Egmont relaunches Thomas the Tank Engine magazine and book portfolio

Egmont has announced a revamp of its Thomas the Tank Engine portfolio including the launch of a new magazine and collection of storybooks and the relaunch of current title <i>Thomas & Friends</i>.

The publishing group is introducing a new monthly magazine, Thomas Express, as well as relaunching the fortnightly Thomas & Friends magazine.

Both titles are printed at Southernprint and include games, free gifts, stories and puzzles. Thomas Express, which retails for £3.99, comes in at 32pp plus 16pp insert and is printed on 90gsm paper.

Thomas & Friends has a 32pp pagination and is also printed onto 90gsm paper. It retails for £2.45.

Egmont is also launching a new series of Thomas story books, based on the current TV series. Aimed at 1–3 year olds, the full-colour £2.99 books will run into 2013.

Printed in Italy, the 137mm x 150mm paperback titles feature a 24pp pagination.

David Riley, managing director of Egmont Publishing Group, said: "The appeal of Thomas is broad. It has both a strong traditional heritage and a TV series loved by younger children.

"Through both classically illustrated and contemporary CGI titles, including our new story book range and our magazine portfolio, Egmont is confident that our publishing caters for Thomas fans of all ages."