Penguin to Flip for 'Where’s Spot?' 40th Anniversary

The 40th-anniversary celebration will include new publishing for Spot including a new lift-the-flap book from Puffin. Penguin Ventures is now proactively seeking outstanding new licensees for their successful Spot consumer products line. In separate deals, Rainbow recently signed on for plush, while Dennicci has secured a contract for infant apparel.

Where’s Spot? was first published in 1980 and gained popularity as one of the first lift-the-flap storybooks.

Where’s Spot? has been translated into 60 languages and has sold 65 million books worldwide, according to a company statement. “We’re delighted to be celebrating another important milestone for one of our much-loved brands,” says Susan Bolsover, director, licensing and consumer products, Penguin Ventures.

“Spot feels as fresh and relevant to parents and children today as when Eric Hill first created him in 1980. There is already significant interest shown by licensees for Spot, and I’m excited about the opportunities that the anniversary will offer to further elevate this classic character both in the U.K. and globally.”

A live stage show from CDP Kids will kick off later this year in The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand that will bring the series to life through puppets, stage actors and songs. The show will tour Australia this year and will head to New Zealand in 2020.