REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Epic!, the world’s leading digital library for kids, and global independent publisher Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP), today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to exclusively publish a new line of children’s books. More than 10 million children use Epic! in homes and schools and AMP is a leader in children’s publishing, with favorites including “Big Nate,” “Phoebe and Her Unicorn,” “Peanuts” and “Calvin and Hobbes.”
Earlier this year, Epic! debuted Epic! Originals, a new collection of original digital books based on insights from millions of young readers and created in collaboration with leading authors and illustrators. Already incredibly popular in their native digital form, the books will be available in print for the first time and sold at major retail chains nationwide this fall.
Since the launch of Epic! Originals, the digital books have been devoured by kids, accumulating more than 8 million total reads in just a few short months. One runaway success, “My Pet Slime,” was read well over 1 million times in just eight weeks.
“Epic! Originals were designed to delight children while nurturing a love of reading and learning,” said Kevin Donahue, co-founder of Epic!. “The overwhelming response to these unique characters and stories confirmed that we were onto something magical. AMP is the perfect partner to bring these wildly popular book series to the printed page and into the hands of our rapidly growing fanbase of children and families worldwide.”
Launched in 2014, Epic!’s award-winning subscription service, which is free to teachers, provides unlimited access to an expansive content library with tens of thousands of books, audiobooks and learning videos from hundreds of the world’s top publishers for $7.99 per month.
“The digital success of Epic! Originals reflects powerful insights into what will engage and motivate young readers. This partnership is about transforming an imaginative line of children’s books from the digital space into bookstores and library shelves everywhere,” said AMP publisher and president Kirsty Melville. “It is fun, smart and accessible content that fosters creativity, learning, and above all, a love of reading.”
AMP will release the first five titles in the fall, including “My Pet Slime,” “Creature Campers,” “Undersea Mystery Club,” “Diary of a Fifth Grade Outlaw” and “Cinderella Rex.” The line will continue to expand into 2020 with additional releases each season.
Epic!
Epic! is the world’s leading digital reading platform for kids, created to nurture a love of reading and learning in children everywhere. Epic!’s award-winning subscription service includes unlimited access to the world’s best digital library for kids 12 and under, encouraging kids to independently explore their interests and develop their passions in a completely safe and engaging environment. Epic!’s library holds 35,000 books, read-to-me books, audiobooks, and videos from 250 leading publishers such as HarperCollins, Andrews McMeel, Macmillan, Sesame Workshop, National Geographic Kids, and Smithsonian. To learn more about Epic!, visit www.getepic.com, or follow Epic! on Facebook and Twitter.
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Andrews McMeel Publishing is a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, a global, independent and integrated media partner to creators of inspirational content, comics, and illustrated humor. It distributes creator content through global syndication; book, calendar and greeting card publishing; digital consumer experiences; and entertainment licensing (www.andrewsmcmeel.com).
