NEW YORK, Jan. 21 -- Big Tent Entertainment, the licensing partner of MIFFY and FRIENDS, announced today major deals with Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Noggin, the cable network for preschoolers, among others, setting the stage for a major launch of the MIFFY and FRIENDS brand in the United States and Canada in 2003. MIFFY and FRIENDS (http://www.miffy.com), the world-renowned children's book series created by Dutch author/illustrator Dick Bruna, has captivated children with more than 80 million books sold worldwide and over 10,000 unique products available.
Beginning in February, as part of a Miffy spring extravaganza, Barnes & Noble superstores will feature a boutique of MIFFY and FRIENDS products, including 15 Miffy book titles, two Miffy plush, and Sidewalk Chalk, and an array of Miffy gift products. Beginning February 16, Barnes and Noble will offer a MIFFY and FRIENDS Note Tote for a special price of $2.95 with purchase of any two MIFFY and FRIENDS or Easter titles. Miffy costumed characters will also host new store openings and MIFFY and FRIENDS events will take place at superstores throughout the spring.
"Barnes & Noble is delighted to be the ambassador for the world-renowned MIFFY and FRIENDS," said Josalyn Moran, director of the Children's Division of Barnes & Noble. "The bright colors, cheerful rhymes, and adorable characters will entertain and inspire preschoolers around the country."
In April 2003, momentum of the Miffy brand will be extended with the launch of "Miffy and Friends," a new half-hour television series on Noggin. Using the latest in 3-D animation, "Miffy and Friends" will shine with the use of stop-motion claymation animation, enhancing Bruna's artwork without losing its simplicity. "Miffy and Friends" will premiere on Noggin this Spring and will air daily at 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (ET).
"We are thrilled that "Miffy and Friends" is coming to Noggin," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, Vice President, Programming and Production, Noggin. "This new interpretation of Bruna's classic characters is a terrific addition to Noggin's programming line-up," she added.
Big Tent, which is located in New York City, is built around a management team with extensive experience in building entertainment brands. The Big Tent team brings an eye for wholesome entertainment concepts and characters, an existing network of customer relationships, and an in-depth knowledge of consumer marketing and product development.
Mercis bv, a company based in the Netherlands, owns the copyright to MIFFY and FRIENDS and is the brand's worldwide licensor. It has over 250 licensees for Miffy worldwide, featuring over 10,000 unique products, including videos, plush, apparel, toys and accessories. Dick Bruna's books, over 100 titles translated into more than 40 languages, help young children understand the world around them with familiar story lines. For further Miffy news and information, check out: http://www.miffy.com.
