Nickelodeon Introduces First Toy Line-Up for Ni Hao, Kai-Lan at Toy Fair 2009

Nickelodeon Introduces First Toy Line-Up for Ni Hao, Kai-Lan at Toy Fair 2009

Ni Hao, Kai-lan Products To Hit Shelves In Fall 2009 With Dolls, Playsets and Interactive Learning Toys

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP), the world's leading television-based licensing organization, today announced the debut of the first line of toys based on Nick Jr.'s Ni Hao, Kai-lan. The line sets the foundation for an entirely new way to play along with the animated series that weaves together Chinese language and culture, preschool-relatable stories, and interactivity. The new toy program introduces a full range of products based on the character and her animal friends from some of the world's leading toy manufacturers including: Fisher Price; Mega Brands; and LeapFrog, among others.

"Ni Hao, Kai-lan has quickly become one of the most beloved properties in the Nickelodeon portfolio," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Video Games & Consumer Electronics, NVCP. "Our partners have created innovative products that allow children to continue learning with Kai-lan during their playtime."

Capturing the magic of the series, Nickelodeon master toy partner Fisher Price, will unveil an interactive "I Feel Super Doll" that will bring Kai-lan's heart and emotions to life. Responding to a child's touch, the animatronic doll lights up with different colors to correspond to an array of emotions. Fisher Price will also release plush versions of Kai-lan and her friends that will each come with an "emotion" necklace.

Top toymaker Mega Brands will debut a series of adorable block playsets based on Ni Hao, Kai-lan featuring detailed figurines of Kai-lan and her friends in familiar settings including: "Kai-lan's Buildable Bedroom," "Kai-lan's Dragon Boat," and "Mr. Fluffy's Bakery." Additionally, LeapFrog will expand play patterns for Ni Hao, Kai-lan with "ClickStart(TM) My First Computer," and Vtech will introduce V.Smile V-Motion video games.

Additionally, game leader Hasbro will release two board games in fall 2009 including "Ni Hao, Kai-lan Dragon Boat Race," where fans celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with Kai-lan and her friends; and a new addition to the Learning Made Fun Sound Game Assortment is the "Ni Hao, Kai-lan Big Numbers Parade" Sound Game, which introduces basic Mandarin to preschoolers and reinforces number and sound recognition.

Ni Hao, Kai-lan, launched on February 7, 2008 on Nick Jr. and consistently ranks among the top five preschool programs on all commercial television. The show currently ranks as the number-two show on Nick Jr., right behind Dora the Explorer. Ni Hao, Kai-lan airs regularly weekdays at 11:00 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr.

Look for other major merchandising and promotional partners to extend the groundbreaking animated series into several additional key categories throughout 2009 including accessories, publishing, stationery and more.

About Ni Hao, Kai-lan

Ni Hao, Kai-lan, created by Karen Chau and executive produced by Mary Harrington, is an original, half-hour series that teaches Mandarin words and phrases, for the first time on television. Ni Hao, Kai-lan is also Nick Jr.'s first play-along, think-along series to feature an intergenerational family. Through the eyes of a five-year-old Chinese-American girl named Kai-lan, the series explores the colorful aspects of her upbringing and background, her relationships with her family and friends and the world around her. Ni Hao, Kai-lan also helps preschoolers identify their emotions and learn coping mechanisms to deal with their feelings.

Ni Hao, Kai-lan stars Kai-lan Chow, a playful, adventurous bi-lingual preschooler with a big heart, who speaks both English and Mandarin. Kai-lan's world is infused with Chinese culture, from the dumplings she eats and the lanterns that adorn her house, to the huge Chinese New Year celebration she has with her family and friends. The series centers on Kai-lan and her relationships with her grandfather, Yeye, and her animal friends. Yeye plays a major role in her life as he gently and playfully guides her to her own discoveries. Kai-lan is a natural leader who is thoughtful and caring and has a gift for helping her friends when they really need her. Her best friends are Rintoo, a rambunctious five-year-old tiger who loves to play; Tolee, a five-year-old koala who always puts his friends first; Hoho, a three-year-old monkey full of boundless energy; and Lulu, a happy six-year-old pink rhino.

About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the world's third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 98 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than 14 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

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Source: Nickelodeon

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Profile: International Entertainment