Licensing Hotline: October 2002

This month TokyoPop is releasing a graphic novel based on the Disney/Pixar film Monsters, Inc.... New licensees for Scholastic's I Spy include Basic Fun (key chains), Fisher Price (View-Master reels), Heyman (apparel), Mello Smello (stickers and cards), and Workman (calendars).... Scholastic's Sidekicks division acquired the rights to Franklin for plush sold through specialty stores.... Target is carrying a line of Thomas & Friends merchandise, licensed by Gullane Entertainment (which was recently purchased by HIT). Exclusive products including die-cast vehicles, apparel and footwear will join nonexclusive items such as books and computer software.... Leapfrog Enterprises, makers of interactive learn-to-read products, has added Porchlight Entertainment's Jay Jay the Jet Plane and Scholastic's Magic School Bus to its portfolio of licenses.... Candlewick Press and licensing agent RJM Licensing signed their first licensee for Guess How Much I Love You? Master apparel licensee Kushies Baby Products will sell a line of infant and toddler clothing starting in January 2003.... Scholastic will publish books tied to PBS Kids' SAGWA the Chinese Siamese Cat, based on the Amy Tan book, starting this fall.... Licensing agency Bliss House is representing The World of Roald Dahl in North America, with games, puzzles, plush and greeting cards expected on the market by next fall.... Viacom Consumer Products launched a licensing effort for the E.B. White classic Charlotte's Web, in conjunction with a new direct-to-video animated film, Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure, to be released in March 2003. A 1973 animated film based on the book has sold nearly 4.5 million videos…. DaimlerChrysler Canada will feature Franklin, licensed by Nelvana, in an activity book and poster promoting child seat safety. Kids Can Press, publisher of Franklin titles in Canada, will produce the books and posters.... An interactive Miffy exhibit opens in November at the Crayola Factory children's museum in Easton, Pa. After a 15-month stay, the exhibit will travel to other museums around the country.

Correction: The Saddle Club, the book-based TV series mentioned in Licensing Hotline (Aug. 26), airs on the Discovery Kids 24-hour digital channel, not on NBC's Discovery Kids block.