Chorion has signed a number of licensing deals for The World of Eric Carle in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan and Australia, on the eve of the 40^th anniversary on March 20 of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the brand's most famous character.

In the U.S., there are now 23 licensees in place including recently signed agreements with Dunecraft for terrariums; Pacific Playtents for play tents, tunnels and play parachutes; Bioworld for headwear, bags and wallets; Epicuren for children's skin care products; Meadwestvaco for calendars; Rasta Imposta for Halloween costumes and accessories; and Vtech for VSmile Baby The Very Hungry Caterpillar software.

In the U.K., where the book is published by Puffin, Brecrest will produce apparel and infant bedding; H&A for bath products; Character World for bedding; Rainbow Designs for wooden and soft toys (adding to their existing range of plush); Shreds for aprons, tabards, bags and painting sets; U.K. Greetings will be the partner for greetings cards; Fabric Flavours for children's T-shirts; Funky Feet for infant footwear; Talking Tables for party goods; and If for bookmarks.

In Germany, publisher Gerstenberg has a range of promotional programs planned throughout the year. Schmidt Spiele and University Games are the partners for games and puzzles; Nudnik for infant apparel and plush; Gerstenberg for stationery and cardboard storage boxes; and Werkhaus for wooden toys.

Japan now has 25 licensees on board for The World of Eric Carle and in Australia the number of licenses continues to grow with Portmerion now on board for ceramic dinnerware, storage jars and money banks.

Written by Eric Carle and originally published by Penguin in the U.S., The Very Hungry Caterpillar sells one copy every 30 seconds. The picture book has been translated into more than 45 languages and has sold over 29 million copies and a new The Very Hungry Caterpillar pop-up book is being published this year, with the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, Taiwan and Norway releasing in time for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar continues to enchant children around the world and we are delighted to be bringing new products to the market as we begin a year of celebrations for the 40^th anniversary of the brand's most beloved character," says Eric Karp, executive vice president of global licensing and merchandising at Chorion.