Dr. Seuss Enterprises is de-aging some of its classic characters into baby versions for a new line of shows, books and merchandise. 

First up is a 2D-animated cartoon called Learn to Read, which will launch on the company’s YouTube channel on August 16. It’s built around the concept of teaching kids phonic reading skills using sounds and letters. 

The merchandising arm of the Dr. Seuss Babies IP has already lined up licensing partners including Playtex Baby, Hello Bello and Posh Peanut, and the company is currently negotiating with other potential licensees. Initial products will include apparel and baby care items such as feeding solutions, diapers and onesies. 

The IP rollout will continue into next year, with Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) releasing the first title in the book series on January 7, 2025. Happy First Birthday! (pictured) will be a lift-the-flap board book (including a mirror) and will feature toddler versions of the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two enjoying a birthday celebration by singing “Happy Birthday” and eating cake. 

Two additional titles are also on the 2025 publishing schedule, with Mr. Brown on the Farm set for May and Merry Grinchmas, Baby! slated for September. 

“We are so excited to bring this adorable new line of books to the youngest of Dr. Seuss fans,” says Alice Jonaitis, executive editor of Dr. Seuss Publishing at RHCB. “With the eye-catching new art style, the beloved characters have become even more baby-friendly and will help nurture a love of reading at the earliest age.”