DHX Brands has inked an exclusive global publishing rights deal with HarperCollins Children’s Books for new preschool series Twirlywoos from Ragdoll Productions. 

The agreement covers all physical and digital publishing formats (preschool board books, activity books, annuals, eBooks, audio, novelty and gift) for the series, which launched in February on UK pubcaster CBeebies.

The series’ key elements of humor, surprise and fun will be incorporated throughout the publishing program. The first titles launch in October with a Twirlywoos Little Library and two board books:  Meet the Twirlywoos and Hello Chickedy, Hello Chick.

Licensing is also beginning to ramp up for the 50 x 11-minute series about four small, inquisitive birdlike creatures, which combines stop-frame animation and live-action sequences set in the real world.

Master toy licensee Golden Bear will launch a toy range this fall in the UK, beginning with plush, figures, play sets, bath toys and games, and other activity products. Other recently inked UK licensees include Gemma International (greetings cards, partyware), Ravensburger (puzzles, games), GB Eye (posters), Fashion UK (outerwear), Rainbow Productions (character costumes) and DreamTex (bedding).

Executive producer Anne Wood, lead creative and writer Steven Roberts, and producer Chris Woods developed Twirlywoos. The series is produced in association with Halifax, Canada-based DHX Media, which also handles global distribution, brand management, marketing and merchandising.