Booksy: Fusing Toys and Books
Booksy is a new line of collectible toys that merges play with reading. Each tiny figurine comes in a small dome-shaped case and includes a tiny book to go along with the character. Essentially, this unique collection is a marriage between toys and books that offer screen-free fun. The available figures include characters Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol, Raphael and Michelangelo from The Tales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and original characters from PMI’s patented Monster Tales. These toys give players the opportunity for youngsters to develop their reading skills and explore new stories which stimulates creativity and intellectual growth. The like is available in Walmart and Amazon.
PMI Kid’s World has been designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative toys, stationery, and collectibles for nearly thirty years. CEO Omer Dekel recently discussed the line via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get interested in the toy industry and how did you find your way to PMI Kid’s World?
Omer Dekel (OD): I was born into it — I didn’t really have a choice — but I’m so glad it happened that way. My father, Boaz Dekel, founded PMI when I was just seven years old. As a child, I would join him at work every week, fascinated by the world he was building. By 18, I started working in the retail store he owned, where I learned the ins and outs of the business. Through hard work and a passion for what we were creating, I grew into the role of retail manager by the time I was 22. PMI continued to expand, evolving into an international brand, and I grew with it, eventually becoming CEO of the company. Inspired by my father’s entrepreneurial spirit and PMI’s commitment to creating what kids love, I fell in love with the toy industry. While my role has evolved, I’m still a kid at heart, driven by the same excitement and curiosity that led me to follow in my father’s footsteps.
MM: How did the idea for the Booksy series initially come around?
OD: Two years ago in Las Vegas, I had the privilege of meeting an incredible visionary, Christian Tremblay — the mastermind behind Booksy. He shared an idea that immediately resonated with me as a parent: a toy with a picture book inside, designed to inspire kids to play and read more while creating meaningful family moments. As a parent who wanted to encourage my own children to spend less time on screens and more time discovering the joy of reading, I knew this concept was something special and brought it to life at PMI. Booksy became the perfect solution I had envisioned — not just a toy, but a way to make reading enjoyable and accessible for kids while fostering a love for stories that parents like me value deeply.
MM: How did you pick the characters to include in the collection?
OD: Christian Tremblay (creator, producer and inventor) began by illustrating and writing the Booksy Monster Tales collection, bringing the characters and their stories with creativity and passion. For the branded Booksy lines, such as Booksy PAW Patrol and Booksy Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we carefully selected characters that are beloved by kids. At PMI, we take pride in staying ahead of trends and focusing on what kids love most. Through extensive research and market insights, we identified iconic characters like those from PAW Patrol and Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to ensure the collection resonates with our audience. This strategy not only makes Booksy an inspiring tool for reading but also strengthens the connection between kids and the characters they already adore.
MM: Are the stories original or are they derived from existing episodes of the character’s TV shows?
OD: That’s one of the most exciting parts of Booksy! We have the best of both worlds. For branded characters, the stories are based on their TV shows that kids love. On the other hand, Booksy Monster Tales is a unique patented IP with completely original stories!
MM: Be honest, do you have a favorite Booksy? If so, which one and why?
OD: A parent cannot choose their favorite child, and the same goes for Booksy! Each one has its own unique story and charm, designed to spark imagination and joy in its own way.
MM: What kind of feedback have you gotten about this series so far?
OD: The feedback for Booksy has been incredible! We’ve been receiving great responses across social media and online platforms, with people buzzing about it everywhere. Parents and kids alike are sharing their excitement, and the Booksy lines have quickly become a hot topic, with fans praising the combination of toys and books. It’s clear that Booksy is resonating with families, and the positive attention it’s getting is making it a standout in the market. The excitement is growing, and we couldn’t be more excited with the response!
MM: Are you planning to expand this line at all in the future?
OD: Absolutely! This is just the beginning; we have exciting new Booksy lines coming soon. Our goal is to continue inspiring kids to read and play by introducing even more beloved characters, captivating stories, and engaging themes that resonate with families.
