Coolabi in Global Partnerships with Rainbow Designs and MerryMakers

Coolabi announces worldwide licensing partnerships with leading soft toy manufacturers Rainbow Designs and MerryMakers, and the UK’s fastest growing preschool toy brand tonies® for heritage brand Giraffes Can’t Dance.

Licensed by Coolabi Licensing Ltd, the number one bestseller Giraffes Can’t Dance from author Giles Andreae and illustrator Guy Parker-Rees was first published in 1999. The funny, touching and triumphant picture book about a giraffe who finds his own tune and confidence has been delighting children for over 20 years. Published by Orchard Books, part of the Hachette Children’s Group, the classic picture book has been translated into 36 languages, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

Allison Watkins, Director of Consumer Products and TV Distribution, Coolabi Group comments: “Giraffes Can’t Dance is such an iconic book and holds such a special place in the hearts of families around the world. I am delighted to be working with such wonderful partners to bring Gerald into homes across a range of products.”

Rainbow Designs will launch its exclusive Giraffes Can’t Dance plush collection into the UK market in A/W 2023, distributing to the rest of the world outside the US/Canada through the year. The newest addition to the Rainbow Designs’ Bedtime Cuddles and Stories programme joins its family of heart-felt children’s storybook characters.

For over 50 years, Rainbow Designs has been creating high quality, made-to-last toys, inspired by the beloved characters from children’s literature, for babies and children of all ages, promoting bedtime cuddles and stories, and providing fun, comfort and sensory learning.

Anthony Temple, Managing Director, Rainbow Designs, comments: “Giraffes Can’t Dance is an exciting and natural new addition to our Bedtime Cuddles and Stories programme.  At Rainbow, bringing the story to life, and giving the child a tangible, soft and cuddly version of their much-loved storybook friend, is what we do best. Storytime, whether it is part of a day time or bedtime routine, provides a special, parent, or grandparent, and child moment, supporting the love of stories, creating valuable bonding time and encouraging that all important cuddle.”

MerryMakers has launched its Giraffes Can’t Dance plush range across the US and Canada. These forever-toys are available both online and in-store now with leading retailers Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and across independent retailers and bookstores.

Clair Frederick, MerryMakers comments: “MerryMakers has been keen on offering a Gerald soft toy for many years, and is absolutely thrilled to finally team with Coolabi on the consumer products program.”

tonies® has launched its Giraffes Can’t Dance Tonie both online and in-store globally. Children are invited to dance along with Gerald as he two-steps and tangos his way to becoming the jungle’s best dancer as this bestselling classic is brought to life.

Since its launch in 2016, the preschool toy brand has sold more than 4.1m Tonieboxes and 51 million Tonies globally. The intuitive design of the musical storybox and combination of collectible figurines, known as Tonies, together with the audio speaker, known as a Toniebox, makes tonies® a unique interactive audio system. Aimed at ages 3+, the portable storytime companion gives children easy and instant access to hundreds of adventures at their fingertips, introducing them to the magical world of narrative and storytelling.

Liz Peters, Head of Portfolio, tonies® comments: “We are delighted to bring the heartfelt Giraffes Can’t Dance story to life. Narrated by the wonderful Hugh Laurie, this touching tale teaches children the importance of embracing your uniqueness and not being afraid to stand out from the crowd…a valuable lesson for young and old alike!  I am very sure the Giraffes Can’t Dance Tonie will quickly become a firm favourite with our little listeners!”