Hasbro has signed its first adult book license for its Playskool brand, inking a deal with Sourcebooks to develop a series of parenting guides for women. A total of 20 titles are planned for the line, which will kick off next spring with four books followed by another two to four guides in the fall. The titles will cover topics ranging from breast-feeding to potty training and will be priced between $7.95 and $12.95.
Tom Klusaritz, v-p of licensing and retail development for Hasbro, said company research shows that the Playskool brand "really resonates with young moms." He sees the book deal as another way the company "can introduce ourselves to first-time mothers. It will broaden the appeal of the Playskool brand."
Sourcebooks will handle all editorial and sales and marketing, although both Klusaritz and Sourcebooks president Dominique Raccah said Hasbro will help promote the line in nonbookstore markets. Sourcebooks will produce both trade paperback and mass market editions of the books, with the latter format aimed at grocery stores and mass merchandisers.
