Penguin Young Readers Launches New Imprint Dedicated to the Works of Eric Carle

 Penguin Young Readers has announced the launch of World of Eric Carle, a new imprint dedicated to the works of the acclaimed and beloved author and illustrator. Under the editorial leadership of Francesco Sedita, Publisher of Penguin Workshop, World of Eric Carle will focus on publishing books that are based in core values of discovery, creativity, learning and growing—all hallmarks of Eric Carle books.

The imprint will launch in Winter 2019 with three all-new titles: Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things, and Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar. The launch coincides with the 50th Anniversary of Carle’s iconic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Francesco Sedita said, “The opportunity to work closely with Eric Carle and his wonderful team is a childhood dream come true.  The Very Hungry Caterpillar played a vital role in my childhood and I’m thrilled to get Eric’s art –and beautiful messages—into the hands of children for many generations to come.”

Eric Carle said, "I am delighted that Penguin Books for Young Readers is making a special home for The Very Hungry Caterpillar and my other books with the new World of Eric Carle Imprint. I hope friends and readers will enjoy my books for many years to come. Thank you, Penguin!"

The new imprint has already been featured by Publishers Weekly. As the brand licensing agency for The World of Eric Carle, JLG has built a global consumer products with more than 150 licensees and promotional partners in categories including toys, games, apparel, accessories, home décor, social expressions, stationery, gift, feeding, classroom supplies, mobile apps and live shows.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Mall Event Opens In Shanghai

The World of Eric Carle has partnered with Beijing Fans Technology Co., Ltd. to launch The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed pop-up mall event located in Nanfeng City (The Place), Shanghai. The mall event, featuring themed activities, fanciful design and licensed merchandise, opened on June 15th and will continue for six weeks, closing July 29, 2018.

China has become Eric Carle’s fastest growing book market, with millions of copies sold over the past 5 years.  The event provides Eric Carle fans an opportunity to enjoy a themed environment in one of Shanghai’s most popular destinations and includes an oversized version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar featuring a number of interactive zones within each segment of the caterpillar, a tree house with a slide, maze and cheese house for arts and craft activities.

Guangzhou Art-land Holding Company, Ltd., sub-agent for the brand’s worldwide representative, The Joester Loria Group, manages The World of Eric Carle licensing in China.

The World of Eric Carle is the award winning publishing franchise that features timeless stories and iconic characters. With 144 million books sold, the brand is a staple in schools, libraries and homes around the world.  The global consumer products program has experienced exceptional growth in over 45,000 doors in better retail channels in 15+ countries, and China is quickly becoming one of the brand’s key markets.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of the top selling children’s books of all time, which has been translated into 60 languages and has sold over 45 million copies since its publication celebrates its 50th birthday in 2019.

Bobbie’s Meadow Opens At The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

On Saturday, June 23, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art celebrated the opening of Bobbie’s Meadow, a new space honoring the museum’s co-founder, Barbara “Bobbie” Carle. The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Eric Carle. Other activities included a scavenger hunt inspired by the Eric Carle book, What’s Your Favorite Bug?, an appearance by naturalist Ted Watt, sketching sessions with local artists and a special storytime and book signing with Caldecott honor winner Brendan Wenzel.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located in Amherst, Massachusetts and is dedicated to inspiring a love of art and reading through picture books. The museum collects, presents and celebrates picture books and picture book illustrations from around the world and also offers educational programs.