Farshore has acquired the English language rights (excluding North America) to publish a range of The Lumistella Company’s The Elf on the Shelf universe-themed titles over the next five years.
The publishing programme will look to introduce readers to the world beyond The Elf on the Shelf and will include picture books, activity books and fiction featuring familiar and new characters from Santa’s North Pole.
In addition, there will also be an origin story developed by Chanda A Bell, author of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.
The first title to launch will be The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas picture book on 28 September. Further titles and formats will follow in 2024.
The Elf on the Shelf tradition began in the US in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda (pictured) self-published the keepsake boxed set The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, which includes an illustrated picture book and authentic Scout Elf dressed in a solid red jumpsuit with a pointy white collar.
More than 25 million official Scout Elves, Elf Pets and Elf Mates have been adopted worldwide since the brand’s inception.
“2023 marks nearly 15 years of The Elf on the Shelf in the UK, so for children growing up now it is already an established tradition they look forward to with great anticipation each year,” commented Zoe Masters, publisher, brands and licensing at Farshore. “The Elf on the Shelf has grown into a global phenomenon. Farshore is excited and proud to work with The Lumistella Company and our colleagues at HarperCollins US to continue this tradition of publishing joyful, magical stories and engaging content for families and children to enjoy at Christmas.”
Chanda A Bell, founder and co-ceo of The Lumistella Company, continued: “Our partnership with HarperCollins is a testament to our unwavering commitment to tell the stories of Santa’s North Pole in innovative and fresh ways.”
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