The Jim Henson Company has named TOMY International (formerly RC2/Learning Curve Brands) as the global master toy licensee for its puppet-based preschool property Pajanimals.

The new multi-year deal further extends Henson’s existing licensing agreement with the toyco, as it was initially appointed as the US master toy partner in October 2011.

Under the terms of the new deal, TOMY will develop toys and juvenile products for the global market including plush toys based on the series’ four main characters (Sweetpea Sue, Squacky, CowBella and Apollo), nighttime projectors, monitors, nightlights and a Snuggle Up Story Mat to help children switch from play time to nap time.

The first round of products (the plush toys and Snuggle Up Story Mat), will roll out in the US from this October and debut this fall in Australia. The full line of items will launch next year in both the US and in Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Canada.

Live-action/puppetry series Pajanimals, which airs exclusively in the US on 24-hour preschool channel Sprout, was recently picked up by ABC Australia and TVNZ New Zealand for its TV2 network.