Licensing Hotline: In Brief

Scholastic and New Line will coproduce a theatrical film or films based on Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials.... Nelvana has acquired licensing and entertainment rights for the Berenstain Bears and will develop a television series and other entertainment, including short segments for PBS Kids.... NewKidCo will release interactive software based on Dr. Seuss characters, starting with a GameBoy title this fall. Meanwhile, Random House relaunched www.Seussville.com, the official Dr. Seuss Web site.... Cartoon Network joined with Scholastic to launch Cartoon Network Magazine in February. It is distributed in Scholastic book clubs and fairs and some Barnes & Noble stores.... The World of Roald Dahl has signed four licensing deals in the U.K. Partners include jam and marmalade producer Robertson's for a book giveaway promotion, Europress for software, Camden Graphics for greeting cards, and Winning Moves for board and card games.... Max & Ruby, an animated series coproduced by Nelvana and Silver Lining Productions and based on the books by Rosemary Wells, will premiere on Nickelodeon this fall.... Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann, introduced as a doll in 1915 and in books in 1918, was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame last month. Raggedy Ann is licensed by United Media on behalf of Simon & Schuster.