Classic Media, Walker Plan New Global Waldo Campaign

The new line is inspired by the original books by Martin Handford, which have sold 50 million copies worldwide and has been published in 38 countries and 27 languages. It will be designed to complement the original books and will debut in 2012 in honor of Waldo's 25th birthday celebration.

"We are proud to be the long-standing home of the 'Where's Waldo?' publishing phenomenon," says Helen McAleer, managing director of Walker Books U.K. "It's incredibly exciting to be working with Classic Media on the spin-off global publishing program based on this popular character, and we look forward to creating a new range of formats and content to keep the millions of Where's

First published in 1987, "Where's Waldo?" has appeared in primetime American TV shows "Frasier," "The Simpsons" and "Friends," as well as on the 1,000th anniversary cover of

Rolling Stone

magazine denoting the top cultural figures of the last 40 years. Where's Waldo? recently made its video game and mobile game debuts, with the first app for iPhone and iPod touch selling more than 1 million units.