Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, will launch a new publishing program in collaboration with Funko Pop! and Universal Brand Development. The books will be available in the Little Golden Book format, with the first release, Universal Monsters, publishing on September 7.
Funko Pop! versions of Universal Pictures’ classic monsters Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolfman and other creatures are making their first Little Golden Books appearance in the title.
Dennis Shealy, editorial director, licensed publishing, will edit all titles in the program.
“We are absolutely delighted to bring together Funko’s quirky and infinitely collectible style with NBCUniversal’s iconic movies and television properties inside the pages of Little Golden Books,” says Shealy. “This series of Funko Little Golden Books will allow parents, grandparents, and caregivers to introduce these beloved characters and stories to a whole new generation.”
Future Little Golden Books in the Funko Pop! stylized series include titles from NBCUniversal’s array of franchises and properties, including Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Back to the Future,” NBC’s “The Office” and more, with a plan to release two titles per year.
“Funko’s motto is ‘Everyone’s a fan of something,’ and that includes young readers,” says Jason Bischoff, director, global licensing, Funko. “Funko is the leader in pop culture consumer products, and we’re thrilled to partner with Universal and Random House Children’s Books on this new line of children’s books. Both Universal and Little Golden Books have legacies of excellence, and this series in Funko style brings a new level of fun for everyone.”
“This creative collaboration – truly groundbreaking for the toy and publishing industries – will delight a new generation of fans, combining books, collectibles and stories that are truly Universal,” says Joe Lawandus, senior vice president and general manager, global toys and hardlines, Universal Brand Development. “We can’t wait to introduce more iconic NBCUniversal characters through this series.”