Calm, the San Francisco-based software company responsible for popular medication products, has tapped Joe Lawson as its first Head of Licensing.
“Joe’s knack for pioneering partnerships and brand storytelling, as well as his deep alignment with Calm’s mission, make him the perfect person to realize our boldest licensing ambitions,” says Greg Justice, Chief Content Officer at Calm. “He’s uniquely equipped to expand the brand beyond its digital roots and bring an array of delightful products and experiences to market.”
Lawson joins the company with more than 20 years of experience, having worked with Rovio Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Fox, and Netflix.
“Joining Calm represents a unique opportunity to realize the vision of a happier, healthier world through tangible products and experiences that bring joy to people’s lives,” Lawson says. He has expanded Angry Birds, The Simpsons, and Stranger Things through brand partnerships, publishing, content, and immersive experiences. Lawson will aid Calm in its effort to connect with subscribers and consumers through products and experiences.
“Our vision has always been bigger than just an app. From day one, we set out to make the world happier and healthier — not just online, but in the physical world, too,” says Michael Acton Smith, Co-Founder of Calm. “It feels like the perfect time to take that next step.”
Calm is known for its app, which provides guided meditations and Sleep Stories. It has more than 175 million downloads and supports more than 3,500 organizations in seven languages and 190 countries. Learn more about the company at calm.com.
This fall, Fox Chapel Publishing and the Jeep brand are collaborating on a collection of books for readers of all ages, from board and activity books to cookbooks and journals. IMG, licensing agent for FCA (Stellantis North America) facilitated the licensing deal. The first wave of books will include three activity books for kids and young adults and will be released right before the holiday season. Next year, the collection will expand to include a Jeep-styled travel journal and more young adult activity books.
David Miller, president of Fox Chapel Publishing, shares his thoughts on the new licensing deal: “Building a publishing program centered around the Jeep brand aligns perfectly with Fox Chapel’s mission to inspire and inform enthusiasts of all ages. We are passionate about creating books that encourage exploration. The Jeep brand’s legacy of adventure complements our commitment to high-quality, engaging content. Our team is honored to work with a brand that has inspired generations to embrace the outdoors. We look forward to introducing these exciting books to today’s Jeep enthusiasts, as well as those of the future.”
Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, has obtained the North American rights to design, develop, manufacture, and distribute an extended range of PAW Patrol costumes and accessories. PAW Patrol is the top-rated animated preschool series from Spin Master Entertainment, which airs on Nickelodeon. The franchise is also set to release its third film in 2026.
Having previously worked with the PAW Patrol brand, Disguise’s latest agreement reflects its established success. This fall, Disguise will introduce a completely new line of PAW Patrol costumes. Additionally, the company will unveil a new collection inspired by the upcoming movie, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, scheduled for release in 2026.
Disguise will release a new PAW Patrol costume line this fall. | Source: JAKKS Pacific
Having supported both the first and second 'PAW Patrol' movies with strong costume lines, we are excited to now have the entire 'PAW Patrol' IP under our umbrella. 'PAW Patrol' remains a global phenomenon and a staple in preschool entertainment, and we are dedicated to delivering premium-quality, character-accurate costumes that enable children to step into the paws of their favorite heroic pups—whether it’s Chase, Marshall, Skye, or the all-new dino-themed pup heroes debuting in 2026"
Tara Cortner, President and General Manager of Disguise, Inc.
Disguise plans to create a wide range of PAW Patrol costumes that cater to children and also include adult costumes.
For more information about this collaboration and the upcoming products, please visit disguise.com.
Kid-focused craft and stationery company Make it Real has partnered with Spin Master to make Unicorn Academy products to bring the magical world to life through creativity.
The animated series Unicorn Academy has become a hit, having received over 1 billion minutes of views across Netflix and YouTube since its launch in 2023.
Our collaboration with Spin Master perfectly aligns with our mission to empower children through creativity and self-expression. This collection beautifully embodies the enchanting world of 'Unicorn Academy', allowing kids to not only immerse themselves in the magic of the series but also express their own unique creativity, inspiring young minds to dream big and engage with imaginative play in meaningful ways.”
Gena Lavallee, VP of Global Brands at Make It Real
The collaboration will produce two new products: stationery and jewelry-making kits.
The product lineup includes the Unicorn Academy Enchanted Stationery Set ($19.99) and the Unicorn Academy Enchanted Unicorns Charms Bracelet Kit, available in two sizes ($9.99 – 19.99).
Unicorn Academy is partnering with Make It Real. | Source: Make It Real
These products will let kids play with their favorite characters and will embrace creativity and artistic self-expression.
A third product, the Unicorn Academy Star Stables Fountain Nail Spa ($24.99), will be available in the fall.
These products are available at Target, and the stationery set is also available on Amazon. For more information, visit makeitrealplay.com.
Fans of the television series Unicorn Academy will be able to get creative with their favorite characters in this stationery set. This set has what young artists and daydreamers need: a journal, gel pens, and other fun things to write, create, and draw.
Stern Pinball, Inc. has appointed award-winning illustrator Jeremy Packer as its Studio Art Director. Cementing himself as a top-tier talent, the pinball company is excited to see his artistic abilities in upcoming projects.
Packer, known for his dynamic, comic-inspired art style, has gained recognition in the pinball industry for his impeccable draftsmanship, balance of composition, and attention to detail. In his new position, Packer will continue to elevate the company by creating cohesive, story-driven artwork to help modernize the pinball aesthetic and reintroducing hand-draw techniques to the market.
With his talents, the newly appointed director has helped design many iconic Stern Pinball games. Over the years, Packer has expanded his portfolio with games such as Foo Fighters, Ghostbusters, Deadpool, Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Iron Maden, and more.
“Jeremy continues to provide the best artwork in the industry with his work receiving numerous accolades. We’re excited for him to lead the way with the entire art studio here at Stern Pinball and showcase his incredible art collaboration on the newly announced King Kong: Myth of Terror Island pinball machine,” says George Gomez, Chief Creative Officer of Stern Pinball, Inc.
Consumers can learn more about Stern Pinball, Inc. by visiting sternpinball.com.
A young girl’s destiny hangs in the balance in Iyanu, a vibrant new animated series inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology. The series premiered April 5 on Cartoon Network and is streaming on Max.
“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series to Cartoon Network and Max,” says Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. “This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies and divine powers.”
Iyanu is adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria, created, executive produced, and show-ran the series. Lion Forge Entertainment, one of the leading Black-owned animation studios in North America, produces the adaptation. The series features an all-African voice cast.
“To me, it’s a dream come true. Ever since I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I have fallen in love with every single action-adventure series. I’m a geek,” says Okupe. “For me, it’s very satisfying to be at this moment where I can take inspiration from the stuff that I experienced growing up and integrate that with my culture and produce that for a show.”
Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, Iyanu follows a courageous orphan who discovers she has divine powers tied to a long-lost age of heroes. As she trains in ancient arts and studies her kingdom’s past, she must rise to meet a growing evil with the help of her friends Biyi and Toye, and a magical leopard companion, Ekun.
“Everyone’s seen a lot of kung fu and karate type stuff,” says Vincent Edwards, Supervising Director. “But no one’s ever really done animation that featured Capoeria authentically in a design sensibility that is also accurately reflective of the culture from which it derives.”
Blending action, fantasy, and educational themes rooted in Nigerian storytelling traditions, Iyanu brings new representation to family animation and offers young viewers a fresh perspective. “We’ve [had] Greek mythology, Roman mythology, Norse mythology, but not much from the continent,” says Executive Producer, Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and Founder David Steward II. “Being able to have that is extremely important. Not just for African Americans but it’s great for others as well. Everyone can learn something about Nigeria and Nigerian culture, and they’ll find a connection to that.”
Brandon Easton, Head Writer and Story Editor, developed Iyanu for the screen and led the writer’s room as the story editor on the show. “One thing I’ve found as a writer over the years is that the more specific a story becomes, the more universal it gets,” he says.
“Sometimes when people do African-American stories, and they get people who are not African-American to try to sound that way, it’s like, that’s not how people talk,” says Easton. “If you even look at the United States, Black New Yorkers don’t sound like Black people from Maryland and Black people from Maryland don’t sound like Black people from Georgia or Texas. I think there was a certain reality and necessity to have Nigerian voice actors, and it’s very important, and it’s obviously paid dividends so far.”
Fans of the graphic will notice similarities between the two series. “Our art director, Godwin Akpan, was the illustrator for the original graphic novel,” explains Edwards. “And, of course, he lives in Lagos, Nigeria. So that design sensibility is a really core component for the look of the show.”
Easton was committed to showing as much of Nigeria as possible, having authentic food and scenery illustrated for the new series. “There were so many things that were so specific to Nigerian culture, but the more you looked at it, you would see parallels from cultures all around the world,” he notes.
The first season of Iyanu will stream on Showmax in 44 African countries June 13. Partner ITVX will stream the series this summer in the U.K. and Ireland.
“Merchandise is coming,” promises Karama Horne, Lion Forge Entertainment Integrated Marketing Lead. The series debuted products at Toy Fair from Kidazzle, Brown Toy Box, and Resurrection Games.
“I want it to be everywhere and everything,” says Okupe. “Live action video games, more books, series spin-offs. I don’t have a shortage of stories and ideas. It’s important to focus on getting the first one right first, and it’s done well. That’s our focus now.”
International Care Bear fans can stuff their own plush at select venues in the U.K. and UAE through a partnership with Teddy Mountain UK. After the exclusive Make-A-Care Bear experience, families will bring home a hand-stuffed and customized friend from Care-a-Lot. The partnership debuted this week at the DEAL Show in Dubai.
“We are incredibly excited to work with such an iconic brand as Care Bears,” says Ryan Davies, Owner of Teddy Mountain UK. “This partnership allows us to bring a beloved classic to our clients, enhancing our product offerings and providing an extraordinary experience that aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality and fun.” Teddy Mountain is known for its Make-a-Bear products, which allow consumers to make and stuff their own plush by hand.
The IP has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity since the 2019 debut of Care Bears: Unlock theMagic, a 48-episode, 2D animated series on Cartoon Network. The show airs on Boomerang, Max, and Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito preschool block. Care Bears celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 with the launch of new products with Basic Fun!
“We’re always looking for new ways to bring the Care Bears brand to life, and this collaboration with Teddy Mountain UK offers something truly special,” adds Bruce Cheltenham, International Licensing Director, Toys & Hardlines at Cloudco Entertainment. “Giving fans the chance to create their own Care Bear adds a personal connection that aligns beautifully with the spirit of the brand and deepens engagement across generations.”
Fans can enjoy Make-A-Care Bear throughout the U.K. and UAE at holiday parks, theme parks, and family entertainment centers.
For more information, visit teddymountain.co.uk and teddymountain.ae. To bring the experience to your venue, contact Ryan Davies at ryan@teddymountain.co.uk.
Born to Play, the next-generation toy company, excitedly announces its new Chief Operating Officer. Accepting her promotion, Catherine de Montille will continue to serve and uphold the company’s missions and ideals.
The former VP of Operations has been with the company since last October, playing a vital role in managing the set-up of operational initiatives. With 15 years of experience, the operating expert will join the company’s c-suite ranks with Born to Play Founder Daniel Delapa as Chief Executive Officer and Stevin John as Chief Content Officer.
“Born to Play is on a bold mission to change what the world expects from a toy company. Catherine exemplifies that with a deep understanding of systems and processes at scale,” says Delapa. “I’m excited to see what Catherine will continue to bring to Born to Play and the industry as a whole in this new role and for the world to see what she and the team have helped build as our global content and products launch and touch millions of lives in 2025.”
“It’s been an exhilarating ride with the Born To Play team thus far,” says Montille. “I’ve loved the collaborative environment and the positive global impact Born To Play is set out to achieve.”
Alongside this announcement, Born to Play will reveal additional open positions this month to accommodate recent economic challenges. Interested candidates can email their CVs to hello@borntoplay.com.
MGA Entertainment is speaking for the kids, letting grown-ups know that they do not want them to waste their money on overpriced and inflated eggs this year for Easter. Please, just MGA toys.
To spread this message, MGA released a “diss track” called “EGG$$$$$” earlier today, accompanied by a kid-stared music video. It stars 7-year-old TikTok sensation and rapper Nova Starr with well-known music video director Daniel Iglesias Jr. (best known for Megan Thee Stallion’s “BOA”) to create the second-ever shoppable music video for toys.
“Eggs are out, toys are in, we don’t want to decorate toys all right. MGA toys make the girlies get hype,” raps Starr in the song’s chorus.
MGA Entertainment releases a music video promoting its toys this Easter. | Source: MGA Entertainment
Eggs, an Easter celebration staple for kids, are predicted to increase by 57.6% in 2025 (according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Many of the products shown in the video are under $10.
Piles of MGA Toys are featured, including L.O.L Surprise, MGA’s Miniverse, Moj Moj, and more. The toys can be shopped directly from the video.
“[This] represents our commitment to giving kids a voice to share what they really want for the holidays,” says Josh Hackbarth, Chief Marketing Officer at MGA Entertainment. “It’s a high-energy, engaging, and fresh way to inspire families to rethink their Easter and spring holiday traditions, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the fun!”
Every product mentioned in the video can be found at mgapresents.com. For more information, visit mgae.com. Watch the official MGA music video for “EGG$$$$$” below and decide if you think this Easter is toys over eggs.
Funko is honoring Alexander Ovechkin’s on-ice accomplishments with a new Funko Pop! The Washington Capitals Captain scored his 895th goal this month in an away game against the Islanders, surpassing the NHL record set by Wayne Gretzky in 1999.
The vinyl figure is approximately 4 inches tall. Ovechkin is posed mid-strike on the ice in a celebratory pose. He has a slight smile and is wearing his white jersey, which includes the team’s 50th-anniversary logo. The collectible is available for pre-order ($15) and ships in December.
Ovechkin scored his record-breaking goal on April 6 in an away game against the New York Islanders. A celebration was held mid-game with both teams, Ovechkin’s family, and the Great One, as Gretzky is known. Washington, DC, has been celebrating all month with new murals in the city, banners at Union Station, and a ceremony at Capital One Arena, where the team plays. Ovechkin is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time; Funko has previously released other Pop! figures of him.
Ovechkin has several other records, including the most power-play goals, the most goals scored in away games, the most overtime goals, the most game-winning goals, the most goals with one team, and the most goalies scored on. Gretzky still holds the title for the most assists.
Celebrate Alex Ovechkin’s historic 895th NHL goal with this exclusive 4-inch POP! figure, featuring authentication technology. This pre-order ships Dec. 17.
