Garden of Cuddly Delights

Move over Clifford—Kim Parker Kids is becoming the Scholastic preschool property to watch! Since its 2005 debut, artist/designer Kim Parker's exuberant Counting in the Garden has intrigued fans with its stylized watercolor garden and countable creatures hidden among the lush blooms. And as a natural inspiration for licensed product, what launched in '06 as a single plush for each character—Rudy (cat), Romeo (rabbit), Magalina (dog) and Trey (turtle)—is now expanding to hand puppets and plush backpacks, more than doubling the size of the collection. That's only the beginning, say Parker, licensor Scholastic Media, and licensee SE Distribution, which markets plush under its Sidekicks label."We are pursuing additional product categories including room decor, accessories, stationery, apparel, toys and board games," Leslye Schaefer, senior vice president of Scholastic Media, tells Playthings. "Media is also under consideration." Parker herself—who is best known for her fine art, textile and dinnerware collections—treasures the creation of her first kids' book, and hopes to pursue all avenues for tie-ins. "There was something wonderful and pure in this creative process," she says. "It is a gift to create a magical and healing space for a child, a pretty beautiful opportunity." First up will be dedicated displays at Barnes & Noble for Mother's Day, followed by book signings and possibly charity events. Next "will be animation," Parker says. "And I am currently working on a second book with these characters, as well as introducing a few new creatures. They are all so unique, and I feel I could communicate a lot of important messages through their sweet natures." After that, "The landscape is so vast," Parker admits. "From children's bedding to fashion to videos and animation to games and room decor, we are discussing all of the above." Wall art from Editions Limited will also be available, as will kids' dinnerware from Spode. "It's all very exciting," Parker says.