Banijay Kids and Family is looking to write a new chapter for its IPs, through a partnership with audiobook producer and distributor Bookwire.

The deal covers a healthy list of the proprietary and third-party brands in Banijay’s library, including Totally Spies! (pictured), Lolirock, The Ranch, Yellow Yeti, Silverpoint and Martin Mystery from Zodiak Kids, as well as When I Was Your Age and Street Football from Monello Productions. 

Frankfurt-based Bookwire will handle all of the audiobook production through its in-house studio WeAudiobookYou. The Banijay titles are set to be distributed in early 2023 in French first, and then will subsequently roll out in other languages on music streaming platforms worldwide.

Founded in 2010, Bookwire produces audiobooks, e-books and podcasts in Germany, the UK, Spain, Brazil, France, Mexico and the US. Since opening its Paris office last year, the company has partnered with major French publishers such as L’École des Loisirs and Elidia. According to a release, the next phase of its expansion plan involves reaching out to companies beyond the publishing industry, such as TV production companies.

Audiobooks and podcasts have become increasingly popular in the kids media market as a way to engage audiences off-screen and expand franchises. British research firm KidsKnowBest surveyed 4,000 kids in 2021 about their podcast habits and found that 43% were regular listeners, having picked up the new habit during pandemic lockdowns.