Global Publisher DK Awarded American Girl® License

NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global book publisher DK announced today a partnership with American Girl®, a premium brand for girls and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.,  to create an exclusive collection of nonfiction books for children to launch in September 2016. DK is an award-winning publisher lauded for its unique visual design that blends beautiful images and graphics with informational text for a fully engaging reading experience. This fall, DK will employ their hallmark approach through a series of non-fiction formats that celebrate the American Girl brand and its history since the company was founded in 1986.

DK's first licensed American Girl title, a fully illustrated reference book, The American Girl® Ultimate Visual Guide, tells the fascinating story of American Girl, from the original idea conceived by educator and entrepreneur Pleasant T. Rowland to the development of its bestselling doll lines including Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, and the classic historical character line BeForever™. Through each page, DK employs its signature visual approach, capturing the whole range of American Girl dolls, including beloved fan-favorites Samantha Parkington, Addy Walker, and Julie Albright, along with the 2016 Girl of the Year™, Lea Clark, and newest BeForever addition, Melody Ellison, through packed character profiles and richly detailed photography that showcases each doll's world, including her outfits, hobbies, and pets.

The only comprehensive non-fiction guide on the iconic American Girl dolls, The American Girl Ultimate Visual Guide is filled with never-before-published anecdotes from the American Girl team and insider information about how the dolls are created, from concept to market. A companion piece, a full-color American Girl®: Ultimate Sticker Collection, is also set for publication this September 2016. The collection includes over 1,000 reusable stickers featuring the latest American Girl dolls and accessories along with fun facts and dynamic illustrations that evoke the American Girl aesthetic.

"DK is thrilled to partner with American Girl, whose dedication to bringing to life history and culture through play and learning so closely aligns with ours," says Simon Beecroft, Publishing Director of Licensing. "We are eager to share these books with a new generation of children who are discovering American Girl for the first time, as well as adult collectors and fans from years past."

"American Girl and DK are both committed to creating entertaining and informative content," says Julia Prohaska, VP of Marketing for American Girl. "Working with DK on this new collection provides the perfect opportunity to present our characters and brand story to readers in a bold new way."  

More nonfiction books are planned for 2017.

About DK

DK is the bestselling and award-winning publisher known for informing, entertaining, and educating global audiences through beautifully designed content. DK also publishes the Eyewitness series for children and Eyewitness Travel Guides. BradyGames, Alpha Books, and Rough Guides are also available from DK, a division of Penguin Random House, www.dk.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL

American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT, www.mattel.com), a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, experiences, and entertainment to empower and unite girls of all ages. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, WellieWishers™, and the classic historical character line BeForever™. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its experiential retail stores nationwide, and in specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in Mexico City. American Girl's mission is to fuel belonging and connection among girls, a goal that has already earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of their parents and educators. To learn more about American Girl or request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com, www.facebook.com/americangirl, or www.twitter.com/american_girl.

American Girl© 2016 American Girl. All rights reserved. American Girl and associated trademarks are owned by and used under license from American Girl.

SOURCE DK

Related Links

http://www.dk.com