Muppet Central News - Fisher Price to release talking Kermit

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Children's Television Workshop's "Sesame Street,'' the creators of Tickle Me Elmo and Sing & Snore Ernie announce their partnership with The Jim Henson Company and Children's Television Workshop to offer, for the first time ever and for a limited time only, a special feature plush version of The Jim Henson Company's world-famous Kermit the Frog® as a special edition item in the 1999 Sesame Street collection.

"We are very excited to be working with The Jim Henson Company and Children's Television Workshop on this project,'' says Neil Friedman, president of Tyco Preschool, which manufactures the Fisher-Price Sesame Street toy line. "Kermit the Frog has been a special guest on Sesame Street, and has captured the hearts of millions of children for three decades. We look forward to capturing the hearts of the next generation.''

With a squeeze of his tummy, Magic Talking® Kermit the Frog® comes to life with his trademark greeting, "Hi Ho, Kermit the Frog here.'' When his tummy is squeezed again, he sings "Caribbean Amphibian.'' And then when his mouth is gently closed, he'll hum the rest of the tune until his mouth is released and then he'll continue to sing. Kermit also "ribbits'' and makes fly-catching sounds when his hands are pressed. And when he's not busy singing, soft plush Kermit is a great pal for cuddling.

This special edition Kermit the Frog, wears a "gold'' Sesame Street 30th anniversary emblem on his collar and features the Jim Henson signature embroidered on his foot.

Cheryl Henson, vice president of The Jim Henson Company, added "This is a rare and special occasion in the exciting history of Kermit the Frog. To be made available as a special feature plush version underlines Kermit's extraordinary, versatility, uniqueness, and popularity. We are very grateful to our partners in this venture who have been so successful with Tickle Me Elmo and Sing & Snore Ernie. I truly feel that this will be a Kermit for the ages and for all ages.''

"We are very excited that this new plush Kermit can now be a part of our 30th celebration. Our partners have outdone themselves in, once again, bringing a beloved Muppet character to life,'' says Gary Knell, executive vice president of operations for Children's Television Workshop.

The Jim Henson Company, an established leader in family entertainment for more than 40 years, is an independent multi-media production company; one of the top character licensors in the industry; a leading publisher of children's books; and home to Jim Henson Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices and production facilities in New York and London. The Jim Henson Company web site is located at www.henson.com.

Children's Television Workshop is a not-for-profit company using media to educate and delight children and families worldwide. Its expertise encompasses television, online, CD-ROM, print, product licensing, publishing, film, and community outreach. Best known as the creators of Sesame Street - now in its 30th season on PBS - CTW programming has been enjoyed in more than 140 countries, including 19 indigenous co-productions reflecting local languages, customs and educational needs. CTW online: www.ctw.org. or www.sesamestreet.com.

Tyco Preschool, manufacturers of the Sesame Street toy line, is a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., the world's largest toy manufacturer.

Read our Muppet Central Review of the Magic Talking Kermit.

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Fan site Muppet Central created by Phillip Chapman. Multimedia design by James V. Carroll. Updates by Muppet Central Staff. All Muppets, Bear characters and photos are copyright of The Muppets Studio. Sesame Street characters and photos are copyright of Sesame Workshop. Fraggle Rock, Creature Shop and similar likenesses are copyright of The Jim Henson Company.