California-based SMC Entertainment Group, has been named as the North American licensing agent for the Penguin Young Readers Group series, Ladybug Girl.

Following the release of the latest book in May, Ladybug Girl and Bingo, July has been named Ladybug Girl Month for Penguin’s National Booksellers program. The character will encourage kids to get outside and enjoy the summer. On October 4, more than two million people across the US will read Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad, this year’s official Read for the Record selection.

Created by husband and wife team Jacky Davis and David Soman, Ladybug Girl was first released in 2009 and has become a New York Times best seller with 10 editions accounting for almost two million copies in print.

Targeting consumer products for girls from two to six years of age, SMC is looking to develop a program across multiple categories for Ladybug Girl brand, including dolls, plush, games, puzzles, apps, party goods, back to school, apparel, footwear, sleepwear, swimwear, accessories, arts & crafts, home furnishings, bedding, Halloween and more.

Based in Chatsworth, California, SMC was founded by global consumer products manufacturer Sun-Mate Corporation.