Following the recent announcement of Netflix’s renewal of season two of the Llama Llama animated series, the momentum continues for the brand with Genius Brands finalizing a new licensing agreement with leading children’s consumer product company, Bendon Inc.
Bendon will create a line of branded coloring and activity books featuring the Llama Llama characters, which will be available at retailers in time for spring 2019.
Bendon’s new line of products will complement Penguin Young Readers assortment of bestselling Llama Llama hardcover and board books. Bendon joins Genius Brands’ growing roster of licensing partners creating product for the upcoming retail launch of the series. Those include master toy partner PhatMojo, Kids Preferred (plush), Cuddle Barn (animatronic plush toys), Prime Party (online party supplies) and Myself Designs/Myself Belts (belts).
Penguin Young Readers serves as the global publisher of the award-winning Llama Llama children’s book franchise.
“Bendon has earned its stellar reputation as the leading publisher of children’s activity and coloring books based on its innovative designs, commitment to respecting the brands of its partners and for its stalwart relationships with today’s top retailers,” said Lloyd Mintz, SVP, Global Consumer Products at Genius Brands. “
“All of us at Bendon Publishing are thrilled to be working with Genius Brands on developing an all-new line of activity and coloring books for the treasured Llama Llama series,” added Ben Ferguson, CEO, Bendon.
Based on Anna Dewdney’s best-selling and award-winning joyful Llama Llama book series from Penguin Young Readers, season one of the animated preschool series starred Jennifer Garner as Mama Llama and debuted worldwide in 20 different languages on Netflix in January 2018.
The series focuses on first childhood experiences and adventures, as well as the special connections between the lead character, Llama, his Mama and his grandparents. Llama Llama tells heart-warming tales of life in a safe, friendly town seen through the eyes of Llama as he interacts with the amazing world around him.
Llama Llama was recently greenlit by Netflix for season two with Jennifer Garner returning to voice Mama Llama, along with an all-star team of award-winning producers, including Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted, Tuck Everlasting, The Indian In The Cupboard, The Magic School Bus series), Andy Heyward (Inspector Gadget, The Real Ghostbusters, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Carmen Sandiego) and Reed Duncan.
With 20 million units in print worldwide, Dewdney’s Llama Llama books from Penguin Young Readers have all been New York Times bestsellers with several titles claiming the #1 spot, and her work has been translated into eight languages.
