This is the story of two companies that have been putting children’s pleasure at the heart of their existence for fifty years. In the form of characters or story lamps, the heroes of l’école des loisirs escape from books to become real companions to cuddle and to develop the imagination of young children by encouraging them to tell their own stories.

For the fifth year running, we’re delighted to present the fruits of our collaboration with children’s publisher L’école des loisirs. It’s a richly creative adventure, in which authors, illustrators, publishers and soft toy designers join forces to create stories that stimulate the imaginations of young and old alike. This year, the Wolf by Mario Ramos has been added to our collection of books and heroes, bringing with him his share of laughter, adventure and tenderness.

Wolf

Sometimes fearsome, sometimes endearing, he navigates between cunning and clumsiness, ferocity and gentleness. With his big teeth and dark coat, he can be frightening, but the mischievous glint in his eye betrays his true nature: an unexpected gentleness that touches the hearts of young and old alike.

by Mario Ramos

the adventures of Dumpster dog

He would so much like to look good for someone. His name is Rotten Dog. He smells like sardines, he’s covered in fleas, and his coat looks like a shaggy old carpet. To make matters worse, he’s as dumb as he is ugly. One day, he decides to run around the world looking for a master. Unfortunately, nice masters don’t run around, and the wide world is full of traps… Fortunately, he can count on his faithful sidekick, Chaplapla, to accompany him in his comic and exciting adventures!

by Colas Gutman & Marc Boutavant

The squirrel

He’s not one to lend a hand, he’s very greedy, a little hyperactive and never really seems to be satisfied. The terribly endearing squirrel with the soft red fur imagined by Olivier Tallec escapes from his books to become a real travelling companion for children!

Billy and Jean-Claude

Billy is too nice to be a real bandit. However, he will prove to his father, a famous gangster, that he can also accomplish great feats. The adventures of Billy and Jean-Claude (his friend the earthworm) tell the story of the funny adventures of this unusual duo on the western plains.

by Catharina Valckx

Calinours

Calinours is a tender and mischievous young bear who lives in a forest full of endearing friends. Each of his walks is an opportunity to meet new people, to laugh and to have fun! A poetic illustrated universe with tender colours, full of softness and poetry.

by Alain Broutin & Frédéric Stehr

Blue dog’s story

Charlotte has a friend who is not like the others. He is a dog with a blue coat and green eyes shining like precious stones. He comes to see her every night. Charlotte would like to keep him but his mother is against it. That’s when she gets lost in the forest.

by Nadja