DreamWorks Animation to publish books

The US animation studio behind movies like Kung Fu Panda and Shrek is entering the publishing business, with books to hit shelves before Christmas.

The US animation studio behind movies Kung Fu Panda and Shrek is entering the publishing business. (AAP)

DreamWorks Animation says it is launching a digital and print publisher that will produce books based on its roster of characters from movies such as Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek.

It says the first wave of DreamWorks Press books will likely hit shelves in time for the end-of-the-year holiday season.

DreamWorks Animation is partnering with The Perseus Books Group on distribution and sales.

Shares in DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc., which is based in Glendale, California, rose 8 cents to $US33.77 ($A37.83) in afternoon trading on Monday.