Thunderbird comes under the Blue Ant umbrella 

First announced in November, Blue Ant Media has completed its acquisition of Thunderbird Entertainment and all related assets for US$63 million. Thunderbird CEO Jennifer Twiner McCarron says the sale is a critical strategic step towards forming Canada’s next major global studio, and she will join Blue Ant to serve as president of animation, kids and YA content. 

Cloudco Entertainment outlines Care Bears collabs for 2026 

The LA-based studio has added four toycos to the Care Bears consumer products program: Palm Puppetronics maker Wow! Stuff, Zuru (Fuggler plush), PMI Kids World (collectibles) and Ravensburger (puzzles) will begin rolling out products to retailers worldwide later this year. 

More buyers harvest Tulipop Tales

Iceland’s Tulipop Studios has locked in Prime Video, Kidoodle.TV, HappyKids, Zone TV, Dreamscape, Cycle Kids and Ketchup TV as US streaming partners for its flagship 2D-animated preschool series (52 x seven minutes). Three 30-minute Tulipop Seasons animated specials are also in production. 

El Reino Infantil is staying on Netflix

The Argentinian studio has signed a renewal to keep its flagship series Zenon the Farmer on the global streamer. The deal also encompasses an Italian dub for Zenon and a new series of CG-animated shorts called Bartolio’s Awesome Internet Adventures designed to teach kids and families about responsible internet use. 

Random House expands Richard Scarry’s Busy World

The publisher has brought in several new licensing partners to extend the global reach of this children’s publishing IP, including AQI (lifestyle), Bright Stripes (DIY crafts), University Games (board games) and Yottoy (stuffed animals). Isaac Morris, Little Goodall and Wild Woven are also now on board to produce branded apparel for kids.