New York,
NY (February
10,
2006) --
The
Clifford The Big Red Dog merchandising program just got a whole lot bigger by reaching out to the brand’s littlest fans. At this year’s Toy Fair, Scholastic Media (SM), a global leader in children’s media and entertainment, unveils its
Grow With Clifford program to partners for the first time. The evergreen character, a children’s favorite for more than 40 years, is now branching out to the infant and toddler market for the first time. The
Grow With Clifford initiative will augment Scholastic Media’s line-up for the
Clifford The Big Red Dog merchandising program.
“Clifford is a property with undeniable appeal to over four generations. Based on proprietary research, we know that Clifford appeals not only to 2-5 year olds but to infants and toddlers and their parents as well. That’s why we created the
Grow With Clifford brand extension. We are actively seeking partners for the infant and toddler market and expect this to be a great extension to the consumer products brand plan,” said Leslye Schaefer, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Products, Scholastic Media.
Grow With Clifford emphasizes all of the wonderful ways that children can grow with their favorite canine. Marketing support will reinforce the idea that Clifford is the brand of choice for healthy growth and development.
In addition to the
Grow With Clifford program, Scholastic Media will continue to build the
Clifford the Big Red Dog merchandising program. Current toy partners exhibiting at the show include:
TOYS& GIFTS
American Plastics (B)
Fisher-Price (B)
Galison/MuddyPuppy (B)
Jakks Pacific (B)
Leapfrog (B)
Pamela Drake, Inc. (B)
Rubie’s Costume Company (B, P)
Small World Toys (B, P)
Sidekicks (B, P)
Warren Industries (B, P)
*B=Clifford the Big Red Dog, P = Puppy Days
About
Clifford The Big Red D og
Clifford The Big Red Dog is a “bone”afide children’s literary classic. Written by Norman Bridwell and first published by Scholastic in 1963, there are now more than 115 million Clifford books in print. In fall 2000, everyone’s favorite BIG red dog made his TV debut on PBS KIDS and the animated series rapidly became one of today’s biggest hits. The top-rated show has received numerous accolades, most notably multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations and the Humanitas Prize in the children’s animation category for a groundbreaking episode about disabilities. A spin-off chronicling Clifford's "puppyhood,"
Clifford’s Puppy Days, premiered on PBS KIDS in fall 2003, and garnered its first Emmy Award in 2005 for Henry Winkler’s performance as Norville, Clifford’s city bird friend.
Clifford’s Puppy Days has also been recognized with a Parents’ Choice Approved Seal. In 2004, Clifford jumped to the big screen in his first theatrical release,
Clifford’s Really Big Movie. There is also a Clifford LIVE! tour giving performances all over the country as well as a traveling museum exhibit,
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog, that is currently at The Magic House in St. Louis through May 14, 2006. Clifford’s two web pages on scholastic.com/clifford and on pbskids.org combined receive more than 18 million page views monthly.
About Scholastic Media
Scholastic Media (SM) is the entertainment and media division of Scholastic Inc, the global children's publishing 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.
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.