Earnshaw's

Zodiak Kids announced last week that Scholastic will be the master publishing partner in North America for the preschool television show Tickety Toc. The publishing company is developing several products based around the show, including storybooks, e-books, sticker books, novelty books and board books. The television series airs on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and on Disney Junior in Canada.

Celebrating its fifth birthday, the brand is releasing four new characters - Spirit the Lemur, Twist the Snake, Comedy the Hyena and Smoo the Cow. Carte Blanche Group originally launched the brand in 2008 with only five plush characters and has since grown, developing toys, figurines, gift items and stationery. "The new plush characters are sure to capture fans' imagination," says Catherine Lawrence, Carte Blanche brand manager. "Smoo, Comedy, Sprit and Twist are super-cute and very collectable.

The Jim Henson Company's television series "Fraggle Rock" is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new licenses.

Hasbro is partnering with Aurora World to create a line of 18 My Little Pony plushes. Twelve of the ponies will be smaller with a personal carrying purse and six of the plushes will be 10 inches tall, with a price range from $15 to $20. "We are thrilled to work with Hasbro again and just as excited to introduce our My Little Pony plush toys to multi-generational fans and collectors," says Michael Kessler, SVP of sales and marketing at Aurora. "The line is designed to appeal to all ages that embrace the My Little Pony brand." 

Childrenswear company Carter's has recalled 218,000 pieces of clothing due to a choking hazard. Included in the recall are eight styles of footed one-pieces in sizes 3 to 9 months. The full-length zipper on these items can detach, posing a risk to children. No injuries have been reported.

Babies 'R' Us have partnered with parenting website WhatToExpect.com to offer moms-to-be access to baby-related news, advice and products through both channels. Babies 'R' Us will also feature content and information for new parents provided by Murkoff's site. Babies 'R' Us registries will be accessible through Heidi Murkoff's WhatToExpect.com, which will also include reviews and suggested products.

Retail sales fell in February in the 17 countries that the euro is used. Eurostat, the European Unions official statistics agency reports that retail sales in February fell 0.3 percent on the month and by 1.4 percent on the year. However, German manufacturers reported an increase in orders from overseas. The stats highlight Europes weakening demand for products and consumers increasing thriftiness as unemployment rates ruse and wage growth slows.

Childrens retailer Giggle is set to debut a nursery collection before the end of the year with the help of product design firm Red Clay. Red Clays community of designers was invited to submit designs for cribs, dresser/change table and a rocker until the end of March. The store will now ask consumers for feedback on the design, in hopes to key into consumers wants and likes before the company delves into expensive production.

Baby lifestyle brand Aden + Anais are teaming up with Sanrio to develop a sleeping, feeding and bathing product range for the Hello Kitty property. The line will include limited-edition blankets, snap bibs, hooded towels, washcloths and swaddling cloths. We are now seeing the Hello Kitty brand experience become generational, says Jill Koch, senior vice president of brand management and marketing at Sanrio. Moms who grew up with Hello Kitty will love our collaboration with Aden + Anais for their daughters.

Last Thursday, Bugaboo celebrated its new collection for Spring 13 featuring Andy Warhol designs in Manhattans SoHo neighborhood, complete with children showing off their breakdancing and DJ skills, Serendipitys famous frozen hot chocolate, and bite-size treats for the kiddies.