Barrington, IL (October 2, 2017) – The Fred Rogers Company, the innovative and award-winning children’s entertainment company behind some of the nation’s most beloved hit series, and Out of the Blue Enterprises, its licensing agent, have tapped Cottage Door Press to develop a range of electronic sound books for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The independent publisher of high-quality children’s books will introduce a range of interactive board books featuring audio from the top-rated series for preschoolers on PBS KIDS that will begin arriving at retail in neighborhoods from coast to coast in fall 2018.
“Nurturing a child’s love of learning is a hallmark of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and a key mission of The Fred Rogers Company, and we’re delighted that our offerings will soon include electronic sound books to engage young fans of the series,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO, The Fred Rogers Company. “Cottage Door Press has done a terrific job of adapting these stories and concepts from the show in a way that captivates preschoolers and gets them excited about ‘riding along’ with these reading adventures.”
“Children and families have a deep affection for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and we’re excited to partner with companies like Cottage Door Press that look to provide additional opportunities to educate and entertain with smart, fresh and innovative content,” said Samantha Freeman, Co-Founder and President of Out of the Blue Enterprises.
The first three titles in Cottage Door Press’ upcoming Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood interactive book series – two song books and a Think & Find with Daniel title – will be available at major retailers, including bookstores, e-commerce, warehouse clubs, and specialty outlets throughout North America.
About Out of the Blue Enterprises
Out of the Blue Enterprises, the licensing agent for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, is a leader in children's educational media, with a portfolio of breakthrough, interactive and multi-platform, curriculum-based entertainment for television, video, mobile apps, and consumer products. Out of the Blue creates and produces Super WHY, the hit Emmy-nominated literacy series on PBS KIDS; Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, for The Fred Rogers Co./PBS KIDS; Wishenpoof and Creative Galaxy for Amazon Studios; and Nickelodeon's Blue's Room, and handles all licensing and merchandising activity for Super WHY and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. The company also develops top-rated mobile educational game apps, including Super WHY and Colorforms: Revolution. It acquired the Colorforms brand in 2014 and is developing it across multiple platforms, including TV, toys and mobile apps. Led by Co-Founders Angela C. Santomero, Creator of the hit preschool entertainment franchise, Blue's Clues; and Samantha Freeman, a former Nickelodeon and toy industry executive, Out of the Blue aims to engage kids and families with age-appropriate, entertaining and engaging learning experiences.
www.outoftheblueenterprises.com
About The Fred Rogers Company
The Company was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional and behavioral health and supporting parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals in their work with children. The Fred Rogers Company continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media, and engaging new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The Company’s highly-rated, award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, and Odd Squad. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org
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About Cottage Door Press, LLC
Cottage Door Press is an innovative, independent publisher of high-quality children’s books for babies and toddlers. Based in Barrington, Illinois, the company was founded on the belief that every child deserves an excellent first book experience—beginning on the day they’re born. Reading is learning is their driving philosophy, and they strive to help parents understand why reading aloud from birth is so important. For more information about Cottage Door Press and their books for babies and toddlers, visit cottagedoorpress.com.
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Licensing contact:
Kyra Halperin, VP of Licensing and Marketing
Out of the Blue, 212-764-0266 x316; Kyra@outofthebluenyc.com
Media contacts:
Grand Communications (for The Fred Rogers Co./Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
Alison GrandCottage Door Press
Melissa Tigges