New York, NY – October 7, 2013 – The Joester Loria Group , the North America licensing agent for the popular animated children’s program, The Hive, has partnered with Penguin Young Readers Group as the new U.S. children’s publishing partner on behalf of Space Enterprises. The publishing program will span readers, 8×8 storybooks and sticker book formats, as well as e-books with enhanced Read-to-Me functions that will be available in spring 2015.
Francesco Sedita, President and Publisher, Grosset & Dunlap and PSS! commented, “We are thrilled to extend the colorful and engaging world of The Hive through books. We fell in love with the show from the first episode and we’re excited to help tell the stories of Buzzbee and his friends through a variety of reading formats.”
“The Hive, one of Disney Jr’s breakout series worldwide, offers an exceptional combination of endearing characters, great stories and beautiful 3D animation,” said Debra Joester, President of The Joester Loria Group. “We are confident Penguin will translate the series to books beautifully and are delighted to partner with them.”
Originating in the UK, produced by Monumental Productions, Lupus Films, and DQ Entertainment, The Hive buzzed into US households on Disney Jr. in October 2012 in a deal secured by the shows distributor, Bejuba!  The popular 26 x half hour series has been a ratings success internationally where it is now seen in more than 150 countries.  A colorful and engaging kids TV series in beautiful CGI animation, The Hive follows the fortunes of Buzzbee and his many friends in their fun-packed adventures in the Hive. Storylines in each episode explore themes such as working together to solve problems, being part of a diverse community and valuing family and friendships.
About The Joester Loria Group
The Joester Loria Group, www.joesterloriagroup.com, is a full-service licensing and marketing agency providing its clients with a full array of services, including strategic planning and implementation of licensing strategies that encompass robust marketing and retail initiatives. The Joester Loria Group represents Pepsi-Cola North America; Proximo Spirits, including Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, Three Olives Vodka, and The Kraken; Clorox Green Works’ Discovery Communications, including the Animal Planet network and key series; Kellogg’s portfolio of cereal and snack brands; celebrity chef, Fabio Viviani, pre-school series The Hive;  The World of Eric Carle™, based on his artwork from the beloved children’s picture books; YouTube sensation and Cartoon Network series Annoying Orange; Entenmann’s; SMOSH;  Dew Tour, the #1 action sporting event in North America; Oxford University; Waste Management; Hearst Corporation’s Car and Driver, Road & Track and Popular Mechanics
About Space Enterprises
Space Enterprises represent The Hive as global licensing agent. Space also represent a number of high value properties with global appeal, such as evergreen comedy favorite Monty Python, which has an ever growing stable of fans after proving a massive hit on Youtube. Also on the Space books are Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, from the David Walliams/Matt Lucas partnership. Space also look after Pinky& Perky, the madcap kids’ show that has been a huge hit in the UK since launching in 2008 and is now being broadcast across the world. Space also hold the global M&L rights to Spamalot.
Penguin Young Readers Group is one of the leading children’s book publishers in the United States. The company owns a wide range of imprints and trademarks including Dial Books, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Philomel, Puffin, Speak, Firebird, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, Viking, Razorbill, and Frederick Warne. These imprints are home to such award-winning, New York Times- bestselling authors as, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jay Asher, Judy Blume, Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Ally Condie, Roald Dahl, Tomie dePaola, Sarah Dessen, Anna Dewdney, John Flanagan, John Green, Anthony Horowitz, Oliver Jeffers, Mike Lupica, Richelle Mead, Richard Peck, Patricia Polacco, and dozens of other popular authors. Penguin Young Readers Group is also the proud publisher of perennial brand franchises such as The Little Engine That Could, the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, Peter Rabbit, Spot, the Classic Winnie the Pooh, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Strega Nona, Madeline, Mad Libs, Alex Rider, the Rangers Apprentice, Skippyjon Jones, Flower Fairies, and Pippi Longstocking, among many others. Penguin Young Readers Group is a division of Penguin Group (USA), the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group, one of the largest English-language trade book publishers in the world. The Penguin Group is owned by Pearson plc, the international media group.