Ladybirds has acquired a license from Toikido to publish the first Piñata Smashlings books.

The new Piñata Smashlings Collector’s Guide will publish in November 2023, with the three-year license covering World rights and all languages.

The first IP created solely inhouse by Toikido, Piñata Smashlings is set to take the gaming and toy sector by storm, with a unique and exciting Roblox game in production, and a series of animated shorts, music, suite of toys, collectables, trading cards, plush and playsets all scheduled for release this summer.

Underpinned by a deep character driven story which will be integrated into the first Piñata Smashlings book, the ‘Piñataverse’ is home to hundreds of playful characters, including Smashlings – cheeky little creatures and playful Piñatas – who love to have fun and are always on the lookout for new Smashling arrivals.

Leanne Gill, Publishing Director, Ladybird said: “It’s rare we see a brand that so instantly captures the imaginations of everyone across the business, so we couldn’t be more excited to be joining Toikido on this smashing new adventure into the Piñataverse, starting with our Collector’s Guide to the Piñata Smashlings just in time for Christmas this year.”

Jouda Fahari-Edine, Head of International Rights, Penguin Random House Children’s added: “We are proud and excited to unveil the Piñataverse to our international partners at the upcoming Bologna Bookfair. Piñata Smashlings has all the makings of an international success: playful and engaging collectible characters rooted in a colourful and carefully crafted universe, all roaming with endless combinations and possibilities.”

Established in 2020, Toikido is quickly gaining recognition within the kid’s entertainment industry, with its Founder, Darran Garnham, and growing team renowned for the creative magic behind global success, Moshi Monster.

Discussing this latest licensing agreement, Darran said: “Piñata Smashlings is an exciting and immersive IP that will provide children with the opportunity to truly connect the online play with the offline toy.

“The new Piñata Smashlings Collector’s Guide is an excellent example of this and will play a fundamental role in encouraging children to continue to engage with Smashlings off screen. As such, we are delighted to be working with such a reputable brand as Ladybird and look forward to delivering the first Smashlings book to children across the globe this autumn.”

About Piñata Smashlings Collector’s Guide:

Enter the Piñataverse and meet all the Pinatas, their Smashlings and those nasty little Bashlings in this official guide to the exciting new Roblox game.

About Ladybird:  

Ladybird is one of the biggest children’s publishers globally and offers some of the best books for babies, toddlers and young children.

Since publishing the first classic Ladybird book over 100 years ago, Ladybird has become one of the most iconic and well-known children’s brands, offering books for every child at every stage 0-7 years. Our books are trusted by parents the world over, from award-winning fun formats for little fingers, soothing bedtime stories and much-loved series including Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee and Ten Minutes to Bed, to first phonics and highly illustrated non-fiction. Ladybird encourages children to explore the world around them and answers a need for parents and carers with expert-led content, whether that’s tackling bedtime, potty training, starting school or exploring nature.

About Toikido:

Toikido is a new KIND of Entertainment Company. Founded in London in 2020 by Darran Garnham. Toikido develops and creates toys for the world’s most exciting brands, while developing our own world class IP in-house.