Madonna licenses her English Roses

Merch based on Madonna’s hit kids book The English Roses will be making its way to a store near you this spring. Working with licensing agent Signatures Network, the Material Girl is negotiating with licensees to produce dolls, apparel, accessories, cosmetics, stationery and room décor for girls seven to 12, based on her book about four British school girls.

Toy Play to translate Latino property Mijos for North American retail

Toy Play has won the master toy license for Mijos, a cartoon strip property based on a group of Latino kids growing up in urban America. Toy Play plans to translate the 34 characters created by David Gonzales (the mind behind The Homies) into action figures, posable plush, RC vehicles and an electronic play set, all of which will launch in Q3.

Save-Ums! gets global agents

Decode Entertainment and The Sharpe Company have locked down worldwide representation for The Save-Ums! Copyright Promotions Group will represent the preschool property in the U.K., France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, with Licensing Works handling Australia and Newman International taking New Zealand.

Elmo’s new Natural History Museum gig

Sesame Workshop and Pasadena, California’s Thinkwell Design & Production are working together to create a series of interactive traveling exhibits designed for science museums. Sesame Street Presents… is scheduled to launch in spring 2005, and its first series will explore the human body, its senses, exercise, hygiene and safety. Using Muppet characters, the exhibit is to include kid activities, interactive areas and panel displays. Additional themed series are expected to roll out every 18 to 24 months, and both partners are currently seeking additional funding.