TALKIN’ TOYS
SENDING A MESSAGE OF KINDNESS
The Toy Book chats with artist and author Michele Goren about Knolly Nibbles, its launch as a brand, and plans for 2016. Who is Knolly Nibbles? How did the character come about and what is the brand’s core message? Knolly Nibbles is a cute and silly, sometimes shy, little mouse born with heartshaped ears and no tail. She is full of love and kindness, and can’t wait to share it with the world. She becomes unsure of herself and thinks if she had a tail, she would be special like everyone else. After trying to be like others she realizes she doesn’t need a tail at all to be loved. She begins to accept herself despite her differences. Being different can be a beautiful thing! Knolly is a big daydreamer and has a huge imagination, which she uses to
Check out Knolly Nibbles plush, from DGL Toys, on page 42.
tell us new tales. Her stories show us that all life is important and that everyone has something unique to offer. Knolly touches the souls of the young and young at heart. It’s tough being small these days in a harsh world. I hope that everyone joins Knolly, where she nibbles on knowledge, heartfelt— and sometimes silly—stories, and quotes of courage, confidence, love, strength, and life’s simple pleasures. Knolly’s many tales and adventures can be seen and heard using animation, songs, stories, toys, and more. I created Knolly after several family crises. I would draw Knolly and add positive quotes around her to heal my family and bring joy to them. One day, one of my grandchildren told me, “Knolly Nibbles taught me how to love myself from the inside out,” and “If the whole world holds Knolly Nibbles, the whole world will be happy!” I was amazed. It was in those moments that Knolly was given life and the wish to share her with the world became my biggest passion in life. If I was living for no other reason but to help children and the child within every adult smile, feel joy, and feel loved, that would be enough for me. Why did you choose ToyBacker as a platform to launch Knolly Nibbles? When I came across an article about ToyBacker, I was so thrilled. It seemed as though other crowdfunding sites mainly got attention for electronic and technical items, books, and music, but I never saw anything for toys or children’s brands. Choosing ToyBacker was one of the best decisions I’ve made for Knolly. Their team was so professional in every aspect and step of the way, never failing to answer questions in detail and offer endless support.
Tell us about the upcoming consumer products program. Team Knolly is developing an app due out in May. There are books, cookbooks, songs, short videos, plush, play sets, dolls, R/C toys, and more in the works, all due out this fall. What do you see in the future for the Knolly Nibbles brand? I believe Knolly’s appeal and messages touch the world. I see every child hugging a plush, singing her songs, or reading her books in classrooms and hospitals adorned with her posters, endless love, and kindness grasped from her messages for generations to come. That just touches the surface of how I see Knolly Nibbles in the future. »
“Knolly is so loving; so empowering, simply irresistible. When children see love, it’s obvious to them. Knolly has such a sweet and gentle quality and yet says the things that make children learn to love themselves and others, making them strong people with strong character. Knolly engenders self confidence, peacefulness, individuality, kindness, sharing, and gentle caring ways. All heart!” —Susaye Green, ambassador of the Nobel Peace Prize Organization and former member of Diana Ross and The Supremes.
TOYBOOK.COM | March/April 2016 | THE TOY BOOK 23