Scholastic to release Dino Ranch series

Scholastic UK is partnering with global entertainment company Boat Rocker to release books based on its animation series "Dino Ranch".

The press will release the first books in January and February next year, followed by further titles in the summer and autumn.

Dino Ranch follows the adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical, “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs still roam. Targeted at two to five-year-olds, the stories feature problem solving, the foundations of forging life-long friendships, strengthening family and community bonds and taking care of animals.

The worldwide deal grants Scholastic the rights to design and produce a range of English language formats including readers, sticker story books, novelty, activity books, and audiobooks. 

Elizabeth Scoggins, publisher for non-fiction and licensing, said: “From the start, we could see that Dino Ranch was going to be a stand-out brand in the pre-school market. It has heart and humour that will leap off screen and into the books and we’re excited to share the first titles with young fans in the new year.”

Created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, the series premiered on Disney Junior US in early 2021 and on Disney+ in the UK.

Boat Rocker Studios is managing the global content distribution, brand franchise management and consumer products program, while Jazwares is the global toy producing partner for Dino Ranch, with more consumer product deals set to be announced over the coming months.

Debra Dorfman, v.p. and publisher for global licensing, brands and media at Scholastic, said: “We all fell in love with Dino Ranch the minute we saw the sizzle and the creative direction for the show! We are so excited to be partnering with Boat Rocker to create an array of books that will have global appeal. This is a show that families will love to watch and read about together!”

Jon Rutherford, m.d. and president of rights at Boat Rocker Studios, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scholastic on what promises to be an exciting range of publications, as we continue to build Dino Ranch into a global franchise. The unique and exciting mix of cowboys, cowgirls and dinosaurs has huge global appeal, making Scholastic the ideal partner with their global reach and experience. They are renowned for helping inspire children to read, and the instantly relatable characters and thrilling stories in Dino Ranch lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of books.”