PBS's ``Noddy'' Adds New Notions,Oddities, Doodads, Delights and Toys to His TreasureChest.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--

Toys, books, videos, apparel and other products based

on the popular children's television series

will be available nationwide this fall

The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company, The Enid Blyton Company and BBC Worldwide

today announced that deals have been signed with GUND, Learning Curve, Polygram and Harper Collins and others are pending with Happy Kids, Colorforms, Zak Designs, Disguise, International Playthings, DK Publishing, Schylling and Publications International to introduce a number of unique products based on "Noddy," the international superstar of acclaimed writer Enid Blyton's beloved children's book series. These multi-award-winning books have been printed in nearly 40 languages and more than 200 million copies have been sold.

Co-produced by BBC Worldwide and The Enid Blyton Company for children ages three to seven, "Noddy" debuted last fall on more than 200 public television stations in the United States and Canada. The series now airs in virtually all public television households throughout the U.S., and is a bonafide smash success in Canada, airing twice daily on the Canadian Broadcasting Company and TVOntario. The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company markets "Noddy" in North America.

"The tremendous success of `Noddy' has made it readily apparent that to satisfy children's appetites for this lovable character, we must search for new ways to bring `Noddy' to life," said Kenn Viselman, president and CEO of The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company. "We are pleased to work with these world-class partners to create products that spark imaginations and enable kids to further enjoy the adventures of `Noddy.'"

"Noddy" Toys from GUND

GUND, known worldwide for their top quality, will be introducing a complete range of soft toys, including fabric toys, flocked toys, toys covered with foam and "beanie" soft toys. GUND will also manufacture puppets and soft rattles. Distribution will begin in early 1999 with a specially designed 10-inch plush "Noddy" doll and the first ever six-inch bean bags for "Noddy's" pals Martha Monkey, Tessie Bear and Bumpy Dog.

Learning Curve to Introduce Line of Wooden Toys

Learning Curve, the premiere manufacturer of wooden toys, will create a line of wooden puzzles and push/pull toys. Additionally, Learning Curve will introduce "Noddy's Wooden Toyland Adventure System," a collectible playset similar to the greatly popular Thomas the Tank Engine Wooden Railway System.

Both GUND and Learning Curve products will be available in specialty retail shops, bookstores, gift shops and finer department stores, such as FAO Schwarz, Learning Express, Store of Knowledge, Imaginarium, Noodle Kidoodle and Zany Brainy.

Books from Harper Collins

Harper Collins will produce a series of children's books based on the adventures of "Noddy." Through "Learn to Count with Noddy" and "Learn the Alphabet with Noddy," children will learn important skills while having fun at the same time. With "Noddy and the Great Cake Bake Off" and "Noddy's Super Busy Day," children learn everyday lessons through the entertaining adventures of Noddy. The first in this unique series of books is expected to be available in April 1999.

Polygram to Produce "Noddy" Videos

Polygram, which has worldwide rights to "Noddy," has produced two videos, "Noddy Makes a New Friend" and "Noddy Gives a Birthday Party," each of which include three animated stories and two original music videos. Designed specifically for home video, these titles will be available in May 1999.

Children's Apparel from Happy Kids

A line of "Noddy" playwear for children ages 2-7 will soon be available from Happy Kids.

"Noddy" Colorforms

A series of vinyl static cling activity boxes and books, floor puzzles and games will be distributed by Colorforms, a division of University Games.

Dinnerware by Zak Designs

Zak Designs, the nation's leading children's melamine dinnerware manufacturer, will distribute "Noddy" dinnerware and drinkware. Dinnerware sets are expected to launch this fall.

Disguise to Distribute "Noddy" Costumes

Disguise will distribute Halloween costumes based on "Noddy."

Board and Card Games from International Playthings

"Noddy" board and card games will soon be available from International Playthings. The products, designed specifically for specialty store distribution, will be available at FAO Schwarz, Learning Express, Store of Knowledge, Imaginarium, Noodle Kidoodle and Zany Brainy.

DK Publishing Creates "Noddy" Stickers

Stickers based on "Noddy" will be distributed by DK Publishing.

Tins and Toys from Schylling

Shylling will distribute a number of tin "Noddy" products, such as a spinning tin top, tin yo-yo, tin wind-up alarm clock, tin keepsake box and other unique tin products.

Sound Books from Publications International

The first of a unique series of "Noddy" sound books from Publications International is expected to be available in May 1999.

Noddy's Journey to the U.S.

Renowned British author Enid Blyton first created the classic "Noddy" stories about a little boy who lives in Toyland almost 50 years ago. In 1991, a very popular animated series, based on Blyton's books, was created by the BBC. Rick Siggelkow, producer and co-creator of the new "Noddy," wove the pre-existing animation into an original live action format, with new puppet characters, special effects, original songs and a cast of award-winning adult and child actors.

"Noddy" is set in an old-fashioned curiosity shop called Notions, Oddities, Doodads & Delights of Yesterday or NODDY's, owned by the retired sea captain Noah Tomten. Every day after school, his grandchildren, Kate and Truman, and their friend D.J., gather at the shop to play and wait for their parents to finish work. As the children discover antique toys, books and other treasures in the shop, their imaginations are sparked and they begin to make up stories. The storytelling segues into the animated adventures of "Noddy," the mischievous wooden boy who lives in Toyland.

The Partners

BBC Worldwide was formed in 1994 to bring together the commercial and international activities of the BBC. BBC Worldwide has re-energized its children's division to identify programming with genuine cross-media potential for developing into global brands, while maintaining the BBC's commitment to produce the highest quality programming to entertain and inform children. "Noddy" represents the first of these key properties and marks the first series BBC Worldwide has created for the U.S. market.

The Enid Blyton Company focuses on developing broadcasting, publishing, licensing and merchandising opportunities with the hundreds of characters created by the author.

The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company was launched to offer creators of unique properties a strong, dedicated partnership for production, distribution, licensing and marketing. Founded in 1995 by Kenn Viselman, The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company is known for inspiring "Safehaven Entertainment(TM)" programming and products that maintain the highest levels of consideration for positive parenting while enhancing children's lives. The company's philosophy is "To be free to learn, children must be free to dream!" The itsy bitsy Entertainment Company is a member company of North Coast Entertainment, a subsidiary of Handleman Company (NYSE:HDL).

Check out our "Noddy" Web site at www.pbs.org/kids