LBB says it is set to be the UK’s No. 1 publisher of licensed annuals and seasonal titles for the fourth consecutive year running.

Little Brother Books has secured a strong line-up of titles for Christmas 2021. On sale from September, there will be 12 annuals in the collection, including four new titles and brands joining the LBB stable. The company is on track to sell over 1m annuals this year, with over 2,500 dedicated FSDUs secured in many major retailers in the build up to the festive season.

This year will see the launch of 2022 annuals for the popular children’s YouTube live-action character, Blippi, as well as the entertaining educational songs and nursery rhymes brand, CoComelon. Also new to LBB is the Gigantosaurus Annual 2022, the vibrant animated TV series and book franchise licensed through Riverside Brands, as well as a new Ultimate Guide to the smash hit digital game Among Us.

The other eight titles featured in the 2022 line-up include Shoot Annual 2022, L.O.L. Annual 2022, Barbie Annual 2022, World of Dinosaurs 2022 by JurassicExplorers, and Little Mix 2020 Special by PopWinners, as well as three additional Ultimate Gaming Guides – GamesWarrior’s Ultimate Guide to Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft.

Little Brother Books says it started 2021 in ‘great shape’, having retained its position as the No. 1 publisher in the sector at the end of 2020. In a year that presented multiple challenges, the company expanded its retail listings and partnerships even further, bolstered by highly visible in-store POS and displays. LBB is set to further extend its market position this year with additional exclusive retailer support and dedicated displays in high profile stores; this will take its print production beyond 1m annuals for the Christmas season alone.

Commenting on the 2022 annuals range, MD Matthew Reynolds said: “2020 was without doubt a rollercoaster but we came through it with flying colours and, unbelievably, had our most successful year to date. It meant we had to focus more than ever on new and existing retail partnerships to demonstrate that our leading products and brands were the ones to support, and will deliver much needed incremental impulse sales for 2020. I’m pleased to say that our No. 1 ranges delivered exactly what we promised. This success has given us the perfect opportunity to continue a growth trajectory for 2021. Having four exciting new titles on board with us is testament to the continued demand for annuals, which appeal to pre-school and young adults alike. We can’t wait to see them hit the market from September this year. Annuals are a very important part of Christmas stocking filler purchases and the significant volumes we and our retailers sell each year shows families love to buy them at Christmas.”