Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) is strengthening its portfolio of licensed brands for preschoolers with the acquisition of global publishing rights to 2D-animated series Odo. A first wave of picture books from the UK-based publisher will roll out in the region next March.

Co-produced by UK prodco Sixteen South and Polish animation studio Letko, Odo premiered last year in the UK and has sold to channels and platforms in more than 150 territories worldwide, including HBO Max in the US and Canal+ in France.

The series follows the adventures of a young owl and his best friend at the Forest Camp for Young Birds, where they tackle challenges big and small together. Odo focuses on themes like immigration and racism, while aiming to teach its young audience how to build self-confidence and have respect for others.

Nicole Pearson (MCB’s publishing director of brands and media) and Vicky Miller (licensing director at Bulldog Licensing) brokered the deal, which includes rights in all languages to six picture books and an option for the publisher to acquire further formats and titles in the future.

This partnership follows in the wake of a deal between Macmillan and The LEGO Group for preschool novelty publishing that was signed in August 2021.