NEW YORK, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Holly Hobbie & Friends(TM), the modern day version of American Greeting's original Holly Hobbie(TM) property, comes to Toy Fair with a new line of fashion dolls, play sets and accessories from Mattel, Inc. . Licensed by Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products for American Greetings, the Holly Hobbie who first charmed little girls and moms with her home spun appeal over thirty years ago has been updated to inspire a whole new generation of kids. Holly Hobbie is the first non-network based property to be represented by Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, which has seen tremendous success in recent years with licenses tied to hit shows including Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.
"We're excited that Mattel captured Holly Hobbie's optimistic and charming nature with a great assortment of fun toys for girls that are inspired by friendship, family and positive themes," said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We know a growing number of moms will appreciate the age-appropriate nature of the brand and girls will love the engaging personalities of Holly and her friends," she said.
New Holly Hobbie & Friends toys from Mattel bring introduced at Toy Fair include doll assortments featuring Holly and her best friends Amy Morris(TM) and Carrie Baker(TM) which encourage creative play with activity accessories like beads and sequined stickers. There are also additional fashion assortments for girls to update their doll's look and style. Holly is also a pet lover and the line includes pet assortments featuring her friends Doodles(TM), Cheddar(TM) and Bonnet(TM). Sure to be a hit with girls is the toy-sized Holly Hobbie & Friends Clubhouse featuring two floors of fun, amazing details and an old time snow cone maker.
The launch of the toy line this fall will be preceded by a DVD, "Holly Hobbie & Friends-Surprise Party" -- the first in a series -- that will introduce kids to the Holly Hobbie & Friends storyline. With its theme song, Twinkle in Her Eye" sung by Grammy winning recording artist LeAnn Rimes, the "Surprise Party" DVD introduces kids to Holly, Amy and Carrie who spend summers together in the cozy town of Clover and experience all of the key milestones and joys of ten-year-old girls. Holly herself is the great, great grand-daughter of the "original Holly Hobbie and feels a deep sense of connection to her personality and creativity. Holly even looks like her famous relative but has a strong fashion sense that's all her own. She wears boots and a signature cap complete with a touch of gingham. The DVD will be available in stores March 7th from Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.
The original Holly Hobbie brand was launched in 1967 by American Greetings, and quickly became one of the best-selling products, outselling Raggedy Ann dolls in 1975 and becoming the number one licensed character in the world by 1980. The classic brand was re-launched in 2005 due to increased popular demand.
For additional details on the Mattel line, please contact Michele Lauren at the Mattel Showroom at (646) 336-6800 x 22 or 23.
About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the third largest licensing business in the world with $5 billion in retail sales in 2005, from such properties as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. The department handles the merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
About Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company and the leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of toys. The companies best-selling brands include Barbie(R), Hot Wheels(R), Fisher-Price(R) and American Girl(R). With headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The company's corporate website can be found at http://www.mattel.com/.
About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, candles, stationery, calendars, educational products, ornaments and electronic greetings. American Greetings is also the creator and owner of many celebrated character properties, including Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $2 billion. For more information on the Corporation, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com/.
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