Lu & The Bally Bunch Expands into Publishing
9 Story Brands has announced expanded reach for its animated preschool comedy Lu & The Bally Bunch with the launch of two new books from publishing partner, Random House Children’s Books. The debut book titles will launch on July 8, 2025:
A Tabbed Board Book is also planned for spring 2026, with additional formats in the pipeline, including hardcover picture books, Little Golden Books, leveled readers, 8x8s, board books, 5-minute story collections, coloring and activity books, boxed sets, bind-ups, and eBooks.
“Lu & The Bally Bunch is a hilarious and heartwarming series that celebrates curiosity, friendship, and the everyday dramas of a three-year-old experiencing preschool for the first time. We’re thrilled to bring Lu’s world to life through engaging books that will inspire young readers,”said Kristin Lecour, VP of Consumer Products at 9 Story. “This publishing program from Randon House Children’s Books is a perfect extension of the brand, giving families new ways to connect with Lu and her adventures.”
Lu & The Bally Bunch follows Lu, a playful little ladybug, and her Bally Bunch friends as they navigate the big feelings and little challenges of preschool life. Filled with music, humor and heart, Lu & The Bally Bunch is a celebration of friendship for preschoolers. The series was produced by 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films with the participation of Warner Bros. Discovery and CBC. It was created and directed by Brown Bag Films’ Nicky Phelan (Vampirina, Bing, Octonauts), who was Oscar-nominated for his short film Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty.
Lu & The Bally Bunch premiered in 2023 on Cartoonito across the U.K., Latin America and EMEA, and on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada. In 2024, it debuted on CBeebies in the UK and on Cartoonito in the U.S., before launching on Max (U.S.) in early 2025. The series has also been licenced to ABC Australia, TVNZ+ (New Zealand), SVT (Sweden), YLE (Finland), DR TV (Denmark), VRT (Belgium), HRT (Croatia), RTÉ (Ireland) TFO (French Canada), KT Corp. (South Korea) and HKTV (Hong Kong). 9 Story Distribution International leads global distribution efforts, and 9 Story Brands retains global merchandising rights.
