Little Tikes Commercial Partners with The World of Eric Carle

Little Tikes Commercial, which designs and manufactures innovative, commercial-grade playground equipment for children of all ages and abilities, has announced a partnership with the World of Eric Carle, a design-driven licensing and merchandising program based on the renowned author and illustrator’s popular picture books.

The agreement empowers Little Tikes Commercial to design and manufacture playground equipment based on all of Carle’s books, including “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which has sold more than 55 million copies since its 1969 publication. The deal was brokered by World of Eric Carle licensing agency, The Joester Loria Group.

“We are honored to collaborate with the World of Eric Carle as we create imaginative playground equipment inspired by his classic tales of growth, transformation and discovery that have delighted readers for more than five decades,” says Todd Brinker, senior vice president, commercial growth for outdoor play, PlayPower, parent company of Little Tikes Commercial. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire wonder and develop life skills through imaginative play. We look forward to bringing his unique vision to life.”

Through the collaboration, young children will be able to explore their physical abilities while experiencing the joy of Carle’s characters in new ways.

“We are delighted to unite with Little Tikes Commercial, a premier partner that shares Eric Carle’s dedication to learning through play,” says Jackie DeMaio, licensing director, The Joester Loria Group, worldwide licensing agent for the World of Eric Carle. “A prolific author and artist, Eric’s work was always about encouraging children to explore the world around them through the joy of play. The playground equipment developed as a result of this partnership will help ensure that his messages of hope, adventure and learning continue to inspire the next generation both in and out of the classroom.”

The first products in the collaborative line are free-standing climbers in the shapes of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and butterfly. The climbers, which use Carle’s characters to embrace fun and exploration, are available to order.

The addition of the World of Eric Carle-themed equipment to Little Tikes Commercial’s product offerings will not only create a magical experience on any playground where they are installed, but also help support learning and development, particularly in schoolyard settings.

“Our versatile designs ensure that these new play elements can seamlessly integrate with any playground equipment, allowing for easy installation at both existing and new play spaces,” says Brett Kidd, vice president of global sales, Little Tikes Commercial. “Eric Carle’s timeless characters will be a perfect fit for any space that celebrates the magic of play and learning.”