Preschool brand Odo takes flight with licensing and broadcast growth

Preschool brand Odo is continuing to spread its wings in the licensing space, with Bulldog Licensing confirming further growth.

The show – about a little owl with big ideas – is already a hit on Channel 5’s Milkshake block in the UK and has also been sold to broadcasters around the world. Internationally, Odo has been sold to 145 countries and a large number of major broadcasters including Kika (Germany) and RAI (Italy).

In publishing, Pan Macmillan released the first two English-language books in March, with a further two titles due later this year.

The first two titles – Odo Super Owl! and Odo The Egg – invite children to join Odo and his friends in their adventures at Forest Camp in warm and funny picture book stories that help to build self-confidence and empathy in preschoolers.

Based on the brand’s core values of tolerance, acceptance and gentle lessons in social justice, the books in the new series include a special spread at the back with reading tips for parents and carers, as well as offering questions and prompts to encourage conversation about the books, the characters and key themes.

Super Owl has already been well received, notably as part of the Milkshake Mornings live book readings for children at Parkdean Resorts. Readings of the books will also be featured in an upcoming season of Story Den on Milkshake.

Other licensed partners on board with Odo include Poetic Brands, RJ Bags, Roy Lowe and Rainbow Productions, while Wow Stuff is master toy partner.

“Warmth, humour and very engaging characters are combined with themes of creativity, imagination, kindness and friendship in this winning and delightful TV series,” commented Sophie Yates, brand manager at Bulldog Licensing. “Odo is enjoying a very strong response from broadcasters and viewers – and we have no doubt this appealing and original character will be equally popular with licensees.”