LICENSING NEWS

Coolabi secures licensing rights for Giraffes Can’t Dance

Published on: 4th October 2019

Written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, Giraffes Can’t Dance celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Coolabi Licensing has announced that it has secured the global licensing rights for the much-loved classic children’s picture book Giraffes Can’t Dance. Published by Orchard Books, part of the Hachette Children’s Group, the book has been translated into 34 languages, selling over 10m copies worldwide. Giraffes Can’t Dance promotes self-esteem in young children by championing the important and universal message of acceptance and self-belief.

Coolabi Licensing plans to build an extensive licensing portfolio across core categories, driven by plush, apparel, games and puzzles.

Allison Watkins, director of consumer products and TV distribution at Coolabi Group, commented: “Giraffes Can’t Dance is such a beloved book all over the world and remains one of the best-selling picture books of the last 20 years. I am delighted that Coolabi Licensing has the opportunity to extend this wonderful book in to merchandise for the very first time. The beautiful colour palette and wonderful characters created by Giles and Guy will work across all product to delight boys and girls across the world.’’

Karen Lawler, head of licensed content at Hachettte Children’s Group, added: “There is a reason Giraffes Can’t Dance has been a perennial bestseller for 20 years. Giles Andreae’s text is a fun, funny celebration of acceptance, with gorgeous, jubilant illustrations from Guy Parker-Rees. Those same elements are sure to make its merchandise a huge hit. Coolabi is a brilliant partner and we can’t wait to see Giraffes Can’t Dance products on the shelf.”

The news follows the recent announcement of the new Giraffes Can’t Dance stage adaptation for Christmas. The Made at Curve production will run in the Curve Rose Theatre in Leicester from 9th to 29th December this year and will be produced in association with Hachette Children’s Group and Coolabi Group.

On top of Giraffes Can’t Dance, Coolabi Group own certain rights for a large number of Giles Andreae’s children’s books, including the much-loved Rumble in the Jungle, Commotion in the Ocean, Farmyard Hullabaloo, There’s A House Inside My Mummy and The Lion Who Wanted to Love, plus many more.

RECENT ARTICLES

Easter treats … it’s the Easter Blog!

INDX Toy & Gift announces heritage theme for 2024 event

L.O.L. Surprise! has ‘smashing’ results with new campaign

Topps unveils giant Andy Robertson trading card mosaic

Hasbro Women Innovators of Play returns

International Day of Play to champion children’s right to play

Hot Wheels unveils Autism-friendly die cast car

Cobi sponsors We Have Ways Fest 2024

Pip and Posy come to life at Bandai Namco Cross Store

Ravensburger to distribute Othello