered with Encantos Media Studios to launch plush toys inspired by the pre-school series Canticos.
Canticos is a bilingual preschool series celebrating Latino culture through Spanish-language nursery rhymes like Los Pollitos and Sol Solecito. Featuring adorable characters like the Chickies—Ricky, Kiki, and Nicky—the Emmy-nominated series combines music, storytelling, and animation to promote language learning, cultural pride, and joyful connections for young audiences worldwide.
This collaboration will introduce both fully stuffed and DIY versions of Ricky, Kiki, and Nicky, and other popular characters from the Canticos universe.
“Canticos brings joy, culture, and learning to Latino families in a fun and engaging way, and fans have been demanding their plushies!” said Encantos CEO and co-founder Susie Jaramillo. “Teddy Mountain is a pioneer in innovative toys and shares our commitment to making a difference. This partnership will expand the reach and appeal of our adorable Chickies and the world of Canticos globally.”
Canticos has charmed audiences with bilingual books, interactive apps, and sing-along videos. With the new plush collection, Jaramillo says, families can bring the magic of these stories home in an interactive and engaging way.
The new plush toys are set to hit the shelves of mass-market and specialty retailers in 2025, with a wide distribution network spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, the UK, and the Emirates. Teddy Mountain will also leverage its extensive network of wholesalers to ensure Canticos plushies are accessible to fans worldwide.
Teddy Mountain, known for its commitment to designing purposeful, high-quality plush products, sees this partnership as a natural alignment of missions.
“Our company culture and shared values are centered around making a meaningful difference,” said Pat Shirkey, President of Teddy Mountain. “We are excited to partner with educational, ethical, and values-driven media companies like Encantos. Together, we can create purposeful connections, uniting families with Canticos characters that celebrate culture and learning.”
A Milestone for Teddy Mountain
The agreement with Encantos marks a significant step in Teddy Mountain’s initiative to license and distribute original intellectual property from external partners. With over 20 years of experience in franchising, retail, and wholesale distribution, Shirkey says Teddy Mountain is well-positioned to deliver these cherished characters to a global audience.
Encantos Media Studios, celebrated for its culturally inspired family brands, has been at the forefront of innovative children’s entertainment in the Latino community. Canticos, in particular, has earned accolades, including Emmy nominations and multiple Kidscreen awards, for its role in introducing young audiences to Latino culture in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
This partnership was also facilitated by Excel Branding Group. For licensing inquiries, interested parties can contact Jennifer Siegel at Excel Branding Group via excelbranding@gmail.com.