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The Pigeon can expect more challenges in the coming year.

Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC) is extending its partnership with Union Square & Co. The two companies have agreed to a new 10-year agreement, which includes licensing for color and activity books, storybooks, readers, board books, workbooks, novelty formats, and more featuring the characters from the world of writer and illustrator Mo Willems, the co-founder of Hidden Pigeon Company.

“Union Square Kids is dedicated to engaging and entertaining young readers, which is also at the heart of what we do at Hidden Pigeon Company,” says Karen K. Miller, President and CEO, HPC. “We are so excited to continue working closely with the talented team at Union Square to expand the reach and impact of Mo Willems’ characters while delivering many more opportunities for children to stretch their imaginations and express their creativity.”

Union Square & Co. is an imprint of Grand Central Publishing; Grand Central Publishing is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. Stationery will be produced by Knock Knock Kids.

“Mo Willems’ characters and books have captivated and inspired millions of children around the world,” says Emily Thomas Meehan, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Union Square & Co. “We are delighted to further our successful collaboration with Mo and Hidden Pigeon Company and introduce new ways for kids to experience his beloved characters through a broad range of bestselling formats.” 

Willem’s beloved characters include the Pigeon, best friends Gerald and Piggie, and Knufflebunny. Through this deal, readers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand can look forward to 15-20 new titles a year, wherever books are sold, including the board book The Pigeon Won’t Count to 10! out this fall. 

This month, Union Square Kids released Will the Pigeon Graduate?, the tenth picture book starring Willems’ beloved pigeon. The book is a New York Times bestseller. Last year, Willems and the Pigeon (under the name LudWING van BEAKhoven) partnered with the National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Enrico Lopez- Yañez at the Kennedy Center for symphonic silliness. Willems was the Kennedy Center’s first Education Artist-in-Residence. Last Summer Willem, the Pigeon, Gerald, and Piggie partnered with the New York Yankees for two Family Days at Yankee Stadium; he has had numerous musicals, exhibits, and events.

For more information visit unionsquareandco.com.