PAPP Marks Milestone 20th Anniversary as IndependentPublisher
Montreal, Quebec. February 25, 2024: Leading independent publisher PAPP (formerly dba PAPP International) proudly celebrates 20 years of storytelling and continued growth in 2024, despite the many challenges faced by the publishing industry in recent years. Since its inception in 2004 as Beaver Books, an educational imprint with millions of workbooks sold globally, PAPP is now home to six diverse imprints, including Chouette Publishing, home of the world-renowned Caillou® Character IP. Through its uniquely diverse catalog, ranging from children’s educational series to engaging picture and activity books, PAPP has become a trusted name in publishing, earning a loyal readership along the way.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of our team members, partners, and all of those who have joined us on this incredible journey.”
– George Papp, CEO and Founder of PAPP
The recent acquisition of Chouette Publishing and its imprint CrackBoom! further cements the publisher’s continuous mission to provide engaging and unrivaled book titles with global appeal. The Caillou® Character IP, first introduced in 1989, now also celebrates a milestone 35th year. PAPP looks forward to successfully building upon the impressive legacy of Caillou® with captivating new titles that will be released in conjunction with the new 3D animated television series, which was launched in February by partner WildBrain.
To commemorate its milestone 20th anniversary, and the 35th anniversary of Caillou®, PAPP will be launching a series of products and initiatives throughout the year. Additionally, the publisher will be reissuing special anniversary editions of select Caillou® titles, featuring exclusive content and artwork that is sure to delight.
“We are extremely excited to be celebrating this milestone with our creative team and community of readers and partners. As we look forward to the next chapter, our team remains committed to publishing content that will inspire creativity, entertain, and instill a love of books in children.”
– Erika Szucs, Director of Publishing at PAPP
Already a strong licensing partner to top global brands, PAPP plans to expand on this front and develop new licensed titles through the CrackBoom! imprint, which already boasts a range of multilingual titles based on The Little PrinceTM original novel. This new era of development will allow the publisher to continue to provide consumers with top-tier content. With a strong and ever-growing presence among retailers around the world, PAPP celebrates its 20th year of continuous success.
“20 years in and our mission remains the same—keep growing, both personally and professionally. Our team is composed of talented people who are excited about the journey we’re on and the innovative, creative projects they get to contribute their passion to. Every day, I am inspired by their work, which creates millions of smiles every year around the globe.”
– George Papp, CEO and Founder of PAPP
About PAPP
PAPP is an independent publishing house located in Montreal. It proudly develops innovative and engaging books for both children and adults alike. Home to six imprints—Beaver Books, Papp Publishing, Imagine Publications, Récré-Jeux, Chouette Publishing, and CrackBoom! —and the world-renowned Character IP Caillou®, the publisher provides reliable and high-quality titles that are sure to delight, entertain, and educate. Versatile and vertically integrated, PAPP is a trusted name to millions across the globe thanks to its commitment to quality.
PAPP International announces the acquisition of Chouette Publishing and its imprint CrackBoom!, home of internationally renowned Character IP Caillou®.
Montreal, Quebec. October 17, 2023: PAPP International, an independent publisher entering its 20th year as a driving force in top-quality story and activity books for children and adults, announces today the acquisition of Chouette Publishing, home of world-famous preschool character Caillou®, and their respective imprint CrackBoom!. The official announcement was made today in Frankfurt, Germany, during the 75th annual Frankfurt Book Fair, following months of negotiations between both parties.
“Everyone at PAPP is excited to welcome the Chouette team and catalog. We are eager to continue our expansion together and driven to reach unprecedented heights with these new acquisitions. We look forward to developing original new titles for children and families, and helping a new generation of readers discover and embrace the Caillou® series for many years to come.”
– George Papp, CEO PAPP International
The acquisition of Chouette Publishing and the CrackBoom! imprint aligns with PAPP International’s continuous mission to provide engaging and unrivaled book titles with global appeal. The Caillou® trademark, a celebrated French-Canadian classic, was first introduced in 1989. PAPP International looks forward to successfully building upon the impressive heritage of Caillou®, with captivating titles that will be released in conjunction with a new CGI 3D animated series that is slated for a 2024 release. This new series, produced by Wildbrain—another Canadian grown powerhouse—will work in tandem with PAPP International’s new book titles to introduce the Caillou® universe to new audiences across the globe. Simon Payette, newly appointed Sales and Business Development Director for Chouette, is eager to work with PAPP to further develop Caillou® and CrackBoom!. Payette, who has been with Chouette Publishing since 2009, will lend his expertise to the PAPP International team, ensuring a smooth transition of all operational facets of the business and play a lead role in future expansion of the business.
“I am thrilled with the acquisition and look forward to boosting the development of Chouette Publishing and the CrackBoom! imprint with PAPP International’s expertise and reach. I am confident they will foster growth for Caillou® and all our catalog.”
– Simon Payette, Outgoing GM of Chouette Publishing
Already a strong licensing partner to top global brands including Barbie, Pokémon, Paw Patrol, L.O.L. Surprise, and many more, PAPP International plans to develop new licensed titles through the CrackBoom! imprint, which already boasts a range of English language titles based on The Little Prince® original novel. This new era of development will allow the independent publisher to continue its journey to provide consumers with top-tier products. With a strong and ever-growing presence amongst retailers around the world, PAPP International thrives on this continuous success as it enters its 20th year of business.
“Our mission is to Keep Growing, both personally and professionally, through our journey together at PAPP International and beyond. Our team is composed of talented people who are excited about the journey and the innovative, creative projects they work on. Every day, I am inspired by their work, which I am confident creates millions of smiles every year around the globe.”
– George Papp, CEO PAPP International
About PAPP International
Founded in 2004, PAPP International is an independent publisher based in Montreal, Quebec. They are focused on creating fun and innovative books for both children and adults alike. Versatile and vertically integrated, PAPP International has been designed to provide top-tier service to their retail and publishing partners around the world.
About Chouette Publishing
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, Chouette Publishing is an independent Canadian publisher of children’s books and the creator of cherished character Caillou®. For more than 30 years, Caillou® has inspired generations of preschoolers to grow emotionally and to explore the world around them by learning, having fun, and using their imagination. Caillou® is published in more than 50 countries in 20 languages, and has sold over 15 million books worldwide. The Caillou® TV series is available in more than 50 countries. For more information about Chouette Publishing, visit www.chouette-publishing.com.
For more inquiries about the Chouette Publishing acquisition, or to learn more about PAPP International as a whole, please contact us at info@pappinternational.com.
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PAPP International Poised to Become Puzzle Activity Book Powerhouse
Montreal, Quebec, April 2, 2021 – PAPP International is excited to announce the acquisition of Les Éditions Récré-Jeux, a primarily French-language publisher of puzzle books and specialty magazines. This latest imprint will expand PAPP International’s portfolio and allow them to penetrate further into the French markets in both Canada and internationally with a solid and more robust offering.
Acquiring Les Éditions Récré-Jeux will also strengthen PAPP International’s ability to offer even more value and variety to its current customer base.
“This latest acquisition provides us the opportunity to grow our business and create an even stronger foundation for the Papp Publishing imprint and our puzzle activity book business,” said George Papp, president and CEO of PAPP International. “The move will allow us to gain even more expertise and greater insight into the French market,” he said, adding that the timing couldn’t be better as they’re focusing on building a strong independent retail network in Quebec and the Canadian domestic market.
Les Éditions Récré-Jeux is based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Its product line includes a plethora of French-language puzzle books ranging from classic word searches and crosswords—to more challenging and cryptic puzzle varieties popular in Europe. The company prints more than 700,000 puzzle books each year.
In addition, Les Éditions Récré-Jeux publishes specialty books and magazines. One example is the monthly art magazine Coup de Pinceau, which features decorative painting projects, templates, and techniques shared by a collection of contributing artists.
About PAPP International
PAPP International is a dynamic publishing company focused on creating fun and innovative books for both children and adults. Based in Montreal, Canada, it is a versatile and vertically integrated company that includes printing, shipping, and logistics capabilities designed to serve its retail and publishing partners around the world.
Founded in 2004 as Beaver Books, PAPP International has more than 16 years’ experience as an independent publisher. Today it is home to three additional imprints: PAPP Publishing, Imagine Publications, and Tiny & Tim. Together, they publish more than 500 original new titles annually.
PAPP International’s products are available around the world, including in Central and South America, Europe, the UK, and Australia, and its titles have been translated into 14 different languages.
Contact Information
George Papp, CEO
514.725.1515 | 855.725.1515 | george@pappinternational.com
For more information, visit: www.pappinternational.com
PAPP Promotes Literacy and Publishes Books for Children Around the Globe
Room to Read believes that changing the world starts with educating children, and PAPP International is honored to be a part of its mission by providing 30,000 books destined for schoolchildren around the world.
Room to Read is working to create long-term, systemic transformation within elementary schools in developing countries through literacy and gender equality in education.
Girls’ Education
Enabling girls and women alike to reach their potential through education, Room to Read is supporting a generation of young women and leaders who will go on to change their communities and impact the world around them for the better.
Changing the World One Page at a Time
PAPP International publishes over 500 titles each year. Our books are widely available throughout North America and in many other countries – in more than 14 languages. Even so, through Room to Read our books can potentially be put into the hands of children in countries we have never reached before, such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This latest shipment was sent to a school in the U.S. to give the students the opportunity to practice their literacy skills and share stories with their teachers and classmates.
We are proud to be sharing our original educational, activity, and reading books with so many children through an organization that does so much good.
Literacy as the Foundation for Learning
Room to Read:
- Partners with 37,000 schools.
- Reaches 14.3 million children.
- Trains 10,000 teachers every year
- Distributes 26 million books.
