Announcement
On September 22, 2026, in New Delhi, Scholastic India – the international office of Scholastic Inc., the world’s largest children’s book publisher – issued a press release announcing a publishing and distribution partnership with Mattel, Inc., a leading global play and family entertainment company. The partnership is facilitated by Dream Theatre, identified as Mattel’s Master Licensing Agent in India.
Partnership Details
Under the agreement, Scholastic India will develop and distribute a portfolio of books, activity titles, storybooks and early readers inspired by Mattel’s iconic brands, specifically Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Monster High® and Masters of the Universe®, across the Indian subcontinent. The collaboration leverages Scholastic India’s market‑leading publishing expertise, extensive reach through schools, bookstores, e‑commerce platforms and educational channels, and Mattel’s powerful storytelling brands.
First Wave Titles and Distribution
The initial wave of titles includes Hot Wheels Ultimate Handbook 2026, Barbie’s Big Move (Level 1 Reader), and Hot Wheels: To the Extreme. These titles will be launched across major retail outlets, online platforms and educational channels, with plans to expand to additional formats and publishing initiatives in subsequent years.
Executive Comments
Claudia Lucarella, Director of Global Licensing Publishing at Mattel, said the partnership marks an important milestone in Mattel’s global publishing strategy and will expand access to its iconic brands while scaling its publishing business through trusted partners. Neeraj Jain, President‑Asia of Scholastic Inc., expressed enthusiasm for creating meaningful literacy experiences that combine imagination, adventure, creativity and learning, noting that the partnership aligns with Scholastic’s commitment to world‑class content for young readers across the subcontinent. Dream Theatre founder and CEO Jiggy George highlighted that licensing’s true power lies in delivering meaningful products to fans and generating long‑term business value for partners, which the collaboration achieves.
About Scholastic India
Scholastic India, as the international arm of Scholastic Inc., reaches millions of children, parents, teachers and schools across India through publishing programs, school partnerships, book fairs and extensive retail and e‑commerce distribution, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.
About Mattel
Mattel is a global play and family entertainment company owning a portfolio that includes Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher‑Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket® and other licensed properties. Its offerings span toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences, sold through leading retail and e‑commerce partners worldwide.
About Dream Theatre
Dream Theatre leverages licensing to create, represent and distribute iconic entertainment, sports, lifestyle and corporate brands in South Asia. Its portfolio includes The Pokémon Company, Sanrio, Real Madrid CF, FIFA, Little Singham, Universal Music and others.
Media Contact
Sugandha Wahal, Head of Marketing, Scholastic India – email: swahal@scholastic.asia – phone: +91 97180 17285.