Earnshaw's

Little Airplane Productions announced last week that it is partnering with Jada Toys as the global master toy partner for the pre-school television show Small Potatoes on Disney Junior. (The deal excludes China and South Korea.) Jada will produce such toys as plushes, play sets, figures, inflatable toys and musical instruments. The toy-makers join Small Potatoes' other licensees Penguin Young Readers, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and CEACO Gamewright.

The Wiggles are on the road again for their "Taking Off" tour, beginning in August, to introduce their new cast, which for the first time includes a female Wiggle. "The new cast will truly connect with today's generation," says Anthony Field, creator of the band. "There's a new energy within the group and we've got a lot of new songs as well as your Wiggly favorites." The Wiggles will introduce a new CD titled Taking Off!, a DVD with the same name and several licensing items.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Children's Apparel Network of New York, NY, has issued a voluntary recall of an estimated 9,200 three-piece clothing sets by girls' brand Young Hearts.

The premier licensing agency announced last week that it's adding iconic baby brand Little Giraffe to its portfolio of global brands. Little Giraffe has been a favorite of parents since its beginnings in 2000 and has been supplying babies everywhere with its cozy, luxurious, easy-care products, including blankets, blankies and accessories. Global Icons plans to increase the company's brand initiatives and exposure by introducing new products, such as strollers, car seats, cribs, walkers and other infant furniture.

The Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association's women's only special interest group, JP W.O.M.E.N., is hosting a networking breakfast at the ABC Spring Educational Conference and Trade Show. The free event will take place on Thursday, May 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas and is open to all women interested in the juvenile product industry. Participants will learn more about the new group and have a chance to register for a SpaFinder gift card giveaway.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with The Land of Nod of Morton Grove, IL, has issued a voluntary recall of an estimated 2,500 plush handmade dolls. Sold in five styles and colors, the hands on the dolls can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The company has received word of one incident and as yet no injuries have been reported.

Children's Place CFO Michael Scarpa has added COO to his credentials. The exec, who manages information technology, distribution, logistics and wholesale, will now also oversee store operations, store development and international for the children's apparel chain. Scarpa's previous experience includes more than 30 years of financial and operational management at Talbots and Liz Claiborne.

Boo, the cutest dog on Facebook, is adding new categories through its licensing agent Knockout Licensing, including swimwear, apparel and gift. Boys' and girls' swimwear will be produced by Bentex Group; Department 56 will develop holiday ornaments, mugs, water globes and figurines featuring the canine; Enterplay LLC is making Boo Collectible Fun Packs, which comprises mini-games, charms, mini-figurines, trading cards, puzzles, temporary tattoos, stickers, trivia cards and other collectables; and Trends International LLC will create Boo posters.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that J.C. Penney is now in talks with Wells Fargo and at least two other investment firms, seeking a $500 million loan to shore up the troubled retailer's cash reserves. The loan would come due in five years and be backed by the company's inventory, accounts receivable and intellectual property. Earlier in the week J.C. Penney announced that it borrowed $850 million from its $1.85 billion revolving credit facility.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in association with J.P. Boden of Pittston, PA, has issued a voluntary recall of an estimated 1,900 corduroy overall dungaree pants. The recalled dungarees were sold in light brown and red in sizes 0-24 months and 2Y-4Y at Nordstrom stores, online at Bodenusa.com and through the Boden catalog from July 2012 through March 2013 for about $40. No injuries have been reported but the studs and clasps on the pants can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants and small children.