Popular Lake District character and brand Herdy is entering the most exciting six weeks of its 19-year history after securing landmark global publishing and licensing deals that will bring its iconic smiling sheep to global bookstores and greeting card aisles for the very first time.
In a leap that makes Herdy a national and international character brand, co-founders Diane and Spencer Hannah have partnered with Quarto imprint Happy Yak for a worldwide children’s book series alongside an exclusive debut greeting card collection with industry leader The Art File.
First launched in 2007, the character’s rapid retail expansion over the coming weeks will introduce Herdy and his smile to millions of families worldwide.
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The range of 12 greeting cards was launched to trade buyers last week at the Harrogate Home & Gift fair, soon to be followed by the launch of the debut children’s book series in bookstores around the world from 3 September.
The greeting cards all feature Herdy and are made to bring a smile on birthdays and other important days.
Designed by The Art File’s creative team, Herdy will also be introducing a complementary giftware range that sits alongside the collection.
The upcoming global book launch also highlights the brand’s digital popularity, with over 120,000 fans across its social media platforms.
The three book titles – Goodnight Herdy, Herdy’s Fun Day and Out and About With Herdy – have been listed for pre-orders on Herdy.com, Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org, with all leading book retailers stocking the titles ahead of its launch in September.
The Hannahs established the Herdy character in 2007, basing the design on the Lake District’s smiling Herdwick Sheep.
The cheerful character can be found on gifts, accessories and homewares with a simple mission to make people smile and has built a loyal following through its joyful designs, feel-good products and long-standing commitment to giving back to the Lake District and its communities.
The creators 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 added: “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.”
Herdy can be found online at Herdy.com, at its five Lake District stores in Kendal, Ambleside, Bowness, Grasmere and Keswick, and now also in hundreds of other stores across the UK, United States, New Zealand and Japan.
