HarperCollins Children’s Books UK has licensed manufacturer kissmekwik to produce a range of greetings cards and wrapping paper based on children’s book, Arthur and Friends: Watch Out Arthur!, which was published in May.

The half-teddy, half-bunny Arthur character was created by Magda Archer, a Chelsea School of Art and Royal College of Art graduate. During her career, Archer has had solo exhibitions, had work selected for a Peter Blake show and has collaborated with illustrator Peter Quinnell on projects, including artwork for The Beatles Anthology.

The Kissmekwik range, released under the company’s Simon Spicer brand, will launch in January 2011 with an initial offering of eight to 10 cards and two wrapping paper designs.

Meanwhile, in a separate deal, HarperCollins is now the sole representative for film, TV, stage and radio rights for Arthur. HarperCollins is also looking to expand the Arthur licensee base to cover stationery, homewares, apparel and accessories