Beloved Lake District brand Herdy is entering a major new chapter 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.
Co-founders Diane and Spencer Hannah have partnered with Quarto imprint Happy Yak for a worldwide children’s book series, alongside an exclusive greeting card collection with The Art File.
The range of 12 greeting cards was launched at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate, ahead of the children’s book series launch on 3 September.
The cards all feature Herdy and are made to bring a smile to birthdays and other important occasions. Designed by The Art File’s creative team, Herdy will also introduce a complementary giftware range to sit alongside the collection.
Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, said: “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. Together, it feels like the perfect combination for a new greeting card collection.”
The three book titles – Goodnight Herdy, Herdy’s Fun Day and Out and About With Herdy – have been listed for pre-order on Herdy.com, Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
Diane and Spencer established the Herdy character in 2007, basing the design on the Lake District’s Herdwick sheep. The cheerful character can be found on gifts, accessories and homeware, 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.
They said: “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, it’s another step towards bringing 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.”
