By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The Walker Books Group is developing a global licensed publishing program featuring the Rabbit character from the design studio, HAM.
The Rabbit character design can be found on ceramics, textiles, prints and stationery sold around the world and has been spotted everywhere from the Centre Pompidou in Paris to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.
“I was first introduced to Rabbit and the world of HAM way back in 2014 when, after reading many rave reviews in weekend broadsheets and the likes of Elle Decoration, I purchased Jo’s iconic skiing Rabbit card design to send as Christmas cards that year,” said Donna Cassanova, character publisher at Walker Books.
“Since then, her beautiful prints, mugs, plates, and tea towels have found their way into my home but I have always thought Rabbit showed promise as an endearing and humorous protagonist for children’s books, and so began a conversation and ultimately a fabulous collaboration with Jo,” Cassanova added.
“It is the genius of her ability to convey so much through the subtle body language of Rabbit that helps bring an immediacy, accessibility, and warmth to these first picture books. Along with the whole character team at the Walker Books Group, I am delighted to be involved in this new exciting chapter for Rabbit.”
The Rabbit character was created by Jo Ham, the founder of HAM Studio. Jo Ham is an accomplished artist who graduated from the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford, where she gained a degree in fine art with a focus in anatomy.
The licensed Rabbit character will be featured in three upcoming books: Yippee! Rabbit and Uh-Oh! Rabbit, publishing in September 2023, and Oops! Rabbit, publishing in January 2024. The hardcover books will be published primarily for children ages two to five but the simplicity and humor is designed to resonate with readers of all ages.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Jo and Rabbit to our publishing family,” Karen Lotz, president and publisher of Candlewick Press and managing director of the Walker Books Group. “The books showcase Jo’s proven design acumen and joyful artistic spirit, and Rabbit is perfectly suited to join the long list of beloved characters and brands that Walker and Candlewick have launched brilliantly.”
Founded in 1978, Walker Books is a popular independent childrens’ book publisher. The publisher is planning a coordinated international marketing and publicity campaign to launch the new line of Rabbit books.
“I’m delighted to be working with the incredible Walker and Candlewick teams,” said Ham.
“Together we have brought to life Rabbit’s story across a special series of books I can’t wait to share. They are wonderful creative partners—everyone is so passionate about what they do and understands exactly what makes Rabbit Rabbit.”
HAM Studio has developed bespoke products and artwork for global brands such as the Body Shop, created large-scale installations for public spaces, and raised funds and awareness for charity with limited-edition prints.
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