By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Penguin Ventures has bagged the global rights to create a consumer products program for Tom Fletcher’s bestselling Puffin picture book series, ‘Who’s in Your Book?’
Fletcher is a number-one bestseller and one of the UK’s most popular children’s authors. His debut middle-grade novel, ‘The Christmasaurus,’ was the biggest of 2016 and was shortlisted for a British Book Award.
Published by Puffin, the ‘Who’s in Your Book’ series has been a hit since its launch in 2018 with ‘There’s a Monster in Your Book.’ These mini adventures have won over toddlers and parents alike with their interactive storytelling and gentle exploration of key preschool themes like bedtime, kindness, and inclusion.
Penguin says the series, which features a cast of charming characters like Monster, Witch, Dragon, Elf, and Unicorn, is about to get a whole lot more real.
Now, fans can look forward to a dedicated ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ webshop, offering print-on-demand gifting with personalized options. Characters can now be ordered to appear on everything from apparel and homeware to stationery, gifting, and partyware.
As well, Penguin Ventures says a global roll-out of the licensing program is on the horizon, set to reach key international territories including North America, Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe.
David Sprei, Commercial Director at Penguin Ventures, says he can barely hide his excitement about the new program.
“We’re thrilled to bring Tom Fletcher’s incredibly successful ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series off the page and into the world of licensing,” Sprei said. “The characters and their imaginary worlds translate beautifully onto our carefully curated range of consumer products. We can’t wait to offer fans a new way to enjoy Tom’s remarkable stories.”
Fletcher said he’s equally excited by the upcoming launch. “It’s been amazing to hear how much the ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ characters and their adventures have meant to readers over the years,” he said. “I set out to make interactive stories where children and grown-ups use their imaginations together to breathe life into the characters. So, I couldn’t be more delighted to see those characters truly coming alive in exciting new ways!”
With 10 titles in the ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series published in 23 languages and over 2 million copies sold worldwide, Penguin says this program is just the beginning of a new chapter. A new title is coming out called, ‘There’s a Dinosaur in Your Book,’ and an upcoming novelty range launching in 2024 with ‘There’s a Little Chick in Your Book.’ Just recently the brand launched a UK-wide touring theatrical production called ‘There’s a Monster in Your Show,’ which debuted Oct. 12.
Fans can visit the official ‘Who’s In Your Book?’ webshop at www.whosinyourbook.co.uk to learn more.
Penguin Ventures is the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK. The division managed major brands, including Peter Rabbit, The Snowman, Fun With Spot, and the World of Eric Carle, among many others.
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