The World of Eric Carle Joins Tonies LibraryThe World of Eric Carle Joins Tonies Library

In 2022, Eric Carle’s children’s books will get a new treatment with Tonies, a screen-free audio entertainment system designed for young children.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” will make its Tonies debut in March 2022 as part of a full-catalog partnership with Penguin Random House and Joester Loria Group for the World of Eric Carle. A caterpillar Tonie figure, designed in Carle’s signature art style, will house audiobook versions of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Busy Spider” and “The Very Quiet Cricket” for little listeners to follow along.

Tonies will produce three original songs inspired by each story. The late author’s voice will also be immortalized through a special track of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” read by Carle himself (previously recorded).

"We had the giggles with our children reading how the caterpillar ate through apples, pears, plums, oranges, strawberries, chocolate cake, ice cream, a pickle, swiss cheese, salami, a lollipop, cherry pie, sausage, a cupcake, watermelon and some leaves,” says Christoph Frehsee, president, Tonies USA. “We can’t wait to relive this moment on the Toniebox.”