Random House Children’s Books is accelerating the global growth of Richard Scarry’s Busy World in 2026 through expanded international licensing representation, newly signed partnerships, and category diversification across both children’s and adult markets. The push includes the appointment of Art Ask Agency to lead licensing efforts across the U.K. and select European territories, alongside five new international licensing agreements and a broad slate of new North American partners.
“Each new partnership is thoughtfully chosen to extend the world of Busytown in ways that feel authentic, creative, and relevant to Richard Scarry’s original designs and story,” said Rachel Bader, Director of Licensing at Penguin Random House. “We’re seeing strong interest from partners who want to interpret Richard Scarry for today’s consumers — whether that’s through fashion, play, home, or unexpected new formats
— while preserving the warmth and detail that have made Richard Scarry’s Busy World endure as a classic for nearly seven decades.”
The expanded program now includes more than 20 recently signed licensees across apparel, toys, home, stationery, tech accessories, publishing, health and beauty, and experiential categories. International growth is supported by regional representation in Europe, Japan, and Australia, with new licensees including Illustrabimbi, Konges Sloejd, Magpie Line, Mira Mikati, and Studio Boketto.
“Richard Scarry’s world is such a happy and uplifting place, as those who have grown up reading his spellbinding, gloriously joyful books will know,” added Nicky Sloan, Creative and Managing Director of Magpie. “Our aim at Magpie is to always make products with ‘heart,’ and this new collaboration has this and more.”
In North America, new partnerships span fashion, stationery, toys, publishing, and digital products. Highlights include a limited-edition art collaboration with independent artist Ana Inciardi, design-driven digital invitations from Paperless Post, apparel for children and adults, toys and games from multiple partners, health and beauty products, retro-inspired camera accessories, and digital stickers and GIFs for messaging platforms.
Driven in part by increased engagement among adult audiences, Richard Scarry’s Busy World continues to evolve into a lifestyle brand rooted in nostalgia while remaining accessible to new generations. With more than 300 books published and 160 million copies sold worldwide, the expanded licensing program further extends Busytown’s reach across global markets.
For more information, visit richardscarry.com.
