Build-A-Bear is entering the world of books in an imprint deal with Macmillan Publishing division Odd Dot.
The partnership plans to create a variety of books that will bring Build-A-Bear characters to kids in a new format. The planned releases include board books, picture books, chapter books, sticker books, and activity books. Properties that will be featured in the stories include the Build-A-Bear line Honey Girls, currently a live-action film on Netflix, and the upcoming Christmas film Glisten and the Merry Mission.
“Storytelling and creativity have always been at the center of the Build-A-Bear experience, each personalized furry friend created by our guests celebrates unique stories,” says Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Our partnership with Macmillan allows us to share new ways for guests to interact with their beloved and favorite Build-A-Bear characters by bringing them to life through stories, books, and activities.”
Nathalie Le Du, Publisher at Odd Dot, will be overseeing the imprint for Macmillan and Foundation Media Partners will be overseeing operations for Build-A-Bear.
Build-A-Bear has made clear its intention to continue expanding into further business opportunities, this imprint deal being one example. Macmillan is a major publisher worldwide and partnering with it represents another step in Build-A-Bear’s growth plan.