DeAPlaneta Entertainment appoints Italy’s Kimbe 

Kimbe will serve as a regional licensing partner for the popular series Milo (pictured) and Maya the Bee, with a range of franchise activations planned. In addition to overseeing categories like costumes, Kimbe will turn to its specialty in live character entertainment to launch immersive brand experiences—including meet-and-greets, playground experiences and events at retail.

Reading Rainbow strikes a deal for more YouTube growth

VIEWED has signed on to manage the literacy series on YouTube. It’s the latest deal for the Toronto-based agency, which also handles several ZDF kids shows and The Jim Henson Company on the video platform. The official Reading Rainbow channel currently has 110,000 subscribers. The IP generated strong digital viewership for its four-part reboot hosted by Mychal Threets, and is soon expanding with a 24-episode order.  

…and so does PBS Distribution, with help from Fremantle 

Under a new deal, the two companies will roll out YouTube channels for a trio of kids shows. Fremantle will oversee the creation/distribution of video assets, ranging from short clips to compilations. Arthur and Peep and the Big Wide World (produced by member station GBH) are covered globally, excluding the US and Canada, respectively. There’s also a North American channel planned for the toon Piripenguins, produced by Eaglet Films and Red Monk Studio.

HTI makes a few new “Palz” with WBD Consumer Products

The UK brand has licensed Harry Potter and DC characters for its line of eraser figures known as Puzzle Palz. The collection, sold in blind boxes, will hit retail next year. The Wizarding World range includes Harry, Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore, while the DC range includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and Lex Luthor. Harry Potter is making a comeback on HBO this year, while DC relaunched its movie franchise last year with Superman, with Supergirl coming this summer.