By Andrea Hernandez and Sadhana Bharanidharan

Ladybird

The kids publishing imprint has partnered with British toyco Toikido to release a series of books based on its Piñata Smashlings IP. The first title out of the gate will be Piñata Smashlings Collector’s Guide, launching at retail in November. Inspired by the paper-mache party game, Toikido’s toy brand features figures (based on real and fantastical animals) that contain smaller mini-figures called Smashlings. A Piñata Smashlings Roblox game is slated to roll out this summer, followed by a much wider toy range in the fall.

Guru Studio 

LA’s Future Today is launching a 24-hour True and the Rainbow Kingdom FAST channel in the US that will feature full episodes, season specials, songs, music videos and other short-form content from Guru’s CG-animated preschool series. True and the Rainbow Kingdom (pictured, 35 x 22 minutes) streams on Netflix worldwide, as well as airing on CBC Kids (Canada), Tiny Pop (UK), Gloob (Brazil) and Clan TV (Spain). 

Boat Rocker

Dino Ranch is stampeding into some new licensing deals in the US, Canada and LatAm. Joining the brand’s growing partner roster are The Canadian Group (puzzles, hand puppets), Treasures Gifted (party goods), Sakar International (wheeled items), Phoenix International Publications (books), Hybrid (apparel), Toy Factory (plush) and Little Kids (toys). Dino Ranch (104 x 11 minutes) premiered in 2021 on Disney Junior and CBC Canada, and has sold into more than 160 countries since. Its third season is due out this fall on Disney Junior.