Scholastic To Be U.S. Publisher of Barney Books

Posted on February 9, 2001

Scholastic, a publisher and distributor of children's books, announced that it has signed a deal with Lyrick Studios, a family entertainment company and the creator of Barney the dinosaur, to be the publisher of Barney books in the United States. Since the first Barney videos were released in 1988 and the Barney & Friends show began airing in 1992, Barney has become one of the most popular children's characters globally. Over 200 books have appeared on national children's bestseller lists. Scholastic will be publishing and distributing hardcover and paperback Barney books as well as coloring and activity titles for the franchise.

``Scholastic is very pleased to be the U.S. publisher of Barney. Barney has been beloved by young children since his creation, and has an enduring charm that both educates and entertains. We know families appreciate the Barney books, and with Scholastic's commitment to creating products that children love and parents trust, we plan to build an even more successful Barney publishing program, working closely with Lyrick,'' said Barbara Marcus, President, Children's Books.

``Lyrick is delighted to know that the publishing future of our carefully nurtured, evergreen property will be with a publisher whose reputation for excellence is unsurpassed,'' said Richard C. Leach, Chairman of Lyrick Studios. ``We look forward to a long, successful partnership.''

Lyrick Studios, Inc., an independent family entertainment company, got its start with the production of home videos featuring Barney the Dinosaur in 1988. In 1995, Big Feats Entertainment, L.P., another entertainment unit of Lyrick, began producing the PBS show Wishbone. In addition to products inspired by Barney and Wishbone, Lyrick currently holds distribution rights for products from such children's branded properties as The Wiggles and VeggieTales.