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Chorion Celebrates The Very Hungry Caterpillar's 40th

Family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has signed a raft of licensing deals for The World of Eric Carle on the eve of the 40th anniversary on March 20, 2009 of THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR, the brand's most iconic character.

Written by Eric Carle and originally published by Penguin in the U.S., THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR sells one copy every 30 seconds somewhere is the world and has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children around the globe. The beloved 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."

Chorion represents the worldwide rights to The World of Eric Carle brand and has recently secured deals across the globe in key markets: the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan and Australia.

In the U.S., there are now a total of 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 skincare 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 bath products; Character World bedding; Rainbow Designs wooden and soft toys (adding to their existing range of plush); Shreds Limited aprons, tabards, bags and painting sets; UK 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 is continuing their successful run of the Eric Carle Art Exhibit in 2009. In Australia, the number of licenses continues to grow with Portmerion now on board for ceramic dinnerware, storage jars and money banks.

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