Penguin Ventures will now manage the World of Eric Carle, including Carle’s timeless publishing classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with immediate effect.

The Joester Loria Group, the worldwide licensing agency for the World of Eric Carle, has appointed Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products team at Penguin Random House Children’s UK, as its local sub-agent in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Eire. The agreement will see Penguin Ventures manage the World of Eric Carle, including Carle’s timeless publishing classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with immediate effect.

“We are excited to work with Penguin Ventures to extend the World of Eric Carle licensing, building on the success delivered by Rocket in experiential, consumables, apparel, toys and more,” said Jackie DeMaio, senior licensing director at JLG. “Penguin Ventures brings terrific experience in managing classic literary properties and will ensure an even closer alignment with Penguin Random House Children’s UK on initiatives including new titles and marketing campaigns. We would like to thank Rocket for 11 years of exceptional brand stewardship and welcome Penguin Ventures to the World of Eric Carle.”

David Sprei, commercial director at Penguin Ventures, said: “We’re delighted to be working with JLG on this globally recognised literary brand. Eric Carle’s iconic artwork and stories perfectly complement our portfolio and our team is in an exceptionally strong position to grow the licensing and consumer products programme. As part of Penguin Random House Children’s UK, we are also able to drive synergy with publishing imprint Puffin to maximise opportunities. We look forward to developing relationships with new and existing licensees and partners for the World of Eric Carle.”

The World of Eric Carle is an award-winning publishing franchise that features timeless stories and iconic characters. With 175m books sold, the brand is a staple in schools, libraries and homes around the world for over three generations. The global consumer products programme has experienced exceptional growth in over 45,000 retail locations in 15+ countries.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. It has been translated into 65 languages and has sold over 55m copies since its publication in 1969.