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Expanding the Tiny T. Rex Universe: New Products Launching This Week

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug, authored by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck, captured the hearts of readers when it was released by Chronicle Books in March 2019. Now, five years later, Chronicle is collaborating with Galison Mudpuppy to introduce a fresh range of non-book merchandise based on this beloved character, which is set to hit stores this week.

Jody Mosley, executive publishing director for children’s publishing at Chronicle, reflected on her initial impressions of Tiny T. Rex when she joined the company last year. “We recognized Tiny T. Rex as a potential blockbuster right away,” she shared. “His relatability and charm resonate with young children who can see themselves in his struggles. Tiny embodies resilience and determination, and his adventures are beautifully illustrated.”

Bill Miller, president of Galison, emphasized the artistic appeal of Tiny T. Rex as a foundation for expanding into gift items and puzzles. “We assess brand extensions based on the art and design elements,” Miller explained. “Our previous work on brands such as Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site paved the way for this exciting opportunity.”

Located in the same office as Chronicle, Galison Mudpuppy specializes in high-quality gifts tailored for children. They offer an array of toys and games, making synergy easy as Miller and Mosley work closely together. The initial offerings from the Tiny T. Rex line include a 48-piece puzzle suitable for ages three and older, as well as a magnetic play set aimed at children four and up, both showcasing Fleck’s artwork from the renowned picture book. Additionally, Chronicle has partnered with Merrymakers to provide plush toys, including a Tiny T. Rex doll and various themed figures.

Mosley highlighted the merchandising benefits of offering non-book products, noting that it allows booksellers to create engaging displays. “It’s a fantastic way for consumers to see the character’s face in different areas of the store, encouraging them to consider related items like puzzles and plush toys that complement the books,” she noted. “This enhances the overall experience for readers.”

From a consumer perspective, Miller added, these products are ideal for gift-giving. “The combination of the book, plush toys, puzzles, and playsets creates a thoughtful gift that encapsulates the Tiny T. Rex story,” he said. They are also looking to broaden the Tiny T. Rex brand’s reach to new markets, with Miller actively pitching at the Atlanta Winter Market, a significant trade show for the gift industry.

In an exciting development, Barnes & Noble has chosen Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug as part of its Valentine’s promotion, allowing customers to purchase a special edition of the book for $9.99 when they buy another book. The retailer is further promoting Tiny T. Rex by featuring him on walls of beloved characters in select stores scheduled to open in 2025. “We’re grateful for the support from Barnes & Noble,” Mosley expressed. “Their enthusiasm truly elevates the brand.”

Following the launch of these new products, the fourth installment of the picture book series, Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies, is set for release on July 15, 2025. This will join the ranks of previous titles, including Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark (2020) and Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! (2023). The series also features two seasonal board books, Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine (2020) and Tiny T. Rex and the Tricks of Treating (2021). Plans for three additional books are underway for 2026, including a holiday-themed title, with ongoing discussions for even more content and potential new product offerings from Galison Mudpuppy.

Since its launch, Tiny T. Rex books have collectively sold over 750,000 copies, with Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug achieving a remarkable #2 ranking on the January 19 New York Times children’s picture book bestseller list. The global reach of the brand continues to grow, with twelve partners currently involved in producing foreign-language editions.

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