Zoobies introduces its new Zoobie Pets line, the Story Time Collection, which kids and parents can snuggle up with during story time. The company has partnered with some of the most famous story time books to create the new three-in-one plush characters. The new Zoobies include Paddington from the series of books by Michael Bond, Olivia from the series of books by Ian Falconer, Mr. Happy and Little Miss Sunshine from the Mr. Men and Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves, Peter Rabbit from the storybook by Beatrix Potter, and Spot from the series by Eric Hill.

For more Fall Toy Preview coverage, pick up The Toy Book‘s September/October issue!

Chorion has announced that the first wave of Olivia consumer products will hit store shelves in the U.S. starting with back-to-school 2010.

Global master toy licensee Spin Master will support its range of Olivia preschool girls’ toys with a major TV advertising campaign and promotional in-store marketing programs. Other categories for the upcoming Olivia launch will include games, publishing, puzzles, novelty, DVDs, apparel, and accessories. Plans are in place for dedicated Olivia sections at retailers such as Toys “R” Us, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Borders. International consumer products are scheduled for a 2011 release with TV tie-in books paving the way in key markets.

Nickelodeon Home Video in the U.S. will launch a holiday DVD, Merry Christmas Olivia, on October 5. Original publisher Simon & Schuster will also release Olivia Claus, a TV tie-in holiday title, on the same day,

Chorion has also inked a deal with Hachette Jeunesse for Olivia TV tie-in books to be published in France starting this fall with more titles to follow next year.

The company also announces the appointment of Bavaria Sonor to represent the licensing and merchandising rights to the property in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Bavaria Sonor will be responsible for developing products in all licensing categories.

Catch up on last week’s news! Read The Toy Book Toy Report for 11/17/09.

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Chorion has picked Haven Licensing to be the agent for its brands Olivia, The World of Eric Carle, and Noddy. The agreement is for Australia and New Zealand. Haven is already sub-agent for Beatrix Potter in the region, and Chorion’s Mr. Men and Little Miss.

Chorion has signed a deal with TysToyBox.com to launch an Olivia shop at the e-tailer’s website for North America. TysToyBox.com will feature new Olivia products, including exclusive personalized T-shirts and DVDs based on the animated preschool series. Olivia merchandise will be available on Ty’s Toy Box shop in Canada later this year.

This month, Chorion will also launch an Olivia website, www.myolivia.com, that will feature games, printables, and information on Olivia and the show. Additionally, Simon & Schuster will produce a range of Olivia TV tie-in books that will be available starting this month. Spin Master has been named the global master toy partner for the property and will develop preschool girl’s toys, with a rollout planned for fall 2010.