Scholastic will be the exclusive U.S. publisher of TV tie-in books based on four new original series on Cartoon Network. Scholastic plans to publish books, beginning in fall 2005, targeted at young readers 4-11.
The new agreement between Scholastic and Cartoon Network includes publishing rights for CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR, targeting boys and girls 5-11; FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS, for boys and girls 4-8; HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI and THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JUNIPER LEE, targeting tween girls 7-11.
The relationship between Scholastic and the Cartoon Network began in 1999 with the publication of THE POWERPUFF GIRLS books. From 2000-2004, Scholastic published more than 100 POWERPUFF GIRLS books and has sold some 6.6 million copies in formats ranging from 8x8 storybooks to chapter books to novelty formats such as sticker books, lift-the-flaps and pop-ups.
CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR has just entered its fourth season and is ranked the #2 show on Cartoon Network, while FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS recently debuted on the network.
HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI, which debuts November 26, blends live-action and animation as it chronicles the fantastic adventures of two real-life Japanese rock stars.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JUNIPER LEE starts airing in March 2005 and tells the story of a regular 11-year-old with a secret job fighting the forces of mischief and chaos that hide everywhere.
"We are thrilled to continue our ongoing, successful partnership with the Cartoon Network," said Ellie Berger, svp, trade, Scholastic. "Given our extraordinary success with THE POWERPUFF GIRLS, it was a natural opportunity to expand our relationship, and we look forward to bringing these new original series to new fans and readers."
"Cartoon Network is excited to build our strategic partnership with Scholastic," said John Friend, svp, Cartoon Network Enterprises. "Publishing is a key category for the Cartoon Network viewer and is a critical extension of each of our shows."
Scholastic Corp. is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. Scholastic distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and on its Website, www.scholastic.com.
Cartoon Network (www.cartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 87.1 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering animated entertainment. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks.
