Chorion Signs New Deals for The World of Eric Carle

LONDON/NEW YORK: Chorion has signed a number of licensing deals for The World of Eric Carle in the U.S. and Europe and has appointed a new agent, CPLG, for the property in Benelux.

The World of Eric Carle is a design-driven licensing and merchandising program based on the beloved picture books by Eric Carle, best known for the children’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

In the U.S., Crayola will begin a collaboration with The World of Eric Carle with a large-format coloring book. JEM will produce T-shirts for juniors and children. Zoobies bring their patent-pending 3-in-1 plush, pillow, blanket concept to The World of Eric Carle characters and Carson-Dellosa will produce a range of classroom products, including bulletin board sets, borders, cut-outs and work holders. Leapfrog Enterprises has signed on to produce the Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? book for its Tag Junior system for 2- to 4-year-olds. The casual dining restaurant chain Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar will distribute a themed family activity booklet for the brand throughout the spring.

In Europe, CPLG has been tapped to represent the licensing rights to The World of Eric Carle throughout Benelux. CPLG has already signed its first deal that will see a new line of stationery from Interstat.

In the U.K., The Very Hungry Caterpillar will feature in his very own garden as part of the ground-breaking Butterfly World Project, which opens in June in St. Albans. In "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Edible Garden," families will be able to walk around the flower beds and take in an abundance of edible plants and fruits, as well as a large scale Caterpillar sculpture. Also in the U.K., Character World is to produce bedroom ranges based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar, including duvet covers, curtains, cushions, towels, blankets and rugs, while Trademark Collections will produce a range of children’s bags.

Eric Karp, the executive VP of global licensing and merchandising at Chorion, commented: “The World of Eric Carle is an evergreen property which maintains a contemporary feel and continues to delight children around the world. We are excited to be bringing new products to the market and starting new initiatives for the brand as we continue a year of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Eric Carle’s most beloved character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”