Globi facts for kids
Globi is a famous Swiss cartoon character. Many people call him the Swiss Mickey Mouse. Globi is one of the most well-known cartoon figures in the Swiss-German part of Switzerland.
He was created in 1932 by the Globus department store chain. They used him for advertising. Globi is a blue human-like parrot. He wears a black beret and black and red trousers. Children in Switzerland loved him so much. Because of this, his stories started being published on their own in 1944. Today, there are many Globi cartoon books and audio tapes in Switzerland. His look has changed a few times since he was first created.
Globi's Story: How a Parrot Became a Star
Globi was first created in 1932. The Globus stores wanted a fun way to reach children. At first, the character was called "Kimbukku." But people in the canton of Basel often called the Globus warehouse "Globi." So, they decided "Globi" would be a better name.
Young customers loved Globi right away. He first appeared as a comic strip in a magazine called "der Globi." In 1935, the very first book, Globi the Childfriend, was released. This book sold over a million copies! Globi was especially successful in Switzerland. So far, 79 classic illustrated books have been published.
Globi books were always popular. However, in the 1970s, some older books from the 1940s and 1950s faced criticism. Today, Globi is seen as a positive role model. He has become interested in ecology and animal protection. For example, in a newer book, Globi travels to Africa. He goes with a small rhino named Najma. Readers learn about the challenges rhinos face in the African savanna. There was also a Globi movie shown in cinemas in 2005.
The World of Globi: Books, Toys, and More!
Globi became so popular that managing him became too much for the Globus warehouse. So, in 1944, Globi Publisher AG was started. This company focused only on Globi. Since January 1, 2007, Orell Füssli Publisher has owned Globi Publisher AG.
The publisher is very active in the Swiss market. Besides books, they sell many other Globi merchandise items. These include dishes, cutlery, watches, and alarm clocks. You can also find plush toys, drapery, lamps, card games, and even foods.
Globi also has tourist attractions. There is a Globi hotel, a special walking trail, and even a Globi bus. In December 2008, a Globi winter park was built in Engelberg.
Besides Globi, the publisher also features other characters. These include Papa-Moll and Glöbeli. Each year, they sell over 80,000 Globi comic books. They also sell 40,000 educational Globi books. About 25,000 to 30,000 Papa-Moll books and 100,000 audio cassettes are sold yearly.
Today, Globi Publisher has a team of people. This includes permanent employees, graphic artists, bookkeepers, and many illustrators and writers. They all work to bring Globi's adventures to life!
Popular Globi Books
Here are some of the most important and best-selling Globi books:
- Globi’s Worldtour
- Globi the Childfriend
- Globi and Pinoccio in Venice
- Globi and it’s Swiss adventure travel
- Globi the farmer
- Globi the soldier
- Globi the postman
- Globi the fireman
- Globi in the Zoo
- Globi and the railroad
- Globi and panda
- Globi and the madagaskarbird
- Globi the knight
- Globi in Paris
- Globi and his adventures at the sea bottom
