• Alphablocks and Blue Zoo have named Licensing Works! as the North American licensing agent for Alphablocks, Numberblocks, Colourblocks and Wonderblocks, their four-pack of educational animated series (pictured) designed to teach preschoolers about literacy, math, colors and problem-solving. 

• Lionsgate has teamed up with Troubadour Theatres to turn Suzanne Collins’ YA novel Hunger Games into a stage show for the first time. They’re currently producing The Hunger Games: On Stage in London, with a first performance scheduled for October 20. Like the book, the play focuses on a teen who takes her sister’s place in a tournament where teen competitors have to fight each other to the death to win. 

• Jazwares has signed a global multi-year deal to produce a line of figures, plush (including Squishmallows), vehicles, costumes and accessories based on lifestyle brand tokidoki’s characters. A first wave of products is expected to hit shelves this fall. 

• Mattel is partnering with UK-based video game developer Dovetail Games to add Thomas & Friends to Dovetail’s Train Sim World 5 title. The new add-on content will feature a story about Thomas visiting a railway station when it’s released this spring. Train Sim World 5 is available on PC and consoles. 

Image courtesy of Alphablocks.