PAPP International announces the acquisition of Chouette Publishing and its imprint CrackBoom!, home of internationally renowned Character IP Caillou®.

Posted on: October 17, 2023

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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