A Lake District brand has secured global publishing and licensing deals to bring its character to international bookstores and greeting card aisles.
Herdy, established by Diane and Spencer Hannah in 2007, has partnered with Quarto imprint Happy Yak for a worldwide children’s book series and The Art File for a debut greeting card collection.
The character design is based on the region’s Herdwick sheep.
Diane and Spencer said: “When we first designed Herdy 19 years ago, our character was inspired by the simple smile of the Herdwick sheep that roam our Lake District fells and hills.
“But as love for Herdy grows, we’re recognising his personality can be a small joyful force for good in a world that sometimes feels hard.
“In itself, seeing Herdy leap from giftware onto global bookstore shelves and into card aisles is amazing after nearly two decades of work.
“But far more importantly than that, it’s another step for us as we bring the joy of Herdy’s smile to more families, friends and communities right across the globe.
“We’re incredibly proud and excited to see where Herdy’s smile can make a difference in the years ahead.”
Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, said: “The world needs cheering up right now, and Herdy is perfect for that.
“Herdy and The Art File are an incredible fit. We’re a premium independent publisher of award-winning contemporary greeting cards, gift wrap and stationery.
“Herdy is an established lifestyle brand with a growing reputation for spreading smiles, kindness and joyful moments with the friends, families and communities you love.
“Together, it feels like the perfect combination for a new greeting card collection.”
The range of 12 greeting cards, designed by The Art File’s creative team, was launched last week to trade buyers at the Harrogate Home & Gift fair.
A complementary giftware range will also sit alongside the collection.
The debut children’s book series will launch in bookstores around the world from September 3.
The three books – Goodnight Herdy, Herdy’s Fun Day and Out and About With Herdy – have been listed for pre-order with leading retailers.
The brand has over 120,000 fans across its social media platforms.
Herdy has five stores in Kendal, Ambleside, Bowness, Grasmere and Keswick and is stocked in hundreds of other stores across the UK, USA, New Zealand and Japan.
