JAKKS Pacific, Inc., in conjunction with Disney Publishing Worldwide, will offer TeleStory products with content based on the library of classic and popular Disney characters. The TeleStory interactive books connect directly into a standard TV using JAKKS' Plug & Read technology and serve as a fun, introductory reading guide for preschool-aged children.
The TeleStory products will feature Disney characters such as Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Power Rangers and characters from various Disney and Disney/Pixar animated feature films and animated direct-to-video films, such as TOY STORY, LION KING and more.
"We are thrilled to maximize the launch of our new TeleStory interactive books by capitalizing on Disney's rich roster of beloved characters," commented JAKKS Pacific's president/coo Stephen Berman. "A child's library is not complete without books based on their favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar characters, including Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear and the all-time classic Cinderella."
"We are always supportive of new products that promote reading," said Deborah Dugan, president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "JAKKS' new TeleStory interactive books are a great platform to provide a different reading experience for children and an exciting new way to bring their favorite Disney characters to life. We look forward to working with JAKKS to increase exposure for the Disney brands at retail through the TeleStory product."
The TeleStory product is a learning system that creates an interactive reading experience aimed at showing kids how much fun reading can be. TeleStory interactive books use the TV to introduce kids to the world of reading. The TeleStory system is book-shaped and plugs directly into the A/V jacks of any standard TV. No DVD player is needed.
Individual "mini-book" cartridges based on popular children's books are inserted into the TeleStory system, so that children can build their TeleStory libraries and collect their favorite books as they grow and master reading. By pressing the large, colored buttons on each TeleStory unit, kids can interact with the story and make the characters come alive on their TV screen, while also giving them the option to read at their own pace, both with or without assistance.
JAKKS plans to launch the Disney TeleStory titles for Spring 2006 at mass and specialty retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price for the TeleStory products will be under $30, with each two-pack of 'mini-book' cartridges retailing for under $15.
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines with 441 children's magazines published and 120 million children's books sold each year. Headquartered in New York, DPW publishes books and magazines in 85 languages in 75 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers each month.
JAKKS Pacific Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: action figures, art activity kits, stationery, writing instruments, performance kites, water toys, sports activity toys, vehicles, infant/pre-school, plush, construction toys, electronics, dolls and pet toys and accessories. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
