World of Eric Carle has entered into a deal with Jay Franco for bedding and room décor in the U.S. and Canada. Penguin Young Readers has also launched a new imprint dedicated to the portfolio of the eponymous author and illustrator.

The Joester Loria group oversaw the deal. Under the terms of the agreement, Jay Franco will produce bedding for children, toddlers and infants, bath towels, accessories, pillows, beach storage and travel goods inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

“Bedtime stories marry perfectly with our product categories,” says Elisha Gordon, vice president, licensing, Jay Franco. “Given the heritage and reach of the Eric Carle stories, we are so pleased to be offering bedding, bath and beach product to the marketplace in a variety of sizes ranging from newborn through preschool. Our designs are bright, youthful and playful, paying homage to 50 wonderful years of storytelling.”

Penguin Young Readers' World of Eric Carle imprint will be overseen by Francesco Sedita, publisher, Penguin Workshop. The imprint will publish books centered on discovery, creativity, learning and growing that complement Carle’s body of work.

New titles set to launch in winter 2019 include Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things and Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar. “The opportunity to work closely with Eric Carle and his wonderful team is a childhood dream come true,” says Sedita. “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.”