Entertainment One (eOne) has expanded the Humf licensing program by striking an international deal with publishing partner Igloo Books, which marks the brand’s first foray into the publishing sector.

The deal will see the launch of a number of publishing formats that will be distributed in 36 territories across Europe, US, Latin America, Asia and Australia.

Igloo is developing a comprehensive Humf retail distribution strategy that will see the published range of books aimed at children under five launching from spring/summer 2011. Over the next three years, the rollout will include story books, gift and novelty books, board books, touch and feel books, poster books, sound books, sticker, puzzle and activity books, colouring books, audio books and annuals.

The preschool animated series has garnered a loyal fan base since it was first introduced on Nick Jr UK in early 2009. eOne released the first DVD of the animated series, Humf and the Balloons, in August and it has already sold roughly 14,500 units in its first month making it the biggest new preschool series on DVD of the year (year to date). A second DVD release, Humf and the Big Boots, is slated for release in Q1 2011.

In addition to these developments, the UK-based games publisher P2 Games is on board to develop Humf iphone gaming applications for release this year. Redan Publishing also continues to publish Humf licensed activity pages in its preschool compilation magazines Fun To Learn Friends and Fun To Learn Favourites.