According to Egmont, more than half a million books have been sold since Egmont’s publishing programme first launched in August 2009, resulting in revenues of over £1.1m for the brand’s master publisher.
Waybuloo was the hottest pre-school publishing launch of 2009. Nielsen Bookscan figures show that Waybuloo RSV outperformed the other character launches of the year such as 3rd and Bird and Chuggington.
Nineteen Waybuloo titles have so far been published across a range of formats including story-books, board, novelty and colouring and activity.
David Riley, Managing Director, Egmont Publishing Group said: “We are delighted with the success of our Waybuloo publishing. All titles have been very well received at retail and the results have been strong in the UK. We are especially pleased to have penetrated all market sectors. Waybuloo is a fantastic addition to our pre-school portfolio and we look forward to continued success with this brand both in the UK and internationally.”
Maria Sze, Brand Director, Zodiak Rights said “We are delighted that Egmont Publishing is in a position to report such exceptional success for the Waybuloo publishing range. The preschool brand continues to be a phenomenal hit both on screen and at retail. With the recent launch of new episodes in CBeebies bedtime hour, I am sure the brand will continue to go from strength to strength and we look forward to working with new licensees to build on this success to date.”
Waybuloo is generating huge interest internationally as the TV and publishing programmes are extending their reach across the world. Egmont UK will publish 12 new titles into new and trusted formats throughout 2011.
Bestselling Waybuloo titles in the UK include: the Waybuloo Pocket Library, Piplings Make Some Noise! and Let's Play Peeka!
Waybuloo is produced by The Foundation, part of the Zodiak Media Group, and Decode Entertainment for CBeebies. New episodes are currently premiering on CBeebies and on BBC Two during the week and at weekends.
Zodiak Rights holds worldwide rights in all media in the property, with the exception of Canada where Decode Enterprises handles broadcast and home entertainment rights, and DHX Licensing represents consumer products rights. Both Decode Enterprises and DHX Licensing are subsidiaries of DHX Media.
