Discovery, Time Plan Kids' Book Series

The new deal will see Time Inc. develop Animal Planet-branded children’s books in the U.K. and Australia.

New titles are currently under development for young readers of all ages, including a Gift & Companion series, Animal Bites series and chapter book series.

The program will kick off this fall with the publication of

Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia,

providing an in-depth look at the major animal groups. The book, which will cover more than 2,500 species, contains 1,250 color photographs, a full-color removable poster and Surprisingly Human animal facts aimed at connecting kids to the animal world.

The encyclopedia is part of the Gift & Companion Book series, created for kids ages 8 to 12, which will also publish the

Animal Atlas

in spring 2016,

Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals

in fall 2016, and

Super-Amazing

in fall 2017.

Inspired by Animal Planet’s popular blog, the Animal Bites series will feature habitat-focused titles arranged thematically to explore animal bodies, baby animals, playtime and more. Geared toward kids ages 4 to 8, this series provides emerging readers with the perfect bite-sized guide to the animal world. Each book will contain more than 200 photographs focused on animal behavior and family relationships while offering Quick Bites fact boxes, simple infographics and maps. The first titles in the Animal Bites series,

Polar Animals

and

Ocean Animals

, will publish in winter 2016.

Finally, a chapter book series for early readers ages 6 to 11 combines the best of high-interest narrative non-fiction and reference. The books will feature a recurring cast of kids who use their knowledge of animals and problem-solving skills to help animals and each other. This series uses full-color animal photography and illustrated character line art to provide exciting animal mysteries children can relate to, and each selection is equipped with fun sidebar facts and informative animal profiles. The first two titles in the chapter books series,

Farm Friends Escape!

and

Dolphin Rescue!”

will debut in winter 2017.