Top publisher Parragon has announced it is set to release a range of books based on hit boys’ brand Power Rangers Samurai after a deal was brokered by licensing agent CPLG UK and licensor Saban Brands.

Power Rangers is remembered as the hugely popular show that featured the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who ‘morphed’ into superheroes and after launching in 1993 it enjoyed unprecedented success as a children’s entertainment, consumer products and kids’ lifestyle brand. Now a brand new generation of kids are set to experience the phenomena with the launch of an all new series – Power Rangers Samurai. Having premiered on Nickelodeon in the US in February 2011 and in the UK in May, the show has been a ratings smash on both sides of the Atlantic. With Bandai’s toy line due to hit stores in the UK in early July, followed by a range of Samurai themed consumer products, Power Rangers is set to be a sure-fire hit with kids this Christmas. The books will be released in the US, before hitting UK shelves from February 2012 and the agreement covers a variety of formats including colour, sticker & activity books, novelty titles, 3D storybooks and treasuries, as well as the key category of annuals for the UK market.

“The response to the new Power Rangers Samurai TV programming has been phenomenal across both North America and the UK and we’re delighted to be working with Saban to develop and implement a multi-territory publishing program,” comments Wendy Friedman, President North and South America, Parragon Books. “Power Rangers is a fantastic property - it has consistently demonstrated that the storylines and characters can translate from TV to publishing and its rich heritage, combined with new storylines, make it the perfect boys’ brand,” adds Paul Gregory, Publishing Director, Parragon Books.

Susan Bolsover, European Category Director for Publishing at CPLG added, “we are delighted to be partnering with Parragon on this fantastic brand and we look forward to developing a publishing programme that reflects not only the action, adventure and humour of the show, but also the values of teamwork, collaboration and staying active elements which are key to being a Power Ranger.”