HarperCollins announces its association with the worldwide phenomenon The Smurfs

Talking about the association Tina Narang, Publisher – HarperCollins Children’s Books says, ‘It’s an honour for HarperCollins to publish the Smurfs in India. The Smurfs have been global stars and it is indeed a privilege to bring this strong brand to India. The Smurfs might be small in size but what they stand for is large and universal, so whether it is strong values or an environmental message or much else, it is all wonderfully conveyed through the stories starring the endearing Smurf characters. As we bring home the Smurfs we hope that the little blue friends will not just be loved by children but will strike a nostalgic chord in adults too – all for Smurf and Smurf for all!’

‘We are very proud and happy to bring new Smurfs books to India! And how exciting to do it with such a prestigious and powerful publisher as HarperCollins. My father was a storyteller and books are at the heart of the Smurf’s DNA. This will contribute to continue my father’s work, telling great stories and smurfing our beautiful blue planet.’, said Véronique Culliford, President of I.M.P.S. and daughter of Peyo, the creator of The Smurfs.

‘Publishing has always been a key category for us which helps us connect with the kids and enrich them with core values that Smurfs stands for. We are excited to paint the town blue with the exciting range of Smurfs books from HarperCollins which will be a perfect addition to a kid’s bookshelf.’, said Smita Mishra, Founder & CEO, Prism Licensing LLP.

The first two sets are expected to hit stores across India by August 10, 2022.

Blue and small, and standing only three apples tall the Smurfs have always been one of the most iconic characters in the world. Created by Belgian comic book writer Pierre Culliford, also known as Peyo, in 1958, The Smurfs reside in a community of small, blue, human-like characters who live in mushroom-shaped houses in a forest. Since 2017, the Smurfs are the proud ambassadors of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and inculcate strong values like Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation and Recycling amongst kids. There are more than 100 Smurf characters, and their names are based on adjectives that emphasise their characteristics, such as “Jokey Smurf”, who likes to play practical jokes on his fellow smurfs. “Smurfette” was the first female Smurf to be introduced in the series. The Smurf hat was inspired by the Phrygian caps, which came to represent freedom during the modern era.

About Peyo and IMPS (International Merchandising Promotions & Services) – THE SMURFS:

IMPS, is the official licensors of the little blue-skinned characters ‘The Smurfs’. Over the years, IMPS (since 1984) have worked in close collaboration with their agents worldwide to develop successful licensed merchandising programs, retail- and co-branded promotions, publishing activities, broadcasting deals, theme parks, family entertainment centers, live shows, video games, online games, Smurf music…that have secured the everlasting success of the Smurfs. IMPS is run by Véronique Culliford, the daughter of Pierre Culliford, the creator of the Smurfs, who is better known under his pseudonym Peyo.