Lately Lily's Journey to Include a New Doll

May 1, 2014 - Lately Lily, an adventurous property for inquisitive little girls, that is making major licensing in-roads announces its first LATELY LILY doll from MerryMakers, Inc. The Lately Lily doll, which will be released fall 2014, is just one of several new products to be featured at retail this year.

MerryMakers is known for making beautifully crafted plush dolls, developed from many of the most acclaimed and beloved children's books. "We are thrilled to be working with the creators of Lately Lily to design the perfect travel companion- the first ever, charming and fashionable LATELY LILY doll. The doll captures Lily's spirit and style and is a natural addition to the LATELY LILY line," states Clair Frederick, President MerryMakers, Inc.

Created and illustrated by co-founder Micah Player, former Creative Director for Paul Frank Industries, Inc., Lately Lily was introduced in 2012 through its unique line of graphic T-shirts based on the story concept about a traveling girl. As the daughter of a journalist and photographer, Lily joins her parents on their worldwide journeys and records her astute observations about her adventures. She visits each location with her notebook in hand, and those notes become the inspirations behind the Lately Lily T-shirts and hangtags.

Since its launch the interest in Lately Lily has taken-off, not unlike the travels of its leading lady. Co-founder Erin Nichols shares, "As parents and designers, we're always amazed by the deep curiosity and observations of our children. We have incorporated those characteristics into Lately Lily and are really enjoying watching her grow and evolve."

The first apparel collection was inspired by Peru, and successive collections have showcased Iceland, Paris and London. The newest collection, which will be available for purchase in May 2014, reflects Lily's adventures in Tokyo. The apparel products are available at www.latelylily.com and, nationwide and online, at THE LAND OF NOD.

Last year, Lately Lily released a mobile app with Chaotic Moon called "Lately Lily, Paris For A Day." Kids can pack Lily's suitcase, ride the baggage claim with Zeborah, take pictures out the window on her flight, and learn French words while strolling through the city of lights. International appeal for Lately Lily has been reflected in the location of app downloads, as well as from agents and manufacturers, around the world.

Also debuting in May are a line of products from Chronicle Books. "Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl" is a heartfelt and colorful picture book that showcases Lily's personal adventures around the globe. The "Lately Lily ABC Travel Flash Cards" feature vibrantly colored illustrations with Lily and Zeborah, which help kids learn both the alphabet and the world of travel. A unique travel activity kit, the "Lately Lily Sunny Yellow Suitcase," that has everything kids need to get ready for a travel adventure and combat boredom, including a travel tips booklet, exciting games, doodle ideas, activity cards, luggage tags and stickers.

Lately Lily will be attending the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, June 17-19, to complement their expanding product line by meeting with high quality manufacturers in the areas of apparel, accessories, home décor and toys. You will find Lately Lily in their signature 'yellow suitcase' booth #G60.

About Lately Lily
Lily is the daughter of a writer and photographer for the world's greatest magazine. Her parents may be traveling the globe on assignment, but the inquisitive Lily and her fun-loving best friend, Zeborah, are much more than just along for the ride. A few weeks here, a sunrise there… Lately, Lily could be anywhere. Follow Lily's travel adventures by visiting www.latelylily.com, and associated Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@LatelyLily) pages.

About MerryMakers, Inc.
MerryMakers was founded in 1993 with the goal of providing carefully designed dolls and toys based on the very best children's books, museum collections, and other characters for customers around the world. We handle all stages of product development, from design to the manufacture and delivery of finished products. In addition to their line of licensed dolls, MerryMakers develops custom products for a wide variety of clients, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre, Colonial Williamsburg, and publishers in the US and abroad. More information is available at www.merrymakersinc.com