Publishers and entertainment brands continue to embrace e-books and digital reading via several recent alliances:
Sesame Street teams with Random House Children’s Books to introduce a digital publishing initiative focused on early learning and reading. The 21 titles to be introduced by spring 2012 include Big Bird Says and Get Moving With Grover. The two companies have a longstanding relationship publishing traditional titles.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment signs a multi-year licensing deal with digital media company Ruckus Media Group to publish digital books based on SeaWorld’s animals, attractions, and conservation efforts. The deal commences with three interactive storybooks aimed at kids 3-8 that teach them about killer whales, penguins, and sharks via photos, video, and audio content. Initially the books will be available for Apple mobile devices in spring 2012; additio
nal digital and mobile platforms will be added later.
The Wiggles also signs a deal with Ruckus Media Group for interactive storybooks featuring Wiggles music, videos, and educational activities. The first titles debut in April, initially for Apple devices, followed by Android-compatible books later in the year.
Sources: Sesame Workshop, Jennifer Perry, VP Worldwide Publishing, One Lincoln Plz., New York, NY 10023; 212-595-3456; jennifer.perry@sesameworkshop.org; www.sesameworkshop.org.
Random House/Golden Books Young Readers Group, Kate Klimo, VP/Publisher, 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019; 212-782-8601; kklimo@randomhouse.com; www.randomhouse. com.
Ruckus Media Group, Lynn Smith, Director Business Development, 372 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897; 203-939-1409; lynn@ruckusmediagroup.com; www.ruckusmediagroup.com.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Becca Bides, 7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando, FL 32821; 407-226-5256; becca.bides@seaworld.com; www.seaworld.com.
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