Holly Hobbie, who charmed little girls and their moms with her innocence and wholesome appeal nearly 30 years ago, has been updated to attract a whole new generation of today's kids. "Holly Hobbie & Friends" will debut Spring 2006 on a direct-to-video series to be followed by a complete line of merchandise, including toys from Mattel, later in the year.

"Holly Hobbie & Friends is a contemporary evolution of the classic brand," said Michael Brown, Vice President of Licensing for American Greetings. "The property celebrates the magic milestones of growing up in today's world while retaining the innocence and charm of the original Holly Hobbie," he said.

The announcement of a contemporary Holly Hobbie & Friends follows the re-launch of classic Holly Hobbie, the charming girl in the oversized blue chintz bonnet who brought in $1 billion in retail sales in the 1970s. Last month, American Greetings re-launched classic Holly Hobbie, featuring the original character and artwork, on a wide variety of products including collectible gifts and social expression items. Holly is already a top-seller at American Greetings and Carlton Cards stores.

American Greetings has partnered with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products to act as a licensing agent for both the classic and contemporary versions of the property.

"The timing couldn't be more perfect to launch Holly Hobbie & Friends," said Maureen Taxter, Senior Vice President, New Business Development, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We know moms will appreciate the age appropriate, wholesome nature of this brand and girls will love the engaging characters and stories," she said.

Holly Hobbie & Friends kicks off Spring 2006 with a direct-to-video series created by Nickelodeon that introduces kids to Holly and her best friends, Amy and Carrie, and their families. The girls spend summers together in the cozy town of Clover and experience all of the key milestones and joys of ten-year-old girls. Holly herself is the great, great grand-daughter of the "original" Holly Hobbie and feels a deep sense of connection to her personality and classic values. Holly even looks like her famous great, great-grandmother. She wears boots and a signature cap complete with a touch of gingham. The videos will be distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment.

Already on board is Mattel as the master toy licensee for a line of toys that will bring Holly's world to life. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing has also committed to storybooks and a coloring & activity program based on both the video series and classic Holly to launch in Fall 2006. Additionally, Meredith Books will launch two sound books based on new Holly in Fall 2006. Other categories will include music, crafts, accessories, bedding and room decor.

Classic Holly Hobbie and Holly Hobbie & Friends can be found at Nickelodeon booth #1317 at the 2005 Licensing Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, June 21st - 23rd.

About American Greetings

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world's largest creators, manufacturers and distributors of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift-wrap, party goods, candles, stationery, calendars, educational products, ornaments and electronic greetings. American Greetings is also the creator and owner of many celebrated character properties, including Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $2 billion. For more information on the Corporation, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com. Visit Holly's website at http://www.hollyhobbie.com and learn more about the classic re-launch.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, which is in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in 89 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than nine consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.