New York, NY (October 24, 2006) -- Based on the books by Dav Pilkey, best-selling author of the "Captain Underpants" series, the Dragon television series made its U.S. broadcast premiere on qubo this September.  Scholastic Media, a partner in the qubo venture, today announced the launch of a comprehensive licensing and merchandising treatment for Dragon as it looks to bring the property to market.  The new show for pre-school children airs on the qubo programming block on NBC, Telemundo, and ION’s i network, and follows the humorous exploits of a loveable blue dragon named … Dragon --- and his memorable band of friends. The company will be seeking partners in the following categories:  Apparel and Accessories, Footwear, Toys and Games, Domestics and Home Furnishings, Infant Products, Gifts and Novelties, Interactive and Videogames, Stationery and Paper Goods, Health and Beauty Aids, Food and Beverage, Promotions, Music, Home Video and ELA and ELT.
 
“Dragon is an adorable series that comes from the great mind of Dav Pilkey who has proven himself a master creator of children’s content,” said Leslye Schaefer, SVP of Marketing and Consumer Products for Scholastic Media.  “The television program is already broadcast in 20 countries worldwide, serving as a testament to its appeal, and we think it will translate fabulously into product.”
 
The merchandising program will reach out to the show’s preschool audience by incorporating its endearing characters Dragon, Ostrich, Cat, Alligator, Beaver and MailMouse into fun and engaging products.  Scholastic Media will look to kick-off sales for the merchandising campaign at Toy Fair and is currently interested in exploring the program at all retail tiers. 
 
Dragon is a stop-motion preschool series about an endearing blue dragon who views life from a slightly different – and incredibly humorous -- angle. Set in a colorful world, each episode follows Dragon and his menagerie of animal pals as they explore themes identifiable to children: friendship, being afraid and trying new things. As Dragon playfully skips through his day, his learning moments and problem-solving strategies are later underscored at the end of each episode. 
 
Dragon airs as part of the qubo programming block Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM on NBC, Friday afternoons at 3:30 PM on i Network, and Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM on Telemundo.  Visit Dragon online at www.dragonandhisfriends.com.  The series is co-produced by Cité-Amérique (Canada), scopas medien (Germany) and Image Plus (South Korea).
 
About Scholastic Media
Scholastic Media (SM) is the entertainment and media division of Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education, and media company. A proven leader and innovator in the children's entertainment landscape and award-winning licensor and marketer of children's properties worldwide, SM ranks as one of the foremost producers of quality, family-oriented content for all platforms including television programming, feature films, home entertainment, interactive, and the Internet. Scholastic recently announced that it was a co-creator of the new multi-platform qubo network for children, which promotes literacy and positive values through entertainment.  Provided by Scholastic, Dragon is the new pre-school series airing on qubo.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys.  The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.
 

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