DIC & Penguin Reach 4 Million Unit Mark With Strawberry Shortcake
DIC Consumer Products and publishing powerhouse Penguin Group have reached the four million books sold mark from 15 STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE titles published in the U.S. in 2003.
In 2003, the top selling STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE titles included MEET STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE (more than 500,000 units), IT'S A STRAWBERRY WORLD sticker story book (more than 400,000 units) and the scratch & sniff THE BERRYLICIOUS BAKE-OFF (more than 400,000 units). Penguin and DIC have 14 new titles slated for release in 2004 such as THE EASTER BONNET PARADE (January release), SPRING FOR STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE (January release), STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE GOES CAMPING (February release), WHAT'S BAKING, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE (April release) and STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE'S MAGNETIC PLAY BOOK (April release). Since the successful relaunch of STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE last year, the brand has exceeded expectations with retail sales generating more than $200 million across all categories, including publishing, toys, apparel, home video and more.
Nancy Bassett, svp, DIC Consumer Products, said, "The Penguin Group has done a phenomenal job this year in publishing the all new STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE titles, and we are thrilled to share in the tremendous success. We anticipate equaled success with the new titles in 2004 as the brand continues to build momentum."
Debra Dorfman, president/ publisher, Grosset & Dunlap/Price Stern Sloan (a Division of the Penguin Group), added, "STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE is a breakout title in its category this year and shows no signs of slowing down. Penguin is excited to deliver these quality books from a renowned brand that is on the fast track to becoming a classic children's title and a staple in young girl's libraries."
DIC Entertainment is a leading children's entertainment company with more than 3,000 half-hours of programming in its library. DIC is a full service studio with production, development, distribution, home video, marketing and licensing departments. For more information, visit www.dicentertainment.com.
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the leading member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Plume, Puffin, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. For more information, visit www.penguinputnam.com.