News & Press

August X, 2021—Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a leading global children’s entertainment company, and tonies®, the original screen-free audio entertainment system for young children, announced today that they have signed an agreement to create a line-up of audio experiences spotlighting the world-renowned Dr. Seuss characters and story library.    The tonies partnership comes as Dr. Seuss Enterprises puts a major focus on building more audio-first entertainment experiences and expanding its portfolio of beloved characters onto more audio-focused platforms.  

The first-of-its-kind to market, tonies draws on traditional patterns of tactical play interwoven with on-demand digital content to introduce a world of possibility to imaginative children worldwide.  The system works with the combination of a Toniebox, a soft shockproof, portable five-inch speaker cube with no screens, sharp corners or edges, or complicated controls, and tonies, hand-painted figures containing stories, songs and more.  The Toniebox comes to life when paired with the whimsical collection of Tonies figures through near-field communications (NFC) technology.  

Just in time for its 65th anniversary, The Cat in the Hat will be the first Dr. Seuss Tonie to debut in early 2022. The Cat in the Hat Tonie will feature original audio productions of some of Dr. Seuss most iconic characters and stories, including The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back and There’s a Wocket in My Pocket.   Additional titles will be unveiled in the coming months.  

Susan Brandt, President, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said, “Audio continues to be on the rise as parents look for new ways to entertain their kids beyond screen time, whether its audiobooks or podcasts, or something as innovative as tonies.  The tonies team has created an experience that is verbal, tactile and inspirational for kids’ imaginations.  As our team continues to bring our properties further into the world of audio, we see tonies as a cornerstone partnership.”

 “The Dr. Seuss library is filled with timeless and universally loved stories that appeal to imaginations of so many youngsters,” said Christoph Frehsee, President, tonies USA.  “Beginning with The Cat in the Hat, we are looking forward to bringing this whimsical world of characters to the tonies universe in 2022 and beyond.”

The tonies partnership also underscores Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ commitment to innovation and creating fresh, cutting-edge ways for fans to enjoy their favorite characters and stories.  

For the latest news on tonies, visit tonies.com and follow on Instagram (@tonies.us), Facebook (@tonies.us) and Twitter (@ToniesUS).  Follow Dr. Seuss Enterprises on Facebook (@Dr.Seuss) and Instagram (@drseuss).

About Dr. Seuss Enterprises

Dr. Seuss enterprises is a leading global children’s entertainment company focused on promoting literacy, education, self-confidence and the wonderful possibilities of a child’s imagination through the works of Dr. Seuss. The company was established in 1993 and is based in San Diego, CA. Global endeavors include publishing, film, TV, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other strategic partnerships. For more information about Dr. Seuss Enterprises, visit Seussville.com, or follow on Instagram.

About tonies®

tonies® is the original screen-free audio entertainment system for young children. Launched in 2016 in Germany, co-founders Patric Faßbender and Marcus Stahl created tonies with one thing in mind: their children. This revolutionary system allows kids to experience storytelling in a digital age, in a way that stimulates their imagination without screens. The Toniebox was created for kids and parents who want to feel good about their entertainment at home and to bring back imagination in its purest form. Today, tonies is the fastest growing toy company in Europe and a rising star in the United States. Among its many achievements, tonies was named among Fast Company’s prestigious World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2021, top ranked in Education. For more information, visit tonies.com.