BBC Worldwide has appointed Walker Books as global master book publisher for “The Adventures of Abney & Teal” television series. Walker Books will publish the first three Abney and Teal titles in time for Christmas. It will launch with stand-alone picture books and a simple novelty title illustrated by Joel Stewart.
“Walker Books, together with our master toy partner Rainbow Designs, will deliver the highest quality Abney & Teal consumer products to retail,” says Nick Kirkpatrick, brand manager, BBC Worldwide. “We will announce new licensing partners shortly as we build our global merchandising program for 2012 and beyond.”
“We were instantly drawn to Abney & Teal, which combines the originality of Ragdoll with the artistic brilliance of Joel Stewart,” says Denise Johnstone-Burt, publisher, Walker Books. “Working with Joel, we know we can create books that not only complement the already successful television series, but stand in their own right as beautiful illustrated books."
“The Adventures of Abney & Teal,” launched by Ragdoll Productions on CBeebies in 2011, is an animated series for children ages three to six, created from artwork by Stewart. The program stars two friends, Abney and Teal, who live on an island in a lake in the middle of a park surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the big city.