Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug, written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck, was an instant hit when published by Chronicle Books in March 2019. Five years later, Chronicle is pairing with its corporate sibling, Galison Mudpuppy, to extend the property into the first non-book products based on the character, which debut at retail this week.
“When I started at Chronicle about a year ago, we identified Tiny T. Rex as a blockbuster in the making,” says Jody Mosley, executive publishing director for children’s publishing at Chronicle. “Tiny is so relatable and adorable. He’s the perfect stand-in for a small child, who can relate to his struggles in a world where everything is too big and he’s trying, and failing, and asking for help. He has grit and strength of character. And the art is just so cute.”
Bill Miller, Galison’s president, noted that Tiny T. Rex cover art is perfect for puzzles and other gift items. “When we look for opportunities to extend brands beyond books, it’s really rooted in the art and design,” he said. “We’ve collaborated with Jody’s team on brands like Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, and this is an opportunity to build on the success of that.”
Galison, which, like Chronicle, is part of the McEvoy Group and is co-located in Chronicle’s New York office, specializes in high-quality gifts. It markets toys, puzzles, and games for children under the Mudpuppy brand. Miller and Mosley sit next to each other in the office, making it easy to discuss potential synergies.
The first Tiny T. Rex products from Galison Mudpuppy are a 48-piece puzzle for ages three and up and a magnetic play set for ages four and up, both featuring Fleck’s cover image from the first picture book. Chronicle also has an existing relationship with Merrymakers, which offers plush including a Tiny T. Rex doll, a giant Tiny figure, a pair featuring Tiny and his friend Pointy, and a backpack pull.
Mosley noted that the non-book products give booksellers the ability to bring all the items together on a table or have products merchandised throughout the aisles. “Consumers can see Tiny’s face in different places in the store. If their child has the book and they see the puzzle, they know that’s the next thing they need. The products give the readers more ways to interact with the character.”
“From the customer point of view, a lot of it is gift-giving,” Miller added. “The book, the plush, the puzzles, and the playset make a great gift that tells the whole story.” There’s also an opportunity to expand the presence of Tiny T. Rex into special markets, Miller said, noting that he is pitching the property at the Atlanta Winter Market, a key gift-industry trade show, this week.
Meanwhile, Barnes & Noble selected Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug as its purchase-with-purchase Valentine’s promotion, running through February 14, in which consumers can buy a special edition of the book for $9.99 with the purchase of any other book. The retailer is also showcasing Tiny T. Rex on its walls of beloved characters in some stores that are opening in 2025. “We’re excited Barnes & Noble is supporting Tiny,” Mosley said. “Their enthusiasm and support really lifts the brand.”
The release of the new brand extensions will be followed by the publication of the fourth picture book, Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies, a back-to-school title with an on-sale date of July 15, 2025. Other picture books in the series include Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark (2020) and Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! (2023). There have also been two seasonal board books, Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine (2020) and Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating (2021). Three more books are planned for 2026, including a holiday title, with additional books—some in new formats and price points—under discussion for the future. More non-book products from Galison Mudpuppy are under consideration as well.
Tiny T. Rex books have collectively sold more than 750,000 copies since 2019, and Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug reached #2 on the January 19 New York Times children’s picture book bestseller list. Twelve partners are on board for foreign-language editions to date.
