DHX BRANDS AND PENGUIN YOUNG READERS TEAM UP FOR ELLA THE ELEPHANT PUBLISHING PROGRAM

Ella the Elephants first book series will launch in Fall 2015 

Halifax, NS – December 18, 2014 – DHX Brands, the brand management and consumer products arm of DHX Media, has tapped Penguin Young Readers to develop a publishing program in the U.S. and Canada based on the preschool series, Ella the Elephant.  The deal has been signed through DHX’s owned licensing agency Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG), which represents DHX Brands.

Penguin is planning a full publishing program that will include 8×8 storybooks, board books and sticker books, as well as e-books with enhanced read-to-me functions.  The publishing program is expected to hit retail in Fall, 2015.

Ella the Elephant, the breakout animated preschool series that premiered on Disney Channel and Disney Junior US in February, 2014, is an animated preschool series about an adventurous elephant and her magic hat.  The series is produced by DHX Media (Caillou,Teletubbies, Yo Gabba Gabba!), a leading international producer and distributor of globally recognized children’s entertainment, in association with Canada’s TVO Kids and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment.

Francesco Sedita, President and Publisher of Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, said, “Ella started in books, so we’re thrilled to bring this adorable little elephant and her adventures back to her roots in formats that many young readers will enjoy.”

Ted Larkins, SVP/General Manager, CPLG North America, comments:  “Extending the vibrant world of Ella the Elephant through a new publishing program with Penguin Young Readers is a natural next step for this brand.  Ella began as a beautiful book series and now fans can join Ella and her friends on many adventures through an exceptional publishing platform that reinforces great storytelling.” 

For more information, please contact:

Monique Levine  at DDA Blueprint PR for DHX Media +44 (0) 20 7932 9825 or monique@ddablueprint.com

About DHX Brands
DHX Brands is the dedicated brand management and licensing arm of DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B) (www.dhxmedia.com), a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. DHX Brands specializes in creating, building and maintaining high-profile global entertainment brands within the children’s and young-adult markets. With expertise in brand development, licensing, marketing and creative, we develop brands which captivate and inspire through engaging content, first-class distribution, quality consumer products, immersive live experiences, and digital media. DHX Brands’ world-class portfolio includes Teletubbies, Twirlywoos, In the Night Garden,Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Ella the Elephant, Johnny Test, Inspector Gadget, and more. DHX Brands has offices in London, Toronto and Los Angeles.

About CPLG
CPLG (www.cplg.com) is one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies with offices in the UK, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US. Owned by DHX Media (www.dhxmedia.com) a leader in the creation, production and licensing of family entertainment rights, CPLG has more than 40 years of experience in the licensing industry as one of the original full service licensing agencies.

Penguin Young Readers is one of the leading children’s book publishers in the United States. The company owns a wide range of imprints and trademarks including Dial Books, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Philomel, Puffin, Speak, Firebird, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Viking, Razorbill, and Frederick Warne. These imprints are home to such award-winning, New York Times- bestselling authors as, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jay Asher, Judy Blume, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Ally Condie, Roald Dahl, Tomie dePaola, Sarah Dessen, Anna Dewdney, John Flanagan, John Green, Anthony Horowitz, Oliver Jeffers, Mike Lupica, Richelle Mead, Richard Peck, Patricia Polacco, and dozens of other popular authors. Penguin Young Readers Group is also the proud publisher of perennial brand franchises such as The Little Engine That Could, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, Peter Rabbit, Spot, the Classic Winnie the Pooh, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Strega Nona, Madeline, Mad Libs, Alex Rider, the Rangers Apprentice, Skippyjon Jones, Flower Fairies, and Pippi Longstocking, among many others. Penguin Young Readers Group is a division of Penguin Group LLC, a Penguin Random House company.