9 STORY AND KARMA'S WORLD ENTERTAINMENT SIGN PUBLISHING DEAL WITH SCHOLASTIC

9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment  have sealed a publishing deal with Scholastic. The partnership will collaborate on the new CG animated series created by Chris Bridges, "Karma's World," currently in production for Netflix. “We couldn’t have found a better partner to work with on Karma’s World, to create product extensions that provide unique opportunities for enhanced storytelling,” said Kristin Lecour, Co- VP Consumer Products for 9 Story Brands. “We are thrilled to partner with Scholastic on this groundbreaking brand and collaborate together to bring the power of Karma’s music and message to print.”

The deal was brokered by 9 Story’s dedicated brand management and consumer products division, 9 Story Brands. Through the deal, Scholastic secures global rights to the property across all storybook formats. The first book is set to launch next Jaunary, targeting children ages 7-9 with chapter books and picture books. The products will launch in  Karma’s World SKUs in North America, the UK, and Australia, with additional markets to be announced at a later time.

Publishing in January and March 2022, the first two original chapter books will serve as companion stories to the Netflix series and bring aspiring rapper and hip-hop artist Karma Grant from the screen to the page. The Scholastic program will also include a picture book co-authored by Chris Bridges and Halcyon Person, and a guided journal to be published in summer 2022.

The picture book will follow a young Karma Grant as she writes her very first song for her dad on his birthday. The Karma’s World books will be supported across Scholastic channels, including in the school market, and featured in the publisher’s Power of Story catalog, which aims to uplift stories of historically underrepresented social groups. “From the moment we saw the pitch deck, we knew we wanted to be the publisher for Karma’s World,” said Debra Dorfman, Vice President, and Publisher, Global Licensing, Media, and Brands for Scholastic. “We’ve been looking for a series like this with an encouraging message, a diverse and charismatic protagonist, and a vibrant cast of friends. We can’t wait to spotlight Karma’s unique and powerful voice.”

Created by Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges Karma’s World is geared for children ages 6–9. Originally inspired by Bridges’ oldest daughter, the series is a coming-of-age story about a young Black girl named karma who is finding her voice and using it to change the world“I am so proud of what we’ve been able to create with Karma’s World,” said Bridges. “It’s been over a decade in the making and an important legacy that I want to leave for my daughters. Kids are going to fall in love with Karma, and I’m so excited to work with Scholastic to bring her message to even more kids around the world.”