As of late, memes have become a normal part of communication between friends, strangers, and dare I say enemies. Social Media and Smartphones make it possible for people to communicate this way. However, memes were here way before cellphones were able to send and receive multimedia messages. That’s what makes imgur’s post funny to me.
It’s Happy Bunny introduced herself in the 2000s and she was everywhere. In fact, I loved the apperal. I had no idea where she came from. Turns out teens have Jim Benton to thank.
(Jim Benton is) the creator of many licensed properties, including It’s Happy Bunny®, the licensing hit that has generated over ¾ of a billion dollars at retail. The It’s Happy Bunny books have been chosen three times by the American Librarians Association as their top picks for teen readers, and It’s Happy Bunny programs have taken top awards from the Licensing Industry Merchandising Association five times. Jim’s anti-drug program for middle school kids for The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has won three Addy awards and a Governor’s Award.
Jim Benton Bio
If you’re curious about Licensing International awards, It’s Happy Bunny received the following: Best Art Brand License of the Year, Best Character Brand of the Year, and Best Character Brand Licensee in both the soft goods and hard goods categories. Pretty Amazing right. I don’t recall the books. I might of aged out by the time they hit shelves. Then again, information is easier to find these days. In fact, my rabbit hole search brought tidings of great joy.
It’s Happy Bunny relaunch is anticipated to come to fruition Spring 2024! I’ll have to start hunting down some merch. Yes, I know I’m not the target audience. I’m the same mommy walking around with an Appa mini backpack.
(C)ore licensees include Goodie Two Sleeves with a wide range of apparel and accessories for the specialty channel, a broad DTR program with foundational retail partner Hot Topic, a strong trend fashion collaboration with Broken Promises at Zumiez and a stationery program with Leap Year. NTD Apparel will develop the It’s Happy Bunny Apparel program in Canada.
“IT’S HAPPY BUNNY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ICONIC APPAREL BRANDS,” Licensing Magazine, Dec. 23, 2022.
Honestly, I had no idea Jim Benton was relaunching Happy Bunny. My inner teen is excited to share this quirky bunny with my kiddos. After all, I’m a graphic tee kinda mom. Let the reminiscing and shared interest commence.
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