Licensing Hotline: Engelbreit Hits the Books

Twenty-five years ago artist Mary Engelbreit brought her portfolio to New York City, hoping to connect with a children's publisher. After an editor advised her to look to the greeting card market instead, she returned to St. Louis and built an empire that now boasts sales of 14 million cards annually. More than 40 licensees market 6,500 Engelbreit products, together expected to generate retail sales of $125 million in 2001.

Now the artist's original dream is finally coming true through a five-year, 20-title deal, her largest licensing arrangement to date. HarperCollins Children's Books will publish illustrated classics, including a Mother Goose collection; a picture book series called Ann Estelle & Friends, starring Engelbreit's signature character; and a line of board books. The first title, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, is scheduled for fall release, followed by two board books in winter 2003.

Engelbreit previously illustrated Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen (Workman, 1993) and Wm. Henry Channing's My Symphony (Andrews & McMeel, 1997); A&M publishes an extensive line of gift books.