UK agent Lisle International has secured a licensing deal with Hachette Children’s Books which will see the publisher’s Hodder Children’s Books (How to Train Your Dragon, The Famous Five) division publish a range of kids books based on 9 Story Entertainment’s Almost Naked Animals property.

Hodder’s publishing program, which excludes magazines, will launch in spring/summer 2013 for the UK and Commonwealth territories (excluding Canada).

Additional UK licensees already on board the IP’s L&M program include Titan Publishing (magazines), Character Options (mini figures and playsets), Underground Toys (talking plush), Basic Fun (non-talking plush), Imagination Games (card games) and Funky Pigeon (greeting cards, posters and mugs).

The latest deal further expands the Almost Naked Animals brand which recently expanded its home entertainment, online, and retail presence, as well as enter the live show and events biz.