The Joester Loria Group, the exclusive global brand licensing agency for The World of Eric Carle, is partnering with Macmillan Children’s Publishing on a year-long 50th anniversary celebration of Carle’s first children’s book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? Kicking off in Fall 2016, the program will include new books and brand extensions based on a new style guide inspired by Carle’s four bear-themed books. A #SharetheBear50 social media campaign will also help mark the occasion.
On the publishing side, Macmillan will introduce five new anniversary edition books. Key retailers including Target, Costco and Barnes & Noble will carry the new titles and anniversary product. Licensees including Jaxxwear, Intimo, Kids Preferred, University Games, Oriental Trading and Chronicle among others, already offer bear-inspired products and are previewing new collections for 2017.
The Brown Bear anniversary will receive additional support from school curriculum programs, promotion at the National Teacher and Librarian Conference, a SharetheBear50 Teachers’ and Librarians’ sweepstakes and inclusion in Scholastic Teachers’ club boxes.
Carle’s other bear-focused books including Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?, have taught many children about endangered animals. Inspired by these lessons, The World of Eric Carle will partner with New York City zoos and aquariums as well as the top national parks to help promote the anniversary.
Additionally, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art will help promote the anniversary through touring exhibits and events.
“There is a lot of excitement about the 50th Anniversary Bear program, and as we prepare to kickoff that program, we are already beginning to plan for 2019, when The Very Hungry Caterpillar, celebrates 50th years as one of the most successful children’s titles of all time,” said Debra Joester.
Stayed tuned for more updates on this important milestone for The World of Eric Carle brand.