Under the new deal, Sorini will manufacture individual 280 gram chocolate Easter eggs with a surprise inside each egg, and small bags of six-gram chocolate Easter eggs with a surprise inside each bag. Rachele Geraci, Atlantyca’s licensing and agent manager, secured the deal which will result in products being introduced throughout Italy in time for Easter.

“We are pleased to be working with such a well-known company as Sorini on a new line of products that will serve to reinforce the Kingdom of Fantasy property’s position as a fixture among Italian pop culture this Easter,” said Mazzucco.

Jakks also signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, LLC for a line of plush products based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad that ties into the new Marvel virtual online world, HeroUp.com. The product line is expected to include collectible plush, plush clip-ons, and large plush with online components. The line is expected to launch at specialty retailers this spring with broad distribution in mass retail channels starting in 2013. Under the same agreement, Jakks has the rights to manufacture, distribute, and market skill and action games inspired by Marvel classic characters, slated to launch this spring.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is being developed by TT Games and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes complements the recently released Lego Super Heroes: DC Universe toy collection. The line includes five construction sets, including The Batcave and three buildable, detailed action figures.

Pillow Pets is releasing new plush foldable stuffed animals of characters from Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, and Disney, among others. The newest Pillow Pets plush lines include Thomas the Tank Engine, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Shrek and Donkey. Pillow Pets’ Disney plush characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Lightning McQueen (Cars), and Tow Mater (Cars). Additional new characters and styles will be introduced at Toy Fair 2012.

CJ Products offers Pillow Pets plush in a premium line for specialty retailers and a standard line for the mass marketplace. The Pillow Pets Premium plush line features softer, more luxurious fabrics and special “collector-level” branding, including an exclusive tag. The premium styles are exclusive to specialty retailers for a limited time and then introduced to the mass market as new premium styles are created.

“The premium line allows specialty retailers to offer new Pillow Pets plush before they hit the mass market,” said Jennifer Telfer, CEO of CJ Products, LLC. “This enables them to be the go-to purchasing destination for the first wave of styles.”

Under the terms of the multiyear agreement, Random House will publish Pocoyo storybooks, leveled reader books, coloring and activity books, board/novelty books, and e-books (based on the published books in the referenced formats) in the English language. The first three books, to be published and available at retail this summer, include a Pocoyo storybook, coloring book, and board/novelty book.

This interactive reader app features tap-able surprises, puzzles, digital coloring pages, sticker activities, and hidden DC Super Friends points that users can collect to receive an in-app reward, an exclusive email-able holiday postcard. The app also includes professional narration, sound effects, word highlighting, and record-your-own audio.

ScrollMotion Kids’ stickers feature enables kids to create their own superhero scenes by placing digital DC Super Friends stickers atop animated backgrounds. Children can use multi-touch to grow, shrink, and spin the characters, and can also save and share their creations. Additionally, users can personalize their app by taking a photo with the DC Super Friends or importing a picture from Photos.

DC Super Friends: Race to Save Christmas is made available through ScrollMotion Kids’ platform. Children acquire knowledge best through discovery and play, and ScrollMotion Kids apps provide hands-on interactivity to promote learning through technology.

To celebrate the launch, a 99 cents promotional sale of DC Super Friends: Race to Save Christmas app will take place November 29 through December 4 on the App store. iPad users can now download at http://j.mp/DCSFXMAS.

Casper the Friendly Ghost has been making friends around the world for generations. The star of thousands of comics (more than 100 million sold), hundreds of cartoon episodes, and a blockbuster Steven Spielberg film, Casper is beloved by audiences of all ages.

In collaboration with leading brands including adidas, Jerome C. Rousseau, nOir, M·A·C Cosmetics, and iHome, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) launches a Disney’s The Muppets-inspired collection spanning couture fashions and apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, electronics, and toys inspired by the film starring Jason Segal and Amy Adams in theaters November 23. Designed for the ultimate Muppets fan of all ages, the new product line features bright and bold colors and playful designs that embody the personalities and characteristics of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, and other favorite characters.

Fashion:

With her love of the spotlight, Miss Piggy has charmed her way into super stardom, and now her “look at moi” style and attitude has inspired the pink Diva Glitter Pump by distinctive high-end women’s footwear designer Jerome C. Rousseau. Expertly handcrafted in Italy, this shoe reflects the color, curves, and drama of the fabulous Miss Piggy. The Diva Glitter Pump will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores and SaksFifthAvenue.com in January.

True to nOir Jewelry‘s style, the Muppets jewelry collection is enchanting and edgy. Comprised of necklaces, bracelets, and rings, the collection features glamorous Miss Piggy-inspired cocktail jewelry as well as quirky statement pieces inspired by the playful nature of the rest of the Muppets gang. The Muppets jewelry collection from nOir will be available on noirjewelry.com.

The adidas Originals Muppets Collection for kids takes the iconic shell toe and other styles to the next level with designs inspired by Kermit the Frog, Animal, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo. The adidas Originals Muppets Collection is available November 18 at Kids Foot Locker, select Foot Locker stores, and kidsfootlocker.com.

Threadless has released a Muppets-inspired collection of men’s and women’s tees. Following the popularity of The Muppets Design Challenge held earlier in the year, Threadless is printing 23 of the most popular Muppets designs submitted and voted on by more than 1 million members of Threadless community. Limited quantities of The Muppets Threadless tees are available on Threadless.com/themuppets.

Beauty:

Generous glamour goddess that she is, Miss Piggy is sharing her beauty with the world via a limited edition, online-exclusive, M·A·C Cosmetics collection for the eyes. The collection includes a glamorous pink frost eye shadow, black eye liner, and lashes designed to create a stunning and alluring look.

Disney and OPI introduce two enticing Muppets-inspired collections perfect for this holiday season. The Muppets Collection features six glitter-packed polishes packed with micas and sparkle creating a 3-D textured look in bright jewel tones, providing the perfect pop to any ensemble. The Miss Piggy Collection features six elegant shades ranging from softer shimmers in copper and bronze metallic hues to dramatic reds and bold burgundies. Polishes from both collections are available at professional salons and spas.

Toys & Electronics:

Disney and iHome have collaborated to make your iPod listening experience even more enjoyable with a new line of Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories, including speakers, headphones, and earbuds. Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories are available at Toys “R” Us, and Amazon this fall.

With the Kermit the Frog Wrist Band for iPod nano. The watch face can be remove and replaced with your sixth-generation iPod nano. Featuring a slap bracelet design wrapped in soft-touch silicone, it’s comfortable, fashionable, and practical. The Kermit the Frog Wrist Band from PDP is available at Apple.com, Amazon, and Dr. Botts.

What Not˙ Workshop Plush: Now you can create your own zany-looking Muppets plush with the What Not˙ Workshop only at FAO Schwarz. The workshop allows participants to create a personalized What Not˙ by selecting the eyes, nose, hair, and outfit of their choice. From cute princesses to wild monsters the options are endless!

Get reacquainted with all of the classic Muppets characters with Disney Store‘s collection of Muppets plush toys. This exclusive plush assortment includes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, and Beaker. Muppets plush toys are an extensive collection of high-quality, uniquely detailed plush available in small, medium, and large sizes, only at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

View more photos of merchandise inspired by Disney’s Muppets by clicking here.

StinkyKids is a hilarious and heart-warming new children’s property that centers around 10 diverse characters, each with their own personalities who help kids make right choices and live by the motto, “Always Be a Leader of Good.” Each hilarious and real-life adventure captures the innocence of childhood and the lessons we learn from our mistakes.

The StinkyKids property has a solid licensing program in place, which will be complemented by additional licensing and marketing partners. Current licensees and products include award-winning storybooks from Raven Tree Press; soft-bodied dolls by legendary toy maker, Madame Alexander; bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters, safety gear, and accessories from Cycle Force Group; and collectible labels and tags from Kiddo Tags. In addition, renowned children’s theater group Vital Theatre Company is producing StinkyKids, The Musical, which will debut next spring. Over time, a full licensing program across all major categories for children will be launched and available to consumers.

A second season of the CG-animated TV series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, with a further 26 half-hour episodes (52 x 11 minutes), is being produced with international delivery beginning this month. The first season airs on many international broadcasters, including Disney Junior in the U.S. and TF1 in France where it captures 28 percent average market share of kids aged 4-10 in its morning slot on Tfou (source: January-June 2011 – Médiamétrie).

Babar will be featured in the Toy Gallery at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from December 8 to September 2. The history of the Babar books will be presented through a selection of 100 original illustration boards from institutions including the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and The Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. Along with photo archives, the exhibition will display items such as plush toys, games, action figures, and toys on wheels from as early as 1930, along with contemporary licensed products. It will pay tribute to Babar author and illustrator Jean de Brunhoff and his son, Laurent, who took over from his father in 1941. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France have partnered on the publication of a catalogue for the exhibition. A selection of “classic” Babar items will be available for sale at the Musée’s gift shop.

Other notables for Babar’s anniversary year include:

In August, Abrams Books for Young Readers released the latest book from Laurent de Brunhoff, Babar’s Celesteville Games. Throughout 2011, Abrams will reissue Laurent de Brunhoff’s classic Babar books in a new format as the 80th anniversary celebrations continue.

In France, a line of books based on the new TV series has been introduced by Hachette Jeunesse, and the company plans to publish 50-60 titles during the next three years.

Licensed products based on the new TV series hit the market this year. TF1 Licences is the agent for the brand in France and Benelux. Major licensees onboard include Lansay, Bayard, Hatier, Sun City, CTI, Dujardin, Vilac, and Smoby.

Kids will also have the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with Babar during their holidays in 16 Hôtels-Clubs Nouvelles Frontières around the world.