Kids Preferred Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? With New Collection

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?”, Eric Carle’s first picture book. To celebrate the occasion, The World of Eric Carle’s licensing partner Kids Preferred is releasing a line of preschool toys inspired in part by this iconic book. With The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ as its centerpiece, The World of Eric Carle™ has touched the lives of children around the world for three generations through Carle's timeless stories and vibrant artwork. Carle’s books have inspired children for more than 50 years having sold over 125 million books worldwide, with one sold every 30 seconds. Kids Preferred is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality plush toys and gifts.
 
Kids Preferred’s new collection takes inspiration from both Brown Bear and the iconic Very Hungry Caterpillar and features classic tales, interactive puzzles, rattle sticks, developmental toys and more and helps children draw upon the lessons in creativity, discovery, play and learning by exploring and enjoying the world around them. The new line will be available for the Spring 2017 season with prices ranging from $4 to $32.50. The new collection was recently featured by The Licensing Book.  
 
Highlights of Kids Preferred Spring/Summer 2017 collection include:

•    The World of Eric Carle™ Stick Rattles The Very Hungry Caterpillar™; Brown Bear; Elephant
•    The World of Eric Carle™ Imagination Station
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ and Friends Mini Plush
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ and Friends 4 Piece Puzzle
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Pull Along Xylophone
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Magnetic Clock & Shape Sorter
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Little Hands Block Set & Shape Sorter
•    The Very Hungry Caterpillar Ride ‘n’ Roll

As the brand licensing agency for The World of Eric Carle, The Joester Loria Group has expanded the brand into a variety of categories through partnerships with more than 135 licensees and promotional partners.
 

JLG and Macmillan Kickoff Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? 50th Anniversary Celebration

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.